The DA Form 638 is used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations. This form facilitates the nomination process, allowing for the documentation of achievements and the final action taken on each recommendation. Understanding its purpose and proper usage is essential for service members and recommenders alike.
The DA Form 638 is a crucial document used by the U.S. Army for recommending individuals for awards and decorations. This form is essential for recognizing the achievements and contributions of soldiers, particularly in situations involving valor, heroism, or significant service. It serves multiple purposes, including recording nominations, maintaining case files, and documenting final actions taken on award recommendations. The form collects important information such as the soldier's name, rank, organization, and the specific reasons for the award. It also allows for the inclusion of achievements that justify the recommendation, ensuring that each nomination is well-supported. Additionally, the DA Form 638 includes a privacy statement, emphasizing the importance of handling personal information responsibly. This document must be completed accurately to avoid delays in processing, as providing the necessary details is voluntary but highly recommended. Overall, the DA Form 638 plays a vital role in honoring the dedication and service of Army personnel.
What is the purpose of the DA 638 form?
The DA 638 form is used to recommend individuals for awards and decorations in the U.S. Army. It facilitates the nomination process by collecting essential information about the nominee, the award being recommended, and the justification for the award. This form also serves to record final actions and maintain individual award case files.
Who is eligible to be nominated using the DA 638 form?
Any member of the U.S. Army may be nominated for an award using the DA 638 form. This includes active duty soldiers, reservists, and members of the National Guard. The nomination must be based on specific achievements or acts of service that merit recognition.
What information is required on the DA 638 form?
The form requires several key pieces of information, including the nominee's name, rank, organization, branch of service, and Social Security Number. Additionally, the recommender must provide details about previous awards, the reason for the award, and specific achievements that justify the nomination.
How does the approval process work for the DA 638 form?
The approval process involves several levels of authority. After the recommender submits the form, it is reviewed by intermediate authorities who can recommend approval or disapproval. Each authority must sign and date the form, indicating their decision. Ultimately, the final authority will either approve or disapprove the award recommendation.
Can the DA 638 form be used for posthumous awards?
Yes, the DA 638 form can be used to recommend posthumous awards. The form includes a specific section to indicate if the award is being recommended posthumously, ensuring that the necessary considerations are made for the deceased service member.
What happens if required information is not provided on the DA 638 form?
If required information is missing, the processing of the application may be delayed. It is crucial to provide complete and accurate information to ensure a smooth review and approval process. The form includes a privacy statement indicating that the disclosure of personally identifiable information is voluntary, but incomplete submissions can lead to complications.
Is there a specific format for detailing achievements on the DA 638 form?
Yes, the form provides sections for listing achievements in a bullet format. This structure allows for clear and concise presentation of the nominee's meritorious acts or service. Specific examples should be included to strengthen the justification for the award.
Where can I obtain the DA 638 form?
The DA 638 form is available through official Army websites and can also be obtained from unit administrative offices. It is essential to use the most current version of the form, as previous editions may no longer be accepted.
Understanding the DA 638 form is essential for anyone involved in the process of recommending awards within the military. Here are nine key takeaways that will help you navigate this important document effectively:
This form is used for various types of awards, not just those related to valor or heroism. It can be utilized for any award or decoration as outlined in Army Regulation 600-8-22.
While filling out the DA 638 is not legally required, it is crucial for the proper documentation of awards. Without it, the processing of award nominations may be delayed.
The DA 638 requires specific personal information, including the nominee's name and Social Security Number (SSN). This information is essential for processing and tracking the award.
There are specific timelines and procedures for submitting the DA 638, especially for awards related to specific events or achievements. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure timely processing.
Any individual who has knowledge of the service member's achievements can recommend an award using the DA 638. It is not limited to high-ranking officials.
While the DA 638 is an important part of the process, it is not the final step. The form must go through various levels of approval before the award is officially granted.
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Incomplete Information: One of the most common mistakes is failing to fill in all required fields. Each section, from the soldier's name to the reason for the award, is crucial for processing. Leaving any blank can delay the entire process.
