Free Da 4986 PDF Template

1. What is the DA Form 4986?

   The DA Form 4986, also known as the personal property record form, is used to document the identifying details of an individual's high-value personal property. The form is a tool for recording valuable items to aid in the recovery of lost or stolen property and for claims against the government and/or private insurance.

2. Who is the proponent agency for the DA Form 4986?

   The proponent agency for the DA Form 4986 is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (DCSPER).

3. What is the purpose of the DA Form 4986 according to the Privacy Act of 1974?

   The principal purpose of the DA Form 4986 is to record identifying data of an individual's high-value personal property. It is used to assist in the recovery and return of lost or stolen items and in the adjudication of claims against the government or private insurance for property loss or damage.

4. Is the provision of information on DA Form 4986 mandatory?

   Providing information on the DA Form 4986 is voluntary. Failure to provide the requested information will not have an adverse effect on the individual.

5. What information is required to be filled out on the DA Form 4986?

   The required information includes the typed or printed name of the owner, the owner's Social Security Number, and the owner's signature. Additionally, for each item of personal property, the form asks for the item name, quantity, brand name, model or style, other description, serial number or marking, date acquired (if known), and value. Finally, the signature of the individual verifying the recording of property and the date are required.

6. What are the instructions for marking personal property as stated on the DA Form 4986?

   • Use the prefix “USA” followed by your Social Security Number when marking your personal property.
   • Upon completing the marking of your property, display DA Label 167, Warning, Army Operation Identification, in a conspicuous location outside your room or building. This announces that property inside has been marked for identification by law enforcement agencies.
   • Keep the record of high-value property in a safe place.

7. How can the DA Form 4986 assist in the event of lost or stolen property?

   Upon reporting a loss, the information provided on the DA Form 4986 can be used to assist in the recovery and return of the personal property. The detailed records can help identify and verify ownership of the items, increasing the chances of recovery.

8. Can the DA Form 4986 be used for insurance claims?

   Yes, the DA Form 4986 serves as a detailed record of an individual's high-value personal property and can be used to support claims against the government and/or private insurance in case of loss, theft, or damage.

Completing the DA Form 4986 requires attention to detail and an understanding of its significance in recording personal property for military personnel. Mistakes during completion can hinder the process of recovering lost or stolen property and affect claims against the Government or private insurance. Noted below are common mistakes to be avoided:

1. Overlooking the purpose of the form. Not recognizing the form's importance for recording high-value personal property can lead to inaccuracies in documenting items, which complicates recovery and claim processes.
2. Incomplete item descriptions. Failure to provide comprehensive details about each item, including brand name, model, or style, and serial numbers, diminishes the potential for recovery.
3. Skipping the serial number or marking when available. Serial numbers are crucial for identifying specific items, and not recording them makes it much harder to recover lost or stolen property.
4. Misunderstanding the necessity of the "DATE ACQUIRED" field. Accurately recording when an item was acquired assists in establishing its value and ownership, which is essential during claims processing.
5. Not using the prefix “USA” followed by the Social Security Number for marking personal property. This specific marking method aids in identifying and recovering items.
6. Failing to display DA Label 167. Neglecting to place this label in a conspicuous location can reduce the effectiveness of the Army Operation Identification program in deterring theft.
7. Inaccurate valuation of items. Underestimating or overestimating the value of listed items can lead to challenges in the claims process, affecting the recovery of the item's worth.
8. Not keeping the record in a safe place. The document serves as a critical log of high-value items, and loss of this record can severely impair the ability to claim or recover items.

By avoiding these errors, individuals ensure that their DA Form 4986 serves its intended purpose effectively, enhancing security and facilitating the recovery process for valued personal belongings.

The DA Form 4986, or Personal Property Record, plays an essential role in managing the accountability and recovery of high-value personal property for individuals within the army. Accompanying this form, various other forms and documents are often utilized to ensure comprehensive documentation and protection of personal property. These ancillary documents cater to variance in circumstances such as property loss, damage, or the need for additional identification and security measures.

