DA Form 1574-1. Report of Proceedings by Investigating Officer

DA Form 1574-1, titled "Report of Proceedings by Investigating Officer," is an official document used by the United States Army to document and report the findings and recommendations of an investigation conducted by an appointed Investigating Officer (IO). This form is a critical part of the investigative process, providing a standardized format for presenting information to the appointing authority.

Key Sections and Information Captured on DA Form 1574-1:

• Section I - Appointment: Includes details about the appointment of the Investigating Officer, such as the appointing authority, place, date, and time of appointment.

• Section II - Timeline: Records the dates when the investigation commenced and when evidence gathering or hearings were completed.

• Section III - Checklist for Proceedings: Contains a checklist to ensure that all required documents, communications, and procedures have been followed during the investigation.

• Section IV - Findings: Provides space for the Investigating Officer to present their findings based on the evidence gathered during the investigation. Each paragraph should be a separate conclusion based on the evidence, with appropriate citations.

• Section V - Recommendations: Allows the Investigating Officer to make recommendations based on the findings in Section IV. These recommendations can include actions related to individuals involved, unit leadership, and measures to prevent future occurrences.

• Section VI - Authentication: The Investigating Officer authenticates the report, confirming its completeness and accuracy.

• Section VII - Action by Approving Authority: The report is reviewed and acted upon by the approving authority, who may approve, approve with modifications, disapprove, or return the report for corrective action. Modifications and actions taken are documented in this section.

Usage Scenario:

DA Form 1574-1 is used when an investigation is conducted to gather evidence and make findings related to a specific incident or situation. This form ensures that the process is well-documented, findings are clear, and appropriate recommendations are made based on the evidence.

Privacy Note:

While DA Form 1574-1 does not typically contain personally identifiable information (PII), it may include details related to individuals involved in the investigation. Therefore, it should be handled in accordance with privacy regulations and guidance.

This form is a vital tool in maintaining transparency and accountability within the Army and serves as an important document for decision-making and accountability at various levels of command.