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The DA Form 1559 is a vital tool for service members seeking assistance from the Inspector General. Designed for use under the guidelines of AR 20-1, this form allows individuals to report issues or concerns that may affect their rights, conditions, or the overall efficiency of the U.S. Army. The principal purpose of the form is to gather sufficient information to address the matters presented, enabling the Inspector General to take appropriate action. Service members fill out the form voluntarily, but it is crucial to provide complete and accurate information to avoid delays in processing requests. The personal data collected, including name, rank, and contact information, is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring confidentiality while facilitating the resolution of issues. The DA Form 1559 also outlines the expectations for handling sensitive information and the responsibilities of those submitting requests. By submitting this form, individuals initiate a process that not only seeks corrective action but also promotes justice and integrity within the military environment.

Form Sample

Document Specifications

Fact Name Description
Form Title This is the CUI Inspector General Action Request (DA Form 1559).
Governing Law The form is governed by AR 20-1, which provides guidelines for the activities and procedures of the Inspector General.
Privacy Act Compliance The form collects data required by the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring personal information is handled appropriately.
Main Purpose The principal purpose of the form is to gather information necessary to investigate complaints and respond to requests.
Disclosure Disclosure of information is voluntary. Not providing information may affect the ability to respond effectively.
Routine Uses Information collected may be used for official purposes, including responding to requests from Members of Congress or in court-martial proceedings.
Consent for Personal Information Requesters must consent to the release of their personal information for the IG to assist, or their requests may go unresolved.

Steps to Filling Out Da 1559

Filling out the DA Form 1559 is the first step to submitting an issue for Inspector General attention. Completing this form accurately is crucial for ensuring your concerns are properly addressed. Follow the steps below to fill out the form correctly.

  1. Full Name: Enter your last name, first name, and middle initial in the designated section.
  2. Rank: Fill in your military grade or rank.
  3. DOD ID: Provide your Department of Defense Identification number.
  4. Component/Duty Status: Indicate your military component or duty status.
  5. Contact Telephone: List your preferred phone number (duty, home, or cell).
  6. Email Address: Write down your email address or addresses.
  7. Unit and Military Address: Include your complete military address, including a point of contact and telephone number if applicable.
  8. Preferred Mailing Address: If different from your military address, provide your mailing address and ZIP Code.
  9. Specific Action Requested: Clearly state what you would like the Inspector General to do for you.
  10. Contacted Chain of Command: Indicate whether you have contacted your chain of command or any agency regarding this request, and explain your answer.
  11. Information Pertaining to Request: Provide detailed information about your request and list any supporting documentation.
  12. Consent to Release Personal Information: Indicate whether you consent to the release of your personal information within Department of Defense channels to resolve your issues.
  13. Consent to Release Supporting Documents: State if you consent to release any supporting documents (excluding the DA Form 1559) in order to help resolve your matters.
  14. Signature: Sign the form to authenticate your request.
  15. Date: Enter the date in the format YYYYMMDD.
  16. IG/Intake Remarks: This section is for any remarks from the Inspector General or intake personnel.

More About Da 1559

What is the purpose of the DA Form 1559?

The DA Form 1559 is used to request action from the Inspector General. It helps gather information needed to investigate your concerns or complaints. The form is essential for addressing deficiencies and facilitating responses to requests for assistance. Essentially, it plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the Army.

Who can use the DA Form 1559?

Any service member or civilian employee within the Department of Defense (DoD) can submit the DA Form 1559. It is available for use by those who need to address issues or concerns regarding their military service or work environment. If someone encounters a situation that warrants an Inspector General inquiry, this form is their starting point.

What kind of information do I need to provide on the form?

When filling out the DA Form 1559, you will need to provide identifying information such as your name, grade or rank, and DOD ID. You should also specify the action you’re requesting, any prior contacts made regarding the issue, and provide detailed information about your request. This clarity is crucial for a thorough investigation.

Is completing the DA Form 1559 mandatory?

While it's voluntary to provide information, failing to complete the form fully may hinder the process. Without complete details, it may be challenging for the Inspector General to identify you or respond adequately to your request. Therefore, providing comprehensive information can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your submission.

What happens to my personal information?

Personal information submitted on the DA Form 1559 is protected and used primarily within DoD channels. You have the option to consent to or decline the release of your personal information outside Inspector General channels. If you choose not to consent, it’s important to know that your request may remain unresolved due to the lack of necessary information for action.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Personal Information: One of the most common mistakes is failing to fill out all required personal information accurately. Ensure that you provide your complete name, rank, DOD ID, and other identifying details. Missing information can lead to delays or even rejection of your request.

