What Is the DA Form 4179 Used For?
The DA Form 4179 is the official Leave Control Log for United States Army units. It gives company and battalion leadership a single consolidated record of every approved leave transaction in the organization, replacing scattered paper trails with one structured log. When a soldier's leave request is approved, the key details from their DA Form 31 are transferred to this log so that unit administrators always have an accurate picture of who is present for duty.
The Leave Control Log is used continuously throughout the year in garrison, during field training exercises, and during overseas deployments. Its primary purpose is accountability. Army units must be able to account for every assigned soldier at all times, and the Leave Control Log is one of the core tools that makes that possible.
Who Needs to Complete the DA Form 4179?
Individual soldiers do not fill out the Leave Control Log themselves. The form is maintained by unit administrators and leadership, including company or battery administrative NCOs, battalion S-1 personnel, first sergeants, and designated administrative clerks. When a soldier's leave is approved, the person maintaining the log enters the relevant data.
Soldiers are responsible for submitting a DA Form 31 to their chain of command to request and receive authorization for leave. Once that form is approved, the unit administrator records the approved leave in the DA Form 4179 log. The two forms work together to create a complete record of authorized absences.
What Are the Key Sections of the DA Form 4179?
Understanding the fields in the Leave Control Log helps administrators enter data correctly and avoid errors that could affect unit readiness reporting. The form captures the following information for each leave transaction:
- Soldier name, rank, and last four digits of Social Security Number
- Unit of assignment
- Type of leave (ordinary, emergency, rest and recuperation, reenlistment, or permissive TDY)
- Authorized departure date as approved on the leave request
- Scheduled return date based on the number of approved leave days
- Leave address and emergency contact phone number
- Actual return date confirmed when the soldier reports back to duty
- Remarks column for extensions, early returns, or special circumstances
- Approving authority signature and date
How Do You Fill Out DA Form 4179 Step by Step?
Accurate entries in the Leave Control Log prevent accountability gaps and ensure the form can serve as a reliable reference document if questions arise later. Follow these steps for each leave transaction:
- Enter the unit designation and the reporting period at the top of the form.
- Record the soldier's full name and rank in the soldier information column.
- Note the type of leave using the abbreviations specified in AR 600-8-10.
- Enter the authorized departure date exactly as it appears on the approved DA Form 31.
- Record the leave address and a phone number where the soldier can be reached.
- Enter the scheduled return date based on the number of approved leave days.
- When the soldier returns to duty, annotate the actual return date and note it in the log.
- Record any approved extensions in the remarks column along with the authorizing authority.
What Related Army Forms Are Used With This Log?
The Leave Control Log does not stand alone. Army administrators typically maintain it alongside other standard Army forms. The DA Form 31 is the individual leave request that triggers each entry in the log and must be approved before a soldier can depart. Units also use the Army Certificate (DA Form 87) for training and certification documentation. Keeping all of these forms current supports the unit's overall administrative readiness and ensures a clear paper trail for any personnel action that may follow.
Frequently Asked Questions About DA Form 4179
Where can I download the DA Form 4179?
The form is available from your unit's administrative office, through the Army Publishing Directorate (APD) website, or as a fillable version right here on FormsPal. You can complete it online, save it as a PDF, and print it directly from your browser without any additional software.
Is the DA Form 4179 the same as the DA Form 31?
No, these are two different forms with distinct purposes. The DA Form 31 is the individual request that a soldier submits to seek approval for time away from duty. The DA Form 4179 is the unit-level log that administrators use to track all approved leave requests across the entire organization. Both forms work together to create a complete administrative record of authorized absences.
How long are DA Form 4179 records retained?
Army units retain Leave Control Logs in accordance with records management requirements under AR 25-400-2. Generally, these logs are maintained for a minimum of two years. Units should confirm the specific retention period with their local Records Management office or command guidance, as operational requirements can affect retention schedules.
What happens when a soldier does not return from leave on time?
If a soldier fails to return by the authorized date recorded in the log, the unit chain of command initiates accountability procedures. If the soldier cannot be contacted or located within 24 hours, the command may initiate AWOL proceedings. The Leave Control Log is a primary reference document in these situations because it shows the exact authorized return date and the soldier's last known contact information.
Can the DA Form 4179 be completed electronically?
Yes. FormsPal offers an online fillable version that allows administrators to complete the log digitally, update entries as needed, and print a clean copy for filing. Electronic completion reduces legibility errors and makes it easier to maintain accurate records over time.