DA Form 4986 – Fill Out and Use This PDF

DA Form 4986 PDF Details

In the realm of safeguarding personal property within the military, the DA Form 4986 holds a significant role. Authorized under Title 10, USC 3012, and the Privacy Act of 1974, this form serves as an essential tool for servicemen and women to record identifying details of their high-value items. The primary purpose of this documentation is to facilitate the recovery and return of lost or stolen personal property, and it can prove instrumental in the adjudication of claims against the Government or private insurers for the loss or damage of such property. The form’s voluntary nature means that while servicemembers are encouraged to detail their possessions accurately, there is no penalty for not doing so. However, the usefulness of the DA Form 4986 in protecting personal assets cannot be overstated—from offering a method to mark property uniquely with a "USA" prefix followed by the owner's Social Security Number, to reinforcing the importance of keeping a record in a secure location. Additionally, the presence of DA Label 167 serves as a deterrent to potential theft, by clearly indicating that the property is marked for easy identification by law enforcement. Understanding the DA Form 4986 is crucial for members of the military in ensuring the security and prompt recovery of their personal property.