DA Form 3955. Change of Address and Directory Card
DA Form 3955 is a form used by the Department of the Army to collect and update information on soldiers' change of address and contact details in their personnel records. It serves as both a notification of a soldier's new address and a directory card, which ensures that each soldier's information is up-to-date and accurate.
The form consists of several parts, including personal information such as the soldier's name, rank, social security number, previous address, and new address. Other important fields include the effective date of the change, the type of unit the soldier belongs to, and the date the form was completed.
This form is primarily used by soldiers, but it may also be completed by family members or civilian employees of the Department of the Army who have had a change of address.
When filling out DA Form 3955, it is important to provide accurate and complete information. Additional documentation, such as proof of residency or a copy of orders, may be required depending on the circumstances of the move.
Examples of situations where this form may need to be filled out include when a soldier moves to a new duty station, changes their home address, or when they are deployed overseas. Keeping accurate personnel records is vital for the efficient functioning of the Army, and this form helps ensure that soldiers can be contacted quickly and easily if necessary.
Strengths of this form include its simplicity and effectiveness in keeping records up-to-date. However, weaknesses may include potential errors or inconsistencies in the data provided, which could lead to difficulties in contacting soldiers in emergency situations.
Alternative forms that may serve similar purposes include the DD Form 2058 and the SF-1199A. Differences between these forms include the specific types of information collected and the organizations responsible for processing them.
Once completed, DA Form 3955 is typically submitted to the appropriate personnel office within the soldier's unit. The form is then stored in the soldier's personnel file for future reference.
Overall, DA Form 3955 plays an important role in ensuring that soldiers' personnel records are accurate and up-to-date. By providing timely and accurate information, soldiers can be contacted quickly and effectively when necessary, which is essential for maintaining the readiness of the Army.