  2. Vague Request Description: When stating what action you want the Inspector General to take, be specific. General phrases can create confusion, preventing the IG from understanding your needs. Clear and detailed descriptions help facilitate faster responses.

  3. Neglecting Prior Contact Information: It is essential to indicate whether you have reached out to your chain of command or any other agency before submitting this form. Ignoring this section can result in an incomplete picture of your situation and may hinder the investigation process.

  4. Consent Issues: Many individuals overlook the consent sections regarding the release of personal information and supporting documents. If you do not consent to share your information as specified, remember that this could lead to unresolved requests. Be sure to read these sections carefully and understand their implications.

  5. Signatures and Dates: Forgetting to sign the form or include the date can invalidate your submission. Ensure that all necessary areas are signed and dated appropriately. An unsigned form may delay action on your request or lead to outright rejection.

Documents used along the form

The DA Form 1559 is used to submit requests to the Inspector General for various concerns. When using this form, you'll often need additional documentation to support your case or provide necessary details. Here are some common forms and documents that frequently accompany the DA Form 1559.

  • DA Form 2823 - This is a sworn statement that allows individuals to document their accounts of an incident. It provides detailed information from a firsthand perspective and can strengthen the credibility of a request made through the DA Form 1559.
  • DA Form 2675 - This is a support request form used to document an official request for assistance. When completing the DA Form 1559, you might also need this form to outline specific support needed from various resources within the Army.
  • DA Form 4140 - This is the Military Personnel Record, which contains important details about a servicemember’s history, qualifications, and conduct. Including sections of this form can provide context to the issues noted in the DA Form 1559.
  • IG's Complaint Resolution Form - Although less formal, this document helps in tracking complaints made to the Inspector General. It can serve as a record of previous complaints and the outcomes, which might be relevant to your current submission.

Having these forms ready and accurately completed can enhance your submission process. They provide essential context and supporting evidence, making your request to the Inspector General more robust. Proper preparation increases the chances of receiving a timely and effective response.

Similar forms

The DA Form 1559 serves as an official channel for individuals within the Department of Defense to request assistance or raise concerns. A similar document is the DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Record. This form allows individuals to request changes or corrections to their military records, addressing inaccuracies akin to those addressed in complaints submitted via the DA Form 1559. Both forms require clear identification, reason for the request, and may lead to significant adjustments in an individual's records or circumstances based on the findings of the review process.

Another closely related document is the DA Form 2823, Sworn Statement. This form is utilized for gathering firsthand accounts or statements regarding incidents or issues relevant to a military context. Like the DA Form 1559, it collects detailed information from the individual, emphasizing the importance of accurate and specific accounts. Both documents play crucial roles in formal inquiries, supporting the integrity and transparency of military processes.

The Inspector General Complaint Form mirrors the DA Form 1559 in function and purpose. This form allows military personnel and civilians to report misconduct or violations of regulations within the Department of Defense. Similar to the DA Form 1559, it aims to facilitate accountability and provides clear avenues for addressing grievances, ensuring that proper action can be taken as necessary.

In terms of mental health support, the DD Form 2986, Application for Mental Health Counseling, can also be compared to the DA Form 1559. This document allows service members to request mental health services, much like the DA Form 1559 allows for requests related to performance or conduct issues. Both forms underscore the need for addressing individual issues within the military framework while protecting the privacy and rights of the individuals involved.

The DA Form 4856, Developmental Counseling Form, is another similar document. It is used by leaders to document counseling sessions with service members about issues such as performance or behavior. Much like the DA Form 1559, it facilitates open communication and supports the corrective measures needed to sustain a functional military environment, fostering an understanding between parties involved.

Additionally, the SF 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, provides a comparison. Although its primary purpose is to gather information for security clearance, it shares a similar structure in requesting personal data and the need for accuracy and consent. Like the DA Form 1559, it emphasizes the importance of truthful disclosure within a regulatory context.

The AF Form 1168, Statement of Suspected Wrongdoing, complements the DA Form 1559 by enabling individuals to document and report suspected misconduct or criminal activity within the Air Force. Both forms require a detailed account of the actions in question, ensuring that proper channels are followed for investigation and resolution.