• DA Form 2062 (Hand Receipt/Annex Number): Utilized for recording the issue of property and equipment to individuals, ensuring accountability for items issued on a temporary or permanent basis.
• DD Form 1750 (Packing List): Essential for moving or shipping personal property, the DD Form 1750 lists items being moved or shipped, providing a detailed inventory for tracking and verification purposes.
• DA Form 31 (Request and Authority for Leave): While not directly related to property records, this form is crucial when property owners plan absences that may affect the custody or security of their property.
• DA Form 3955 (Change of Address and Directory Card): Used to update an individual's address within the army's records, ensuring that any communications or necessary documentation related to personal property can be accurately directed.
• DA Form 4856 (Developmental Counseling Form): This form might be used in conjunction with the DA Form 4986 in cases where there is a need to discuss the management or security of personal property within a counseling session.
• DD Form 1840/1840R (Joint Statement of Loss or Damage at Delivery/Notice of Loss or Damage): Essential for reporting loss or damage to personal property during moves, these forms enable the initiation of claims for reimbursement or repair.
• DA Label 167 (Warning, Army Operation Identification): Referenced directly in the DA Form 4986, this label is used to mark property, indicating that items are registered and marked for easy identification by law enforcement.
• DA Form 3626 (Vehicle Registration/Driver Record): For individuals needing to register personal vehicles on base, this form serves as a record of registration, contributing to both the security and management of personal property.

Together, these documents form a robust framework supporting the management, security, and recovery of personal property within the army. Each document addresses a specific aspect of property management, from initial recording and marking of items with the DA Form 4986 to addressing potential issues like loss, damage, movement, and storage. Understanding and properly utilizing these forms ensure that personal property is well-documented, secure, and recoverable, should the need arise.

Documents similar to the DA Form 4986, which is utilized for recording personal property, serve various functions across different contexts, but they share common purposes around inventory management, property identification, and loss prevention or recovery. Here's a list outlining documents with similar uses or purposes:

• Home Inventory Document: This personal document is used by homeowners to catalog their belongings for insurance purposes. Like the DA Form 4986, it helps in the recovery and claims process in case of loss, theft, or damage.
• Equipment Sign-Out Sheet: Used within organizations to track who has borrowed specific pieces of equipment. It records identifying details akin to the DA Form 4986, ensuring accountability and facilitating the return of the property.
• Vehicle Condition Report: This form records the state of a vehicle at a specific time, such as when being leased or lent. The emphasis on condition and identification details mirrors the intent of DA Form 4986 to maintain accountability and manage assets effectively.
• Property Condition Report: Typically used in real estate to detail the condition of a property before rental or sale. While it focuses on real estate, its purpose aligns with the DA Form 4986 in documenting the status of valuable assets to safeguard against future discrepancies or claims.
• Personal Property Memorandum: Part of estate planning, this document specifies whom personal belongings should be given to. Its detailed recording of items shares the DA Form 4986's goal of clarity in property disposition, albeit in a different context.
• Insurance Property Claim Form: Used to report property loss or damage to insurance companies, it requires detailed descriptions of the lost or damaged items, similar to the data recorded on the DA Form 4986, facilitating the claims process.
• Asset Transfer Form: This form tracks the movement of assets from one department or location to another within an organization. By documenting the details of transferred items, it aligns with the DA Form 4986's goal of maintaining accountability for valuable property.
• Inventory Checklist for Rental Property: Used by landlords and tenants to record the contents and condition of a property at the time of rental. It shares the DA Form 4986's preventative approach to property loss or damage claims.
• Personal Financial Statement: While primarily focused on documenting an individual's financial status, it includes sections for listing high-value assets. The documentation of personal assets is akin to the record-keeping purposes of the DA Form 4986.
• Library Checkout System: Tracks books or materials loaned to library patrons, including details on each item similar to those documented on the DA Form 4986. It ensures the accountability and return of library assets.

While the contexts may vary, from personal estate management to organizational asset tracking, each of these documents shares the core function of cataloging, tracking, and facilitating the recovery or proper management of valuable items or properties.

