Blank Da 638 PDF Form

What is the purpose of the DA Form 638?

The DA Form 638 is used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations. It serves to document nominations, record final actions, and maintain individual award case files. This form is essential for ensuring that deserving service members receive recognition for their achievements.

Who is authorized to use the DA Form 638?

The form is intended for use by military personnel who are nominating individuals for awards. This includes service members from all branches of the military. The recommendations must align with the guidelines established in Army Regulation 600-8-22.

What information is required on the DA Form 638?

The form requires detailed information about the nominee, including their name, rank, Social Security Number, organization, and branch of service. Additionally, it asks for the reason for the award, previous awards, and specific achievements that justify the nomination. This information is crucial for a thorough evaluation of the nomination.

How does the Privacy Act affect the information on the DA Form 638?

The Privacy Act protects personally identifiable information collected on the DA Form 638. While providing this information is voluntary, failure to do so may delay the processing of the application. The information may be disclosed to authorized entities, including public and private organizations that grant or publicize awards.

What are the different sections of the DA Form 638?

The DA Form 638 consists of several parts: Part I collects soldier data, Part II gathers recommender data, Part III focuses on justification and citation data, and Part IV involves recommendations and approvals. Each section plays a vital role in the overall evaluation and approval process for the award.

What should be included in the justification and citation data?

This section should contain specific bullet examples of meritorious acts or services performed by the nominee. Clear and concise descriptions of achievements are essential. They help the reviewing authorities understand the significance of the nominee's contributions and the rationale behind the award recommendation.

How is the approval process for the DA Form 638 structured?

The approval process involves multiple levels of authority. Each authority reviews the nomination and can either approve, disapprove, or recommend an upgrade or downgrade of the award. Signatures and dates are required at each level to ensure accountability and traceability in the decision-making process.

Can the DA Form 638 be used for posthumous awards?

Yes, the DA Form 638 can be used to recommend posthumous awards. The form includes a specific section to indicate if the award is being recommended posthumously. This ensures that the contributions of the deceased service member are recognized and honored appropriately.

1. Incomplete Personal Information: One of the most common mistakes is failing to provide complete personal details in Part I. Missing information such as the soldier's full name, rank, or Social Security Number (SSN) can lead to delays in processing the award.

2. Incorrect Dates: Entering the wrong dates for the period of the award is another frequent error. Ensure that the dates are accurate and follow the YYYYMMDD format to avoid confusion.

3. Vague Justifications: The justification section should contain specific examples of meritorious acts. Failing to provide detailed bullet points can weaken the nomination, making it less compelling.

4. Omitting Previous Awards: Not listing previous awards received by the nominee can result in an incomplete picture of their accomplishments. This information is crucial for the review process.

5. Ignoring Signature Requirements: All necessary signatures must be collected before submission. Missing signatures can halt the approval process and delay the award.

6. Not Following Formatting Guidelines: The form has specific formatting requirements. Using incorrect font sizes or styles can make the document look unprofessional and may lead to rejection.

7. Failing to Check for Errors: Simple typographical errors can undermine the credibility of the nomination. Always proofread the form to catch any mistakes before submission.

8. Neglecting to Update Contact Information: If the recommender's contact information changes, it should be updated on the form. This ensures that any follow-up questions can be addressed promptly.

The DA Form 638 is a critical document used to recommend individuals for military awards. It serves as a formal means to recognize achievements and contributions made by service members. However, it is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that facilitate the award process. Below is a list of commonly used forms that may accompany the DA Form 638.

• DA Form 4856 - This is the Developmental Counseling Form, which documents counseling sessions between leaders and soldiers. It may be used to provide context or background on the service member's performance and conduct, which can be relevant when recommending awards.
• DA Form 1059 - This form is used to document the completion of military training courses. It highlights the skills and knowledge acquired by the service member, which can be pertinent when justifying an award recommendation.
• DA Form 7500 - The Army's Award Recommendation Form provides a standardized format for submitting recommendations for various awards. This form can be used alongside the DA Form 638 to ensure all necessary information is captured in a consistent manner.
• DA Form 2166-9 - This form is the NCO Evaluation Report, which assesses the performance of non-commissioned officers. It offers insights into the leadership qualities and accomplishments of the service member, supporting their award nomination.
• DA Form 703 - The Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard records a soldier's physical fitness test results. High scores can strengthen an award recommendation by demonstrating the soldier's commitment to physical readiness.
• DA Form 4187 - This is the Personnel Action Form, used to document various personnel actions, including awards. It may be necessary to submit this form to initiate the award process or to update personnel records.

