Free Dd 370 Form in PDF

Instructions on Writing Dd 370

Filling out the DD 370 form is a vital step in providing a reference for an applicant seeking enlistment in the Armed Forces of the United States. This form gathers crucial information to help determine the applicant’s suitability for military service. Completing it accurately ensures the applicant can be fairly assessed, contributing to the defense effort while potentially changing the course of the applicant's life. It's important to provide thoughtful and honest answers to assist in this important decision-making process.

1. Start by reading the entire form to understand the kind of information requested.
2. Enter the applicant's full name in the space provided, including last name, first name, and middle initial.
3. Provide the applicant's mailing address, including street, apartment number, city, state, and ZIP code.
4. Fill in the date of birth of the applicant using the YYYYMMDD format.
5. Under "Dates of School Attendance or Employment," input the start date (a) and end date (b) again using the YYYYMMDD format.
6. Move to the section labeled "Recruiting Officer Identification Data." Insert the typed name of the recruiting officer, including last name, first name, and middle initial.
7. Enter the date signed by the recruiting representative in the YYYYMMDD format.
8. Write the unit/command name, followed by the officer’s signature.
9. Provide the unit/command mailing address, including street, city, state, and ZIP code.
10. On the back of the form, specify your relationship to the applicant by marking the appropriate box with an "X."
11. Indicate how long you have known the applicant.
12. Fill in the applicant’s highest school grade completed or job title.
13. Provide the inclusive dates of the applicant's school attendance or employment in your school or firm using the YYYYMMDD format.
14. If the applicant left school or job, or was expelled, dismissed, or terminated, give a specific reason if known.
15. Rate the applicant on various traits such as trustworthiness, adaptability, and leadership by marking the appropriate box with an "X."
16. Answer yes, no, or unknown to questions regarding the applicant’s use of alcohol or drugs and any reasons against recommending the person for the armed forces. Provide details if necessary in the space provided.
17. Write a personal narrative evaluation of the applicant, addressing the items listed and providing details, especially if question 17 is marked "yes."
18. Complete the section for the person completing the questionnaire with your printed name, title, signature, and the date signed (YYYYMMDD).

Once you've completed the form, review your responses to ensure all information is accurate and clear. Attach any additional sheets if needed for the personal narrative evaluation. Use the no-postage-required envelope provided to return the form to the indicated address promptly, contributing valuable insight into the applicant's character and capabilities.

What is the DD Form 370?

The DD Form 370, also known as the Request for Reference, is a document used by the United States Department of Defense. It is filled out by individuals providing a reference for someone applying to enlist in the Armed Forces. The form helps to assess the applicant's suitability for military service based on personal and professional characteristics.

Who needs to complete the DD Form 370?

This form is completed by individuals who have been named as a reference by someone applying for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. Typically, employers, school officials, or other significant figures in the applicant’s life who can provide meaningful insights into their character are asked to fill out this form.

What information is required on the DD Form 370?

The form requires the reference to provide information about their relationship to the applicant, how long they have known them, and the applicant's job or school performance. It includes questions about the applicant’s trustworthiness, adaptability, ability to work with others, initiative, judgment, physical fitness, leadership, maturity, and dependability. There are also questions about the applicant's use of alcohol or drugs and an overall recommendation for their enlistment.

How long does it take to complete the DD Form 370?

Completing the DD Form 370 typically takes around 10 minutes, but this can vary depending on how much information the reference needs to provide.

Is there a deadline for submitting the DD Form 370?

While there isn’t a specific deadline mentioned on the form for submission, it requests that the completed form be returned promptly. Timely submission helps in the efficient processing of the applicant's enlistment process.

What happens if I don’t submit the form?

Not submitting the form can delay or impact the applicant's enlistment process. Your input as a reference is vital for assessing the suitability of the applicant for military service. Without it, the assessing officers have less information to base their decision on.

Will my responses on the DD Form 370 be confidential?

