DD Form 2131. Passenger Manifest
The DD Form 2131, also known as Passenger Manifest, is a document used by the Department of Defense to record the transportation of military personnel and their dependents. Its primary purpose is to provide an accurate and complete list of passengers on a particular mode of transportation, such as an aircraft or a ship.
The form consists of several parts, including the header section, passenger information section, unit information section, and certification section. The header section contains the name of the unit, the mode of transportation, and the departure and arrival locations. The passenger information section requires the name, rank, and service branch of each passenger, along with their destination and purpose of travel. The unit information section includes details about the unit responsible for the transport, such as the commander's name and contact information. Finally, the certification section must be signed by the unit commander or designated representative, certifying that the information provided is accurate and complete.
When filling out the DD Form 2131, it is essential to ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. It is also important to attach any necessary supporting documents, such as travel orders or leave authorizations.
Examples of when the form might be used include military deployments, personnel transfers, and emergency evacuations. By providing a comprehensive record of all passengers, the form helps ensure the safety and accountability of military personnel during transportation.
Strengths of the form include its simplicity and effectiveness in accurately recording passenger information. A weakness could be the potential for human error when completing the form. Opportunities for improvement could involve integrating electronic records systems to reduce the need for manual data entry and improve accuracy.
Alternative forms or analogues of the DD Form 2131 include civilian airline passenger manifests and other military transportation forms, such as the DD Form 1387, which is used to document cargo shipments.
The completion and submission of the DD Form 2131 are critical for maintaining the safety and security of military personnel during transportation. The form should be submitted to the appropriate military authorities and kept on file for future reference.
In summary, the DD Form 2131 is a crucial document used by the military to record passenger information during transportation. It helps ensure the safety and accountability of military personnel and requires accurate completion and submission to the proper authorities.