If you are having problems accessing the CHESS website, contact theCHESS help desk at: [email protected] or 888-232-4405 / 703-806-1019 / DSN: 312-656-1019 (Monday - Friday 0800-1700 Eastern).
To download DA forms, go to the Army Publishing Directorate website http://www.apd.army.mil/ , click on the Forms (tab), DA Forms button. Find the form you want (in the range of form numbers). Right click the XFDL link to the right of the form you want, Select Save Target As. Save it to your computer and you will have the form for later. You can also click the link, it will open up your Lotus Forms or Pure Edge software automatically (only if using Internet Explorer 6, 7, or 8). All other browsers will have to use the Right click, Save As option to save your form.
Digitally signing a form is simple when following these instructions
With your form open and your CAC inserted in the card reader
Single click the button with the slanted pen with 'Click to Approve' typed after it (see image)
Read the Electronic Signature Notice, then OK
Click the word Sign (not OK)
Select your name (the one without the word email in it), then OK
You should see your name, once you do, click the word Sign
It will prompt you to type in your PIN, then select OK
Once you see Signature is valid, select OK
You have now signed your form
If the word Sign is GRAY, please look here for some known cures
Are you curious how to change the check marks to X's on forms?
Open Lotus Forms, click the Preferences button (blue and red O + on it)
Select Advanced Settings
Select the box next to: Use 'X' Style Check Boxes
If you are interested in knowing how to digitally sign an Excel or Word 2003 or 2007 file, this is how to do it
The ideas on this website are from my personal experience. I have been told by Army Publishing Directorate (APD) to send users to their help desk so they become aware of the problems with this program. 703-692-1306 / DSN: 312-222-1306 , Webform, or If you are having problems accessing the CHESS website, contact theCHESS help desk at: [email protected] or 888-232-4405 / 703-806-1019 / DSN: 312-656-1019 (Monday - Friday 0800-1700 Eastern).