Incorrect Dates: Dates must be entered in the correct format (YYYYMMDD). Misplacing a digit or using the wrong format can lead to confusion and potential rejection of the form.
Missing Justification: The justification section requires specific bullet points detailing the achievements. Vague descriptions or general statements do not effectively convey the merit of the award.
Ignoring Previous Awards: It’s essential to list any previous awards. This information provides context for the current nomination and demonstrates the individual’s ongoing contributions.
Signature Issues: All required signatures must be obtained. Missing signatures can halt the approval process, leading to unnecessary delays.
Not Following Submission Guidelines: Each branch may have specific submission protocols. Ignoring these can result in the form being returned or not processed at all.
Neglecting Privacy Considerations: Be cautious with personal information. While disclosure is voluntary, omitting necessary details can lead to processing delays. Always ensure that sensitive information is handled correctly.
When filling out the DA 638 form, attention to detail is crucial. Here are some important do's and don'ts to consider:
The DA Form 1256 is used to recommend soldiers for various awards and decorations. Similar to the DA 638, it requires detailed information about the soldier's achievements and the specific award being recommended. Both forms focus on documenting the soldier's accomplishments and the reasons for the award, ensuring that all necessary data is collected for proper evaluation. The DA Form 1256, however, is more specific to the Army Achievement Medal and does not cover other types of awards.
The DA Form 2406 serves as a performance evaluation for soldiers. Like the DA 638, it requires input from the soldier's chain of command. Both forms aim to assess and recognize the contributions of soldiers. However, while the DA 638 is focused on awards, the DA Form 2406 evaluates overall performance, which can influence future awards and promotions.
The DA Form 4187 is a personnel action form that documents changes in a soldier's status, including awards. Similar to the DA 638, it collects information about the soldier, such as rank and organization. However, the DA Form 4187 is broader in scope, covering various personnel actions beyond just awards, like reassignments or promotions.
The DA Form 2-1 is a personnel record that provides a comprehensive overview of a soldier's career. While the DA 638 focuses on specific achievements for awards, the DA Form 2-1 includes a soldier's entire military history, such as training, assignments, and awards received. Both forms are important for recognizing a soldier's contributions, but they serve different purposes in documenting a soldier's career.
The DA Form 700-1 is used to document military training and education. Similar to the DA 638, it requires detailed entries about the soldier's accomplishments. Both forms emphasize the importance of recognizing individual achievements. However, the DA Form 700-1 is specifically focused on training milestones, while the DA 638 is centered on awards and decorations.
The DA Form 1059 is a service school academic evaluation report. It assesses a soldier's performance in a training environment, much like the DA 638 evaluates accomplishments for awards. Both forms require signatures from supervisors, ensuring that the evaluation is credible. However, the DA Form 1059 is specific to educational achievements, whereas the DA 638 is for recognizing service and valor.
The DA Form 4856 is a developmental counseling form used to document counseling sessions. Similar to the DA 638, it involves input from a soldier's chain of command. Both forms are designed to support soldier development and recognition. However, the DA Form 4856 focuses on addressing performance issues or career development, while the DA 638 is strictly for awards.
The DA Form 7500 is used for documenting commendations. Like the DA 638, it requires a detailed description of the soldier's actions. Both forms aim to recognize exemplary service. However, the DA Form 7500 is more focused on commendations that may not necessarily lead to formal awards, while the DA 638 is specifically for award nominations.
While navigating various official forms like the DA Form 69 or DD Form 214, it's essential for service members to be aware of financial instruments that may also influence their military journey, such as a Promissory Note, which ensures proper financial agreements are in place when required.
The DA Form 200 is a transfer of accountability form. It documents the transfer of property or equipment. While it shares the requirement for detailed information, similar to the DA 638, the focus is on physical assets rather than individual achievements. Both forms require signatures for validation, but they serve entirely different purposes in military documentation.
The DA Form 2627 is a record of non-judicial punishment. It documents disciplinary actions taken against soldiers. While the DA 638 is about recognizing achievements, the DA Form 2627 addresses performance issues. Both forms require input from leadership, but they reflect opposite sides of a soldier's conduct in the military.