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The DA Form 638 is a crucial document used within the U.S. Army for the recommendation of awards and decorations. This form serves several important purposes, including the consideration of individual nominations and the recording of final actions taken regarding these nominations. It is particularly relevant for recognizing acts of valor, heroism, or significant service during wartime, as well as for awards that are higher than the Meritorious Service Medal. The form is structured to collect essential information about the nominee, such as their name, rank, organization, and the specific reasons for the award. Additionally, it includes sections for detailed justifications and citations that highlight the achievements of the individual being nominated. Privacy considerations are also addressed, as the form requires the disclosure of personally identifiable information, which is voluntary but necessary for processing. Ultimately, the DA Form 638 is a vital tool for honoring the dedication and service of soldiers, ensuring that their contributions are formally recognized and celebrated.

How to Use Da 638

Completing the DA Form 638 is an important step in the process of nominating an individual for an award or decoration. This form requires specific information about the nominee, the recommender, and the justification for the award. It is essential to fill out the form accurately to ensure timely processing.

  1. Gather Required Information: Before starting, collect all necessary details about the nominee, including their name, rank, organization, and previous awards.
  2. Fill Out Soldier Data: In Part I, enter the nominee's name (last, first, middle initial), date, Social Security Number (SSN), rank, organization, branch of service, and the period of the award.
  3. Indicate Reason for Award: Specify the reason for the award in section 12. Check the boxes for interim award and posthumous if applicable.
  4. Provide Recommender Data: In Part II, fill in your name, title, rank, address, and signature. Make sure to include your relationship to the awardee.
  5. Justification and Citation: In Part III, list specific achievements that justify the award. Use bullet points to detail up to four notable acts or services performed by the nominee.
  6. Complete Approval Section: In Part IV, ensure that the intermediate authority certifies the eligibility of the nominee. This includes signatures and dates from all relevant authorities.
  7. Fill Out Orders Data: In Part V, enter the orders issuing headquarters, permanent order number, approved award, and the date of approval.
  8. Review for Accuracy: Double-check all entries for correctness. Ensure that all required fields are completed and that the information is accurate.
  9. Submit the Form: Once completed, submit the form to the appropriate authority for processing.

Key takeaways

The DA Form 638 is a critical document used for recommending military awards. Understanding its components and requirements is essential for effective completion.

  • Personal Information: Ensure that the soldier's name, rank, organization, and Social Security Number (SSN) are accurately filled in Part I. Errors can lead to processing delays.
  • Award Justification: In Part III, provide specific examples of achievements. Use bullet points to clearly outline meritorious acts or service. This section is crucial for convincing authorities of the award's merit.
  • Submission Process: The completed form must be submitted to the appropriate authority for review. Follow the chain of command to ensure proper processing.
  • Privacy Considerations: Be aware of the Privacy Act. Disclosure of personal information is voluntary, but omitting it may hinder the application process.
  • Intermediate Authority Review: The form requires signatures from intermediate authorities at multiple levels. Each authority must certify the eligibility of the individual for the award.
  • Proposed Presentation Date: If applicable, indicate a proposed date for the award presentation. This helps in planning the ceremony and ensuring all parties are informed.
  • Final Approval: The last section requires approval from the designated authority. This includes a final review and signature, confirming the award's issuance.

Common mistakes

Filling out the DA 638 form can be straightforward, but mistakes often occur. One common error is providing incomplete or incorrect personal information. Sections such as name, rank, and Social Security Number (SSN) must be accurate. If any of these details are wrong, it can lead to delays in processing or even disqualification for the award.

Another frequent mistake involves the justification section. People often fail to provide specific examples of achievements. Instead of vague statements, clear bullet points detailing meritorious acts or service are necessary. This section is crucial for supporting the award recommendation, and lack of detail can weaken the case.

Some individuals overlook the importance of signatures and dates in the approval section. Each authority must sign and date their section for the application to be valid. Missing signatures can halt the entire process, resulting in unnecessary delays and frustration.

Lastly, many applicants forget to check the reason for the award. The form requires an indication of whether it is a posthumous or interim award. Failing to mark this can create confusion and may require additional clarification, further complicating the submission process.

