Da Form 54 – Fill Out and Use This PDF

Da Form 54 PDF Details

In the complex environment of military service, managing personal effects in situations of loss is both delicate and vital. The DA Form 54, known officially as the Record of Personal Effects, serves as a crucial tool in this process. Designed under the guidelines of AR 638-2 and mandated by the Office of the Chief of Staff, Personnel (ODCSPER), this form embodies more than a simple checklist. It is tasked with cataloging and overseeing the personal belongings of service members who are declared deceased, missing, or captured. The form captures essential information including the service member's name, grade, service number/SSN, and organization, alongside the status and date when that status was assigned. Details extend into an inventory of effects, encompassing both tangible items and funds or negotiable instruments, outlining quantities, descriptions, and the handling of these assets — whether transmitted to a recipient or otherwise disposed of. Furthermore, the procedure includes the shipment of effects, specifying recipients, shipment methods, and acknowledgment by both the summary court or commanding officer's representative and the recipient. This meticulous record-keeping not only underscores the respect and dignity owed to service members and their families during challenging times but also ensures transparency and accountability in the management of the personal effects.