The Army Report of Survey is an official document governed by AR 735-5. Completing it correctly protects all parties involved and ensures proper disposition of government property.
How to Complete the Report of Survey
- Block 1 - Date of Preparation: Enter the date in DD MMM YYYY format (for example, 15 JUL 2024).
- Block 2 - Survey Number: The appointing authority assigns this number. Leave this block blank until the number is provided.
- Blocks 3 to 5 - Unit Information: Record your unit name, unit identification code (UIC), and the name of the property book officer or accountable officer.
- Block 6 - Property Description: List each item with its national stock number (NSN), description, quantity, and unit price. Attach supplemental pages if the list exceeds the available space.
- Block 7 - Circumstances: Write a factual statement of what happened. Include the date, time, location, and individuals involved. Avoid conclusions; report only the facts.
- Block 8 - Survey Officer Recommendation: The survey officer states whether to charge the responsible party, grant relief from liability, or refer the case for further AR 15-6 investigation.
- Blocks 9 and 10 - Signatures and Affidavit: The survey officer, accountable officer, and approving authority each sign in their designated blocks. An affidavit is required to confirm the accuracy of all statements.
When is the DA Form 4697 Required?
Army Regulation 735-5 requires a Report of Survey whenever Army property is lost, damaged, or destroyed through other than fair wear and tear. Common situations include:
- Vehicle accidents resulting in damage to government equipment
- Theft or unexplained disappearance of sensitive items
- Property damage from improper storage, handling, or use
- Missing items discovered during physical accountability inventories
The appointing authority must initiate the formal survey within 15 calendar days of discovering the property discrepancy, as required by AR 735-5.
Related Army Property Forms
The Report of Survey process commonly involves the following supporting documents:
- DA Form 200 - Used as the transmittal record when routing the completed survey package to the appointing authority.
- DA Form 2064 - The document register used to track accountability of each form in the survey packet.
- DA Form 4700 - A supplemental form providing additional space for item descriptions or witness statements.
- Damage Assessment Form - Helps document the extent and cause of damage before initiating a formal survey.
Common Questions About the Report of Survey
Who can serve as the survey officer? A commissioned officer or warrant officer who was not personally involved in the incident and has sufficient authority to conduct an impartial investigation.
Can a soldier be held financially liable? Yes. If negligence or willful misconduct is found, the responsible soldier may be assessed a charge up to one month of base pay for the value of the lost or damaged property.
How long does the survey officer have to complete the investigation? The survey officer typically has 30 days after appointment to complete the investigation. The appointing authority may extend this period for good cause.
What happens after the approving authority signs? The completed form is filed with the property records. If financial liability is assessed, the soldier receives written notification and has the right to appeal the findings.