Fill Your Da 638 Template

Fill Your Da 638 Template

The DA Form 638 is a document used by the U.S. Army to recommend individuals for awards and decorations. It serves to record nominations, maintain award case files, and document final actions related to military honors. Understanding the purpose and process of this form is essential for those involved in military award nominations.

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The DA Form 638 serves as a vital tool within the U.S. Army for recognizing and awarding individuals for their exceptional service and achievements. This form is specifically designed for the recommendation of awards and decorations, playing a crucial role in the process of honoring military personnel. It is governed by Army Regulation 600-8-22, which outlines the procedures for military awards. The form collects essential information, including the soldier's name, rank, organization, and the reason for the award, ensuring that each nomination is thoroughly documented. Additionally, it captures details about previous awards and the proposed presentation date, which helps in maintaining a comprehensive record of an individual’s accolades. The form also includes sections for justification and citation data, where recommenders can provide specific examples of meritorious acts or service that support the nomination. Importantly, the DA Form 638 adheres to privacy regulations, allowing for the voluntary disclosure of personal information while emphasizing that failure to provide such information may delay the processing of the award