Why do you need the DA form 2142?

Active duty military members fill out the DA 2142 form when they have a pay inquiry, according to the Official Department of the Army Publications and Forms. The DA 2142 form details the pay issue, when it began and any other information from the soldier.

When a soldier has a question or concern about monetary compensation for active duty work, he can bring his question up to officials in his unit, says Army Study Guide. Officials ask the soldier to submit a pay inquiry form. The form asks for information such as financial paperwork as evidence. Soldiers must also state the reason why they feel they are not being paid correctly for their work.