Documents used along the form

The DA Form 638 is a crucial document used in the military for recommending awards based on individual achievements. Alongside this form, several other documents and forms are commonly utilized to ensure a thorough and accurate awards process. Below is a list of these associated documents, each serving a specific purpose in the awards system.

  • DA Form 4187: This form is used for requests for personnel actions. It can include requests for awards, changes in duty status, and other administrative actions that may accompany the recommendation for an award.
  • DA Form 1059: The Academic Evaluation Report is used to document the performance of soldiers in military schools. This report can be an important component of an award recommendation, particularly for educational achievements.
  • DA Form 750-1: This is the Army's Evaluation Report for enlisted personnel. It provides a record of a soldier's performance and potential, which can support an award recommendation.
  • DA Form 2166-9: This form is the NCO Evaluation Report. It assesses non-commissioned officers and can play a significant role in justifying an award based on leadership and accomplishments.
  • DA Form 2-1: The Personnel Qualification Record outlines a soldier's qualifications, assignments, and awards. It serves as a comprehensive reference for verifying eligibility for awards.
  • DD Form 214: This form is issued upon a service member's retirement, separation, or discharge. It summarizes the soldier's military service and is often required when applying for certain awards post-service.
  • AR 600-8-22: This Army Regulation provides guidance on military awards and decorations. It is essential for understanding the criteria and processes for award nominations.
  • Notice to Quit Form: For landlords seeking to terminate a lease agreement, the essential Notice to Quit form guide is indispensable for ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
  • Letter of Recommendation: Often, a personal letter from a senior officer or peer can provide additional context and support for the award recommendation, detailing specific achievements and contributions.
  • Supporting Documentation: This may include certificates, commendations, or other forms of evidence that demonstrate the soldier's achievements and contributions relevant to the award being recommended.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the awards process, ensuring that all relevant information is considered when recognizing a soldier's service and achievements. Properly completing and submitting these forms can significantly impact the outcome of an award recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the DA Form 638?

The DA Form 638 is primarily used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations. It serves as a formal document to consider nominations, record final actions, and maintain individual award case files. By following the guidelines outlined in Army Regulation 600-8-22, this form ensures that deserving service members receive recognition for their achievements.

Who is authorized to complete the DA Form 638?

Any individual familiar with the service member's achievements can complete the DA Form 638. This typically includes supervisors, commanding officers, or peers who can provide specific examples of meritorious acts or service. It is essential that the recommender is knowledgeable about the criteria for the award being sought to ensure that the nomination is appropriate and thorough.

What information is required on the DA Form 638?

The form requires several key pieces of information, including:

  1. Name of the service member (Last, First, Middle Initial)
  2. Social Security Number (SSN)
  3. Rank and organization
  4. Previous awards received
  5. Reason for the award and period of service
  6. Justification for the award, including specific achievements

Providing accurate and detailed information is crucial for the processing of the award recommendation.

The DA Form 638 can be used to recommend various awards, ranging from commendations to medals. Specifically, it addresses:

  • Valor or heroism awards
  • Wartime awards
  • All awards higher than the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)

For each type of award, specific guidelines must be followed as per the instructions in AR 600-8-22.

What happens if I do not provide all required information?

Failure to provide all necessary information may result in delays in processing the application. Incomplete forms can lead to requests for additional information, which can prolong the award nomination timeline. It is advisable to double-check all entries before submission to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Can the DA Form 638 be used for posthumous awards?

Yes, the DA Form 638 can be utilized to recommend posthumous awards. In such cases, it is essential to indicate the posthumous nature of the award on the form. This designation helps ensure that the proper protocols are followed and that the award is processed in a timely manner, honoring the service member’s contributions even after their passing.

How is the DA Form 638 processed once submitted?

Upon submission, the DA Form 638 undergoes a review process by various authorities within the military hierarchy. The intermediate authorities evaluate the recommendation, and they can either approve or disapprove the nomination. If approved, the award is formally documented, and orders are issued. If disapproved, the recommender may receive feedback or comments on the decision.