Yes, your statements and the information you provide on the DD Form 370 will be held in strict confidence. The form clearly states that references will not be considered personally responsible for the applicant's conduct, whether they are enlisted or not, based on the information provided.

Where do I send the completed DD Form 370?

The completed form should be returned to the address shown in the "TO" block at the top of the form. A return envelope, which requires no postage, is typically enclosed with the form for your convenience.

Can I provide additional information or documents along with the DD Form 370?

Yes, if you have more to say about the applicant than the space allows, you're encouraged to attach a separate piece of paper with your additional comments. This can include a more detailed personal narrative evaluation of the applicant if you feel it's necessary.

What if I do not know how to answer some questions on the form?

If you're unsure about how to answer some questions or if they do not apply, you may mark them as "Unknown" or provide an explanation to that effect. It's important to answer to the best of your knowledge and provide as much relevant information as possible.

Many individuals face challenges when filling out the DD 370 form, leading to common errors that could easily be avoided. To ensure the form is completed accurately and efficiently, it's important to recognize and steer clear of these mistakes.

A frequent error is not properly filling out the applicant identification data. This section requires precise information about the applicant's name, mailing address, date of birth, and the dates of school attendance or employment. Inaccurate or incomplete data here can lead to delays or even disqualification from the enlistment process.

Another common mistake is overlooking the importance of detailing the relationship to the applicant in question 10, including how long the reference has known the applicant. This information is vital as it provides context to the responses given on the form, helping the reviewing officers better understand the applicant's character and background.

Many references fail to provide specific examples when rating the applicant's characteristics, such as trustworthiness, adaptability, and leadership, in question 15. Merely marking an "X" without further explanation offers limited insight into the applicant's abilities and potential fit within the armed forces. Detailed comments are invaluable in distinguishing applicants in a competitive selection process.

Ignoring the requirement to provide details for any "Yes" answers in questions 16 and 17 is a mistake that can significantly impact the applicant's chances. Whether it's regarding the use of alcohol or drugs affecting performance or any reasons for not recommending the person for the armed forces, providing thorough explanations is crucial.

The personal narrative evaluation demanded by question 18 often suffers from insufficient detail or is sometimes completely skipped. This narrative is an opportunity to offer a comprehensive view of the applicant, highlighting qualities not easily encapsulated by checklist responses.

Finally, a surprisingly common oversight is the failure to ensure that the questionnaire is completed by the right individual, as indicated in question 19. The form should be filled out by someone who knows the applicant professionally or academically and can provide an objective assessment of their suitability for military life.

By being mindful of these mistakes and taking the time to provide complete, accurate, and detailed information on the DD 370 form, references can significantly contribute to the successful enlistment of deserving candidates into the armed forces.

When submitting the DD Form 370, Request for Reference, several other documents are commonly used to complement the information it provides. These documents play a crucial role in presenting a comprehensive profile of the individual applying for enlistment in the Armed Forces. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a unique purpose in the enlistment process.

• DD Form 1966/1 - Record of Military Processing-Armed Forces of the United States: This form is essentially the application for enlistment itself. It captures all personal information, educational background, and the military service agreement.
• SF-86 - Questionnaire for National Security Positions: This lengthy form is used to conduct background checks on individuals applying for national security positions, including military enlistments. It covers personal information, family history, financial records, and foreign travel, among other details.
• DD Form 2807-1 - Report of Medical History: Applicants provide their medical history on this form. It includes questions about past illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, and current health status to assess medical fitness for service.
• DD Form 2808 - Report of Medical Examination: A completed medical examination form, filled out by a healthcare professional, to certify the applicant's medical fitness for military duty. It includes results from physical examinations, laboratory tests, and any recommended medical waivers.
• DD Form 4 - Enlistment/Reenlistment Document Armed Forces of the United States: This is the contract that the applicant signs to commit to military service. It outlines the terms of service, including the length of active duty and/or reserve commitment, the job role (MOS/AFSC/Rating), and any bonuses or benefits for which the applicant is eligible.