The DA Form 7432, Request for Army Emergency Relief (AER) Assistance, shares similarities with the DA Form 1559 in that it seeks assistance but focuses specifically on financial or emergency needs. Instead of reporting issues, this form is a direct appeal for aid within the Army community, reflecting the service members' active involvement in seeking help through established protocols.

Finally, the AR 600-20, Army Command Policy, outlines the broad framework for addressing claims of unfair treatment or discrimination, much like the DA Form 1559. While not a form itself, it establishes protocols that support the use of the DA Form 1559 and similar documents in ensuring that service members are treated equitably, ultimately reinforcing the principles embedded in all these forms.

Dos and Don'ts

When completing the DA 1559 form, pay careful attention to the details. Following guidelines can enhance the clarity of your request and help ensure your submission is processed efficiently.

  • Do provide accurate personal information. Ensure that your name, military rank, DOD ID, and contact details are correct to facilitate communication.
  • Do explain your request thoroughly. Be specific about the action you want the Inspector General to take and include any supporting documentation if applicable.
  • Do consider your consent options. Be aware of how you want your personal information and supporting documents to be handled. Decide if you consent to share them within the Department of Defense.
  • Do keep a copy of your submission. Retain a personal copy for your records once you have completed the form and before you submit it.
  • Do check for completeness before submitting. Ensure that all required sections are filled out and that your signatures are included where necessary.
  • Don’t leave out key information. Omitting essential details may hinder the processing of your request and result in delays.
  • Don’t use vague language. Be as clear and precise as possible in your explanations. Avoid generalized statements that don’t provide context.
  • Don’t ignore the consent question. It’s important to address whether you give consent for sharing your information, as this can affect how your concerns are handled.
  • Don’t rush your submission. Take your time to review the form. Mistakes can lead to unnecessary complications in your request.
  • Don’t forget to follow up. After submission, monitor for updates regarding your request, as this will help ensure your concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

Misconceptions

The DA 1559 form, known as the CUI Inspector General Action Request, is an essential tool for addressing issues within the Department of Defense. Yet, several misconceptions surround its use and purpose. Here are nine common misunderstandings explained:

  • This form is only for serious allegations. Many believe the DA 1559 can only be used for severe issues. However, it can be utilized for a range of concerns, including minor discrepancies and requests for assistance.
  • Filing the form will automatically resolve my issue. Some expect that simply filling out the form ensures immediate action. The reality is that the process may take time, as it requires investigation and follow-up.
  • I can remain completely anonymous. While the form allows for some degree of confidentiality, if you do not provide essential information, it may hinder the investigation process. Anonymity cannot be guaranteed if further clarification is needed.
  • Providing personal information is mandatory. Filling out this form involves some required personal details, but individuals have the option to consent or decline the release of certain information. Consent is crucial for resolving requests efficiently.
  • I must contact my chain of command before submitting the form. Although it can be beneficial, it’s not a prerequisite. You can go directly to the Inspector General if you feel your chain of command is unable to assist.
  • Complaints submitted on this form can be ignored. Submitting a DA 1559 ensures that the Inspector General will acknowledge your concern. It does not guarantee a solution, but it will not be dismissed without consideration.
  • The Inspector General can resolve all military issues. While the Inspector General’s role is to address complaints, some matters may fall outside their jurisdiction. Understanding the limitations is essential before submission.
  • Everything I submit will remain confidential. The information may be shared within Department of Defense channels as necessary to facilitate resolution, especially if consent is granted by the requester.
  • Submitting false information carries no consequences. Individuals who provide intentionally misleading information may face punitive actions, including legal repercussions, as stated in the form.

Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the process more effectively and ensure their concerns are addressed properly.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the DA 1559 form is an important step for service members seeking assistance from the Inspector General (IG). Here are key takeaways to consider:

  • Ensure Accuracy: Provide complete and precise information in all sections. This includes your full name, rank, and contact details. Incomplete information may delay your request or hinder resolution.
  • Understand Disclosure: Participation is voluntary, but be aware that withholding information could impact the IG's ability to assist you effectively. Consent is crucial for the sharing of your personal information within Department of Defense channels.
  • Be Specific: Clearly explain the specific actions you are requesting from the IG. Include detailed information and any relevant supporting documentation. Clarity helps in addressing your requests more efficiently.
  • Contact Your Chain: Indicate whether you have engaged your chain of command regarding your issue. This section helps the IG understand the context of your request and any prior efforts made to resolve the situation.