Blank Da 4126 R Template

What is the DA 4126 R form used for?

The DA 4126 R form, known as the Bar to Reenlistment Certificate, is utilized by commanders in the United States Army to formally recommend that a soldier be barred from reenlisting. This recommendation is based on specific reasons such as court martial convictions, non-judicial punishments, or other indicators of unsuitability. The form serves as a crucial tool in ensuring that only qualified personnel can continue their service.

Who fills out the DA 4126 R form?

The form is completed by the soldier's commander. The commander must provide their name, rank, and signature, along with the soldier's information and reasons for the recommendation. It is important for the commander to ensure that all required information is accurately documented, as this can influence the outcome of the reenlistment process.

What information is required in Section I of the form?

Section I requires the soldier's personal details, including their name, Social Security Number (SSN), rank, and dates related to their service. It also includes a detailed record of any court martial convictions, non-judicial punishments, instances of non-payment of debts, and other factors relevant to the decision. This section establishes the basis for the bar to reenlistment.

What happens after the DA 4126 R form is submitted?

Once the form is submitted, it is reviewed by the battalion or next higher command. This command can either approve or disapprove the recommendation. If approved, the soldier will be officially counseled by the unit commander regarding the implications of the bar and their rights, including the option to appeal.

Can soldiers appeal the decision made on the DA 4126 R form?

Yes, soldiers have the right to appeal the bar to reenlistment decision. They must do so within seven days of being informed of the bar's approval. The form allows soldiers to indicate their intention to appeal or not. If they choose to appeal, it is essential that the appeal is submitted timely to ensure it is considered.

What kind of counseling is required for soldiers in relation to this form?

The unit commander must provide written counseling to the soldier after the decision is made. This counseling includes details on the bar to reenlistment, its implications, and the soldier's right to appeal. A copy of this counseling must be given to the soldier, while the original is forwarded to the appropriate personnel for filing.

Is there a deadline for submitting an appeal on the DA 4126 R form?

Yes, soldiers must submit their appeal within seven days from the date they are notified of the bar to reenlistment approval. Failing to meet this deadline could result in the appeal being denied solely based on untimeliness.

How does the commander document their recommendation?

The commander must sign the form and include their typed name and rank. This establishes accountability for the recommendation and ensures that the process is transparent. The information about the soldier and the reasons for the bar must also be clearly stated to justify the recommendation.

What is the importance of the DA 4126 R form in the reenlistment process?

The DA 4126 R form plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and standards of the Army by ensuring that individuals who exhibit undesirable traits or behaviors are identified and prevented from reenlisting. This process helps uphold the overall readiness and professionalism of the armed forces.

1. Overlooking Required Signature: Many people fail to provide a signature where required, particularly in the commander’s recommendation section. This oversight can lead to delays in the processing of the form.

2. Incomplete Personal Information: Some individuals neglect to fill in all necessary personal details such as name, Social Security Number (SSN), or rank. Missing this information can result in complications with identification and processing.

3. Insufficient Explanation of Reasons: Providing vague or incomplete information about the reasons for barring reenlistment can weaken a case. Detailed evidence supporting the recommendation is crucial.

4. Failing to Check Soldier’s Understanding: It’s essential to ensure that the soldier understands the implications of the recommendation. Skipping this step may lead to misunderstandings or lack of awareness regarding the soldier’s rights.

5. Neglecting to Submit a Statement: If the soldier wishes to provide a statement in their defense, forgetting to include this document can hinder their opportunity to present their side of the story. Using a continuation sheet if necessary is important.

The DA 4126 R form is utilized for various reasons within the U.S. Army, particularly related to reenlistment. It serves as a formal recommendation for barring a soldier from reenlistment based on specific criteria. Along with this form, several other documents are commonly associated with the process. Each document plays a crucial role in ensuring that the procedures are followed correctly and that due process is observed.

• DA Form 4856: This is the Developmental Counseling Form used to document counseling sessions between a leader and a soldier. It outlines the issues at hand, the soldier’s expectations, and the necessary actions to improve performance or behavior. This form may be referenced when establishing a soldier's history of issues leading to a bar on reenlistment.
• DA Form 268: The Active Duty Flagging Action form is utilized to initiate a flag based on adverse actions against a soldier, which may include unsatisfactory performance or disciplinary issues. This form notifies appropriate personnel of the action and ensures the soldier's records reflect any performance concerns.
• DA Form 15-6: This is an Investigation Action form typically used for conducting inquiries into allegations of misconduct. If a soldier's behavior warrants further investigation, this form provides a structured process to collect relevant facts and circumstances surrounding the issue.
• DA Form 350-1: The application for a Certificate of Good Standing is sometimes completed by soldiers seeking to demonstrate their eligibility for reenlistment. If a soldier intends to challenge the bar, this form may be relevant, showing attempts to rectify previously identified issues.

These documents work together to ensure that all relevant factors are considered in the evaluation of a soldier's eligibility for reenlistment. Proper documentation can protect both the soldier's rights and the integrity of the Army's processes.