Understanding these forms and their purposes can streamline the award recommendation process and enhance the likelihood of recognition for deserving service members. Each document plays a unique role in providing a comprehensive view of an individual's qualifications and achievements.

The DA Form 638 is essential for recommending awards within the military. Several other documents serve similar purposes, facilitating the recognition of service members for their achievements. Here are four documents that are comparable to the DA Form 638:

• DA Form 4187: This form is used for personnel actions, including requests for awards and decorations. Like the DA Form 638, it requires detailed information about the service member and the justification for the action being requested.
• DA Form 1059: This document records the completion of military training and education. It highlights achievements and contributions, similar to how the DA Form 638 documents meritorious acts for awards.
• DA Form 7500: This form is used to document and recommend awards for civilians working in support of military operations. It parallels the DA Form 638 by capturing the necessary information to justify an award.
• DA Form 2406: This is a counseling form that can be used to document performance and achievements. While it serves a different purpose, it shares the goal of recognizing individual contributions, much like the DA Form 638.

When filling out the DA 638 form, here are seven things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do: Provide accurate and complete information in all sections.
• Do: Use clear and concise language when describing achievements.
• Do: Ensure that the recommended award matches the achievements listed.
• Do: Double-check dates and names for accuracy.
• Don't: Leave any required fields blank.
• Don't: Use vague language; be specific about accomplishments.
• Don't: Forget to sign the form; your signature is crucial for processing.

Understanding the DA Form 638 can be challenging due to various misconceptions. Here are nine common misunderstandings about this form:

• It is only for valor awards. Many believe the DA Form 638 is exclusively for valor or heroism awards. In reality, it can be used for any type of award or decoration, including service-related recognitions.
• Only high-ranking officials can submit it. Some think that only senior officers can recommend someone for an award. However, any service member can initiate a recommendation using this form.
• It requires extensive legal knowledge. There is a misconception that filling out the form requires legal expertise. The process is straightforward and can be completed by anyone familiar with the service member's achievements.
• It is a lengthy process. Many fear that the award recommendation process takes too long. While processing times can vary, timely and accurate submissions can significantly speed up the approval.
• All awards require a separate form. Some believe that each award requires its own DA Form 638. In fact, multiple awards can be documented on a single form, provided they are for the same individual.
• Personal information is mandatory. There is a misconception that you must provide all personal information, such as Social Security numbers, to submit the form. While this information is helpful, its disclosure is voluntary.
• Only achievements in combat qualify. Many think that only achievements during combat can be recognized. However, significant contributions during peacetime are also valid for consideration.
• Once submitted, the process is out of your hands. Some believe that after submitting the form, they cannot influence the outcome. In reality, follow-ups and additional information can be provided if necessary.
• It is a one-size-fits-all form. There is a notion that the DA Form 638 is uniform for all awards. However, different awards may require specific justifications or additional documentation.

Addressing these misconceptions can help service members better navigate the award recommendation process and ensure that deserving individuals receive recognition for their contributions.

Filling out the DA 638 form correctly is essential for ensuring that individuals receive the awards they deserve. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• The DA 638 form is used to recommend individuals for awards and decorations.
• Make sure to provide accurate personal information, including the nominee's name, rank, and organization.
• Clearly state the reason for the award in section 12. This helps reviewers understand the merit of the nomination.
• Use specific examples of achievements in Part III to justify the nomination. Bullet points can help highlight key actions.
• Be aware of the different types of awards, including interim and posthumous awards, and indicate them clearly on the form.
• Signatures from the recommender and approving authorities are crucial. Ensure all required signatures are obtained.
• Filling out the form accurately can prevent delays in processing. Double-check all entries for correctness.
• Disclosure of personal information is voluntary, but omitting it may slow down the application process.
• Keep a copy of the completed form for your records. This can be useful for future reference or follow-ups.
• Review the instructions in AR 600-8-22 for specific guidelines related to the type of award being recommended.