Together, these documents offer a detailed overview of an applicant, from personal and medical history to commitments and qualifications for service. A thorough review and completion of these forms ensure that only suitable candidates are considered for the vital responsibility of serving in the Armed Forces.

The DD Form 214, also known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is similar to the DD Form 370 in that both are crucial for military personnel. The DD Form 214 is given to service members when they retire, separate, or are discharged from active duty. It serves as a comprehensive record of a service member's time in the military, including their rank, dates of service, awards, and the reason for leaving. In comparison, the DD Form 370 is used during the recruitment process to gather references for potential enlistees. Both forms are essential for administrative purposes and serve to document individual service in the armed forces.

Similar to the DD Form 370 is the SF-86, or Questionnaire for National Security Positions. This form is used to gather information for background investigations for individuals applying for security clearances. Like the DD Form 370, which collects personal and professional references to assess a candidate's suitability for military service, the SF-86 requires detailed personal history, including past residences, employment, education, and personal references to evaluate a candidate's reliability, trustworthiness, and loyalty to the United States. Both forms are integral to ensuring the integrity and security of personnel in sensitive positions.

The I-9 Form, or Employment Eligibility Verification, shares a functional similarity with the DD Form 370. The I-9 is used by employers to verify the identity and legal authorization to work of their employees. While the DD Form 370 is specifically used within the context of military enlistment to obtain references, both forms are crucial for vetting purposes—ensuring that individuals are eligible and suitable for the roles they seek to fill. Each plays a critical role in maintaining legal and operational standards within their respective domains.

Another document akin to the DD Form 370 is the Common Application used for college admissions. This application collects comprehensive information about a student's academic background, extracurricular activities, and personal references, much like the DD Form 370 does for military enlistment candidates. While the Common Application focuses on academic and extracurricular achievements to assess college readiness and fit, the DD Form 370 focuses on personal and professional qualifications for military service. Both forms are instrumental in selection processes that determine the future path of an individual.

The Professional Reference Form, often used by employers during the hiring process, is similar to the DD Form 370. This form requests feedback from references provided by a job applicant to validate their experiences, skills, and character. Like the DD Form 370, which seeks to understand a candidate's suitability for military service through references, the Professional Reference Form is a tool to ensure that candidates possess the qualities needed for the position in question. Both documents are critical in making informed decisions about an individual's potential in a specific role.

The Medical Examination Form, required for various purposes such as employment, sports participation, and school enrollment, resembles the DD Form 370 in its function of assessing suitability. While the DD Form 370 evaluates a potential enlistee's character and personality through references, the Medical Examination Form assesses physical health and fitness for a specific activity or occupation. Both forms serve to verify the eligibility of individuals for certain roles, ensuring they meet the necessary standards.

Lastly, the Housing Application Form bears resemblance to the DD Form 370. Used by landlords and property managers to vet potential tenants, this form collects personal, employment, and previous rental history. Similar to how the DD Form 370 gathers information to determine a candidate's fitness for military service, the Housing Application Form helps in assessing whether an applicant will be a reliable and responsible tenant. Each of these documents plays a pivotal role in decision-making processes that require thorough background scrutiny.

When tasked with completing the DD Form 370, also known as the Request for Reference for military enlistment, attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the form's requirements are vital. This document plays a crucial role in the enlistment process by providing valuable insight into an applicant's character and suitability for military service. Below are five key dos and don'ts to consider when filling out the DD Form 370:

• Do carefully review the entire form before starting to ensure you understand what is required. This preparation helps in providing accurate and relevant information.
• Do take the time to reflect on your knowledge of the applicant, especially focusing on their strengths, weaknesses, and specific examples that showcase their suitability for military service.
• Do ensure you provide detailed and fact-based answers, particularly in sections that request specific instances or examples. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations of an applicant's capabilities or character.
• Do use a separate sheet of paper for comprehensive answers if the space provided is insufficient. Attach this additional sheet securely to the DD Form 370 to prevent any loss of information.
• Do review your responses for completeness and accuracy before submission, verifying that all questions have been answered to the best of your knowledge and belief.