When you're preparing to fill out the DA Form 4986 for your personal property record, it's important to take certain steps and avoid common pitfalls. Here’s a guide to help ensure the process goes smoothly:

• Read the instructions carefully before you start to fill out the form.
• Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date, including the description and serial numbers of your items.
• Use a black or blue pen for clarity and durability of the information recorded.
• Double-check your Social Security Number (SSN) and other personal details to prevent any mix-ups.
• Sign and date the form as required to validate the information provided.
• Keep the form in a safe place, ideally separate from the items recorded to reduce the risk of loss.
• Mark your personal property with "USA" followed by your Social Security Number, as suggested on the form.
• Display DA Label 167 in a conspicuous location as instructed.
• Update the form whenever you acquire or dispose of personal property items.
• Consult with your unit's personal property officer if you have any questions or need assistance.

• Rush through the form without checking for errors.
• Use pencil or other erasable writing instruments as these can easily be altered.
• Forget to list any high-value items, as this form is crucial for the recovery of lost or stolen property.
• Omit serial numbers or unique markings of items when available. These are key in identifying your belongings.
• Ignore the importance of completing the form properly; it could be essential in a claim for loss or damage.
• Leave the form visible to others, which could compromise the security of your personal information.
• Lose track of the form after moving or changing duty stations.
• Discard the form without first shredding it to protect your personal information.
• Underestimate the value of your items. Doing so may affect recovery or claim processes.
• Wait until after an item is lost or stolen to try and document its existence.

When it comes to the DA Form 4986, also known as the Personal Property Record, several misconceptions often arise due to its specific use and requirements. Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for correct form use and ensuring the security of personal property.

Misconception 1: The form is mandatory for all service members.

Many believe that filling out the DA Form 4986 is required for all service members. However, the form's use is voluntary. While highly recommended as a means of documenting and safeguarding personal property, especially high-value items, there is no obligation to complete it unless specifically directed by a commanding officer or unit policy.

Misconception 2: Failure to complete the form will have negative repercussions.

The Privacy Act of 1974 statement on the form clearly states that the disclosure of information is voluntary and that failure to provide information will have no adverse effect on the individual. Contrary to some beliefs, not filling out the form will not result in disciplinary action or negatively impact a service member in any official capacity.

Misconception 3: The form covers insurance for personal property automatically.

A common misunderstanding is that once personal property is documented on the DA Form 4986, it is automatically insured or that the form serves as a type of insurance claim. In reality, the form is intended to aid in the recovery of lost or stolen items and may assist in the claims process with the government or private insurance, but it does not replace or serve as an insurance policy.

Misconception 4: The form is only for military items.

Sometimes there's confusion that the DA Form 4986 is exclusively for listing items issued by the military. While it certainly can and should be used for documenting government-issued equipment of high value, its primary function is for service members to record any personal property of value, including personal items not related to their military service.

Misconception 5: A completed form guarantees recovery of lost or stolen items.

While the DA Form 4986 is an effective tool for tracking and identifying lost or stolen property, completing and maintaining the form does not guarantee that lost items will be recovered. It’s designed to assist in the process by providing vital information that can help law enforcement and recovery efforts, but it cannot ensure the return of personal property.

Filling out the DA Form 4986, also known as the Personal Property Record form, has several crucial aspects that individuals must understand to properly document and safeguard their high-value property. Here are key takeaways to remember:

• Importance of Accurate Documentation: It's essential to record identifying information of your high-value items accurately. This documentation can significantly assist in the recovery and return of lost or stolen property. Ensure every detail—brand name, model, serial number, and acquisition date—is correctly listed for each item.
• Privacy Protection: The form is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring that individuals' information is handled with care. The primary purpose of collecting this information is to help in recovering personal property, facilitating the adjudication of claims against the government or private insurance, and it should not deter individuals from documenting their property accurately.
• Voluntary Disclosure: Although providing information on the DA Form 4986 is voluntary, the failure to document your personal property might not affect you directly but can significantly hinder the chances of recovering lost or stolen items. Consider the benefits of having a detailed record of your possessions against the minor inconvenience of filling out the form.
• Security Measures: After marking your property and completing the form, displaying DA Label 167 serves as a deterrent to potential theft and signals that property is marked for identification by law enforcement. Keeping the completed form in a safe location is equally important to ensure it can be accessed when needed without compromising the security of the information detailed within.

Understanding these takeaways ensures that individuals can effectively use the DA Form 4986 to protect their valuable possessions, thereby providing a clear pathway for item recovery and claims processing in the event of loss or damage.