DD Form 553 Deserter / Absentee Wanted by the Armed Forces

What Is DD Form 553?

This is a form that was released by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) on March 1, 2015. The form, often mistakenly referred to as the DA Form 553 , is a military form used by and within the U.S. Army. As of today, no separate instructions for the form are provided by the DoD.

FAQ

Q: What is DD Form 553?
A: DD Form 553 is a form used by the Armed Forces to track and locate Deserters and Absentees.

Q: Who is considered a Deserter or Absentee?
A: A Deserter is a member of the Armed Forces who has intentionally abandoned their post without permission and has no intention to return. An Absentee is a member who is absent from their duty station without proper authorization.

Q: What is the purpose of DD Form 553?
A: The purpose of DD Form 553 is to provide a standardized way for the Armed Forces to share information about Deserters and Absentees and to assist in their apprehension and return to military control.

Q: Who fills out DD Form 553?
A: DD Form 553 is typically filled out by military authorities and law enforcement agencies who have knowledge or encounter a person who may be a Deserter or Absentee.

Q: What information is included in DD Form 553?
A: DD Form 553 includes personal information such as name, physical description, military identification details, and information about the person's desertion or absence.

Q: What happens after DD Form 553 is filled out?
A: After DD Form 553 is filled out, the information is entered into a database used by military and law enforcement agencies to track and locate Deserters and Absentees. Measures will be taken to apprehend and return the individual to military control.

Q: Is it possible to obtain a copy of DD Form 553?
A: No, DD Form 553 is not a public document and is not typically accessible to the general public.

Q: What should I do if I have information about a Deserter or Absentee?
A: If you have information about a possible Deserter or Absentee, you should contact your local law enforcement agency or the appropriate military authorities to report the information.