• Don't leave any section blank unless it specifically instructs to do so or if it does not apply. A complete form is essential for a thorough assessment.
• Don't include information based on hearsay or assumptions. Your responses should be based on your direct observations or experiences with the applicant.
• Don't overlook the privacy and confidentiality of the information provided. Remember, your statements will be held in strict confidence, as noted on the form.
• Don't rush through the form. Take your time to provide thoughtful and honest feedback, as your insights are invaluable in evaluating the applicant's suitability for military life.
• Don't forget to sign and date the form. Your signature validates the information you've provided, affirming its authenticity and accuracy.

Correctly filling out the DD Form 370 is a responsibility that should be approached with the utmost diligence and integrity. Your contribution provides a pivotal piece of the assessment process, helping the armed services make informed decisions and ensuring that candidates who are well-suited to the demands and values of military life are selected.

When discussing the DD Form 370, a Request for Reference for military enlistment purposes, there are several misconceptions that can lead to confusion. Understanding the purpose and process of this form is essential for both the applicant and the reference provider. Below are six common misconceptions and their clarifications.

• Only immediate family members can provide a reference. This is not true. The form expressly asks for references from employers or school officials, implying that a broader range of individuals, familiar with the applicant's character and abilities, can fulfill this role.
• Completing the form is optional. While it might seem like an optional step in the enlistment process, providing this form completed by a reference is crucial. It helps the military assess the applicant's suitability for service, ensuring that only individuals who meet specific standards are considered.
• The information you provide won't impact the applicant's chances. The evaluations and opinions provided play a significant role in determining an applicant's eligibility and suitability for military life. Honest assessments can have a direct impact on the decision-making process.
• Your responses are public record. Contrary to what some might think, the form contains a notice stating that the information is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. This means responses are handled with a degree of confidentiality and are not disclosed openly, protecting both the applicant and the reference provider.
• If you don't know the applicant well, you should still try to complete the form. While the form seeks comprehensive feedback about the applicant, providing information when you don't know the person well could lead to inaccurate assessments. It's important to note how long and in what capacity you've known the applicant to ensure the information is valuable.
• Filling out the form takes a long time. The form estimates that completing it should take, on average, only 10 minutes. This timeframe includes reviewing instructions, searching existing data, and writing the responses. Therefore, it's designed not to be overly burdensome for the referrer.

Understanding these misconceptions about the DD Form 370 can help ensure that the process of providing a reference for military enlistment is conducted accurately and efficiently, benefiting both the applicant and the military.

The DD Form 370, also known as the Request for Reference, plays a crucial role in the enlistment process for individuals seeking to join the United States Armed Forces. Here are seven key takeaways about filling out and using this form:

• Privacy Act Compliance: The form is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, ensuring that personal information is handled with the utmost confidentiality.
• Contribution to National Defense: By providing a thorough and honest reference, you're directly assisting the defense efforts and contributing to the integrity of the Armed Forces.
• Criteria for Applicants: The form highlights the necessity for applicants to exhibit maturity, intelligence, and high moral qualifications, underlining the qualities deemed essential for service members.
• No Liability for Reference Providers: Individuals who provide references are not held personally accountable for the future conduct of the applicant, whether they enlist or not.
• Importance of Detailed Responses: Detailed and candid feedback, especially on the questions listed on the back of the form, is pivotal in evaluating the applicant's suitability for military service.
• Educational and Training Opportunities: The form briefly mentions opportunities for schooling and training in technical fields, highlighting the benefits of enlistment beyond serving the country.
• No Postage Required for Return: For added convenience, a return envelope is provided with the DD Form 370, requiring no postage, to facilitate a prompt response.

Completing the DD Form 370 with attention to detail and due consideration can significantly impact an applicant's potential military career, emphasizing the importance of the reference provider's role in this evaluative process.