DD Form 370 at a glance
What it is: DD Form 370, Request for Reference, is used to assist in determining whether an applicant for enlistment meets the eligibility standards to become a member of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Who signs: The recruiting representative signs box 2 in Section I, and the person completing Section III signs box 19d.
Where and when to file: Return the completed form to the recruiting representative listed in Section I.
Section III is to be filled out by the person referring the applicant.
A filled-in DD Form 370 example: a former employer completes Section III
How to fill out DD Form 370, box by box
Section I, recruiting representative identification
In Section I, box 1 is the name (Last, First, Middle Initial, Rank), the unit or command name and the mailing address (Street, City, State, and ZIP Code).
Box 2 is the signature of the recruiting representative, and box 3 is the date signed (YYYYMMDD).
In Section I, box 4 is the e-mail and box 5 is the phone number.
Name, mailing address and dates of school attendance or employment (boxes 6 to 8)
Box 6 is the name (Last, First, Middle Initial), and box 7 is the mailing address (Street, Apartment Number, City, State, and ZIP Code).
Box 8 is the dates of school attendance or employment: a. FROM (YYYYMMDD) and b. TO (YYYYMMDD).
Section III: the applicant, your relationship and how long you have known the applicant (boxes 9 to 12)
Enter the applicant's name (Last, First, Middle Initial) in box 9.
In box 10, indicate your relationship to the applicant with an "X": a. Employer, b. School official or c. Other (Specify). For c. Other, specify the relationship.
In box 11, enter how long you have known the applicant: a. FROM (YYYYMMDD) and b. TO (YYYYMMDD).
In box 12, enter the applicant's highest school grade completed or job title.
Inclusive dates in your school or firm and why the applicant left (boxes 13 and 14)
In box 13, enter the inclusive dates of school attendance or employment in your school or firm: a. FROM (YYYYMMDD) and b. TO (YYYYMMDD).
In box 14, if the applicant left school or job, or was expelled, dismissed, or terminated, give the specific reason if known.
How you rate the applicant (box 15)
In box 15, rate the applicant's trustworthiness, adaptability, ability to work well with others, initiative, judgment, physical fitness, leadership, maturity and dependability, indicating with an "X" Outstanding, Average, Unsatisfactory or Not Observed for each.
Alcohol or drugs and a reason not to recommend the applicant (boxes 16 and 17)
Answer the questions to the best of your knowledge. For Yes answers, provide details in remarks.
In box 16, indicate with an "X" Yes, No or Unknown: if the applicant is known to use alcohol or drugs, has it affected his or her performance? If Yes, explain.
In box 17, indicate with an "X" Yes, No or Unknown: is there any reason why you would not recommend this person for the Armed Forces? If Yes, explain.
Personal narrative evaluation of the applicant (box 18)
In box 18, write a personal narrative evaluation of the applicant, or write it on a plain piece of paper and attach it to the form.
Specifically address the items before box 18.
If items 16 and 17 are marked "Yes," explain in detail.
Person completing Section III (box 19)
In box 19, the person completing Section III enters a. the typed or printed name (Last, First, Middle Initial) and b. the title, school or company.
Then enter c. the phone number, d. the signature and e. the date signed (YYYYMMDD).
More rules for DD Form 370
Common mistake: Do not return the form to the address for sending comments on the burden estimate.
The public reporting burden is estimated to average 10 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
Disclosure of this information is voluntary.
When completed, this form contains personally identifiable information and is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.
If your situation is different
You are giving your frank opinion of the applicant
By giving your frank opinion of the applicant, you can render a genuine service to the applicant as well as to the United States.
Your answers to the questions listed on the back of this form are of particular interest in reaching a conclusion concerning the qualifications of the applicant.
Your statements will be held in strict confidence, and you will not be considered personally responsible in any way for the applicant's conduct if enlisted or not enlisted.
Common questions about DD Form 370
Who signs it?
The recruiting representative signs box 2 in Section I, and the person completing Section III signs box 19d.
Where do I file it?
Return the completed form to the recruiting representative listed in Section I.
Sources
[1] DD Form 370 (APRIL 2021), Request for Reference, Department of War, Washington Headquarters Services (the Official source link on this page).
