3-3.
FILING SEQUENCE
a. Records maintained using the TDFS are filed in the following sequence.
(1) Primary group. When records are filed using TDFS, folders are first
arranged in numerical order using the primary groups only (eighth and ninth digits of
sponsor's SSN).
(2) Secondary group. The folders in each primary group are then arranged
in numerical order using the secondary group (sixth and seventh digits of sponsor's
SSN).
(3) Tertiary group. The folders in each secondary group are then arranged
in numerical order according to their tertiary group (first five digits of sponsor's SSN).
(4) Family member prefix. If two or more folders have the same SSN (a
soldier and his dependent wife, for example), the folders are then arranged in numerical
order using the family prefix code.
b. As an example, suppose PFC Smith's SSN is 123-45-6789. His primary
group is 89, his secondary group is 67, his tertiary group is 12345, and his family
member prefix code is 20. When looking for his record, it would be as though the
records were filed in numerical order and his record was number 89671234520.
(1) If the soldier has a dependent wife, her records are filed as though her
number were 89671234530.
(2) If the soldier has a wife that is also in the military, her records are filed
under her SSN and her FMP is 20, since she is her own sponsor.
3-4.
PURPOSE OF DA FORM 3444-SERIES
DA Form 3444-series, Alphabetical and Terminal Digit File for Treatment Record,
file folders are designed to make filing and retrieving health and dental records easier
when the TDFS is used. Although the file folder is designed with the TDFS in mind, it
can also be filed alphabetically when required.
3-5.
IDENTIFYING FORM 3444-SERIES FOLDERS
There are 10 folders in the series (DA Form 3444 through DA Form 3444-9). DA
Form 3444-series forms are color-coded to help prevent misfiling. The proper form is
selected based upon the eighth digit of the sponsor's SSN. Table 3-2 shows the
relationship of the sponsor's primary group to the form number and the color of the form.
MD0920
3-4