The DA 4856, Developmental Counseling Form, is designed for documenting the counseling sessions of soldiers. Similar to the DA 4126 R form, it facilitates communication between the soldier and the chain of command regarding performance issues or behaviors. It provides a structured means for leaders to deliver feedback and for soldiers to acknowledge receipt of this counseling. Counseled soldiers can also add their inputs or responses, allowing for a more dialogic approach. Ultimately, both forms aim to guide soldiers’ improvement, although the DA 4856 supports ongoing development rather than imposing a barrier to reenlistment.

The DA Form 2-1, Personnel Qualification Record, serves as a comprehensive summary of a soldier's qualifications, training, assignments, and other essential military records. Like the DA 4126 R, it plays a critical role in the soldier's career management within the Army. Both documents contain vital information used for personnel decisions, including the reevaluation of a soldier's future in service. However, the DA Form 2-1 focuses on an overview of the soldier's accomplishments, while the DA 4126 R specifically addresses issues that may hamper the soldier's ability to reenlist successfully.

The DA Form 7000, Individual Financial History, is another relevant document that bears similarities to the DA 4126 R. This form is used to track a soldier’s financial status and responsibility, providing insights into their credit behavior and debts. Both forms can highlight undesirable traits affecting a soldier's standing. Financial irresponsibility, as noted on the DA Form 7000, may be a contributing factor referenced in the DA 4126 R when recommending a bar to reenlistment. Both forms ultimately connect to a soldier's overall suitability for service.

Finally, the DA Form 1059, Academic Evaluation Report, summarizes a soldier's performance in academic settings. Like the DA 4126 R, it provides accountability by documenting evaluations that can influence a soldier’s career progression. While the DA 4126 R focuses on negative factors leading to a reenlistment bar, the DA Form 1059 is often used to commend achievements. Together, they offer a balanced view of a soldier's capabilities and limitations, impacting decisions about their continued service.

When filling out the DA 4126 R form, it’s crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. The following tips will help you navigate the process effectively:

• Do: Provide accurate and complete information in all fields, including names, ranks, and Social Security Numbers (SSN).
• Do: Include precise dates for any court-martial convictions and non-judicial punishment records.
• Do: Ensure that the soldier is fully counseled about the implications of the bar to reenlistment before submitting the form.
• Do: Keep a copy of the completed form for record-keeping and future reference.
• Do: Follow up with the soldier afterward to confirm they understand their rights and the appeal process.

• Don’t: Leave any section incomplete; every area needs to be filled out thoroughly.
• Don’t: Use vague language or abbreviations that could cause confusion; clarity is essential.
• Don’t: Forget to check the soldier’s initial next to the confirmation that they have received the commander’s recommendation.
• Don’t: Submit the form without appropriate signatures from all required parties.
• Don’t: Ignore the timeline for appeals; ensure the soldier is aware they have seven days to respond if they choose to appeal.

Here are seven common misconceptions about the DA Form 4126-R, also known as the Bar to Reenlistment Certificate:

• This form is only for disciplinary issues. While many bars to reenlistment stem from disciplinary actions, they can also result from other factors such as performance issues or untrainability.
• A soldier cannot appeal the decision. In fact, soldiers have the right to appeal a bar to reenlistment. The process must be initiated within seven days of being informed of the bar.
• This form is automatically approved. Each recommendation on the form goes through a review process. The final decision rests with the battalion or higher command, which can approve or disapprove the bar.
• The recommendation is final once it's submitted. It's important to note that commanders must counsel the soldier about the implications of the bar and inform them of their right to appeal.
• All soldiers are barred from reenlistment for the same reasons. Each case is unique, with various factors contributing to a decision. The reasons for each bar vary widely based on individual circumstances.
• The bar stays on the record permanently. While a bar to reenlistment can have long-term implications, it may not permanently affect a soldier’s record. Successful appeals can remove the bar.
• Completing the form is an informal process. Completing the DA Form 4126-R is a formal procedure filled with specific guidelines. The form must be completed accurately and legally to ensure proper processing.

The DA 4126 R form is essential for processing a Bar to Reenlistment in the U.S. Army. Understanding its components and usage can help both leaders and soldiers navigate this serious administrative action effectively.

• Purpose of the Form: The DA 4126 R is used to formally recommend barring a soldier from reenlisting due to specific undesirable traits or behaviors.
• Mandatory Counseling: Before filling out the form, commanders must counsel the soldier about their traits that lead to the recommendation for barring reenlistment.
• Required Information: Soldiers must provide personal details such as name, SSN, rank, and total active service when filling out the form.
• Documentation: Sections 11 through 14 require specific records, including court martial convictions, non-judicial punishments, and any relevant indicators of unsuitability.
• Review Process: The form must be reviewed by the next higher command after the initial recommendation, ensuring thoroughness in decision-making.
• Right to Appeal: Soldiers have a right to appeal against the Bar to Reenlistment. They must submit their appeal within 7 days after being informed.
• Documentation of Counseling: Commanders must provide written counseling to the soldier about the implications of the bar and the appeals process.
• Follow-Up Actions: After the initial counseling, one copy of the counseling must go to the soldier while the original is sent to the servicing Personnel Support Battalion (PSB).
• Completion and Signature: Both the soldier and the commander must sign and date the form to validate the process and indicate acknowledgment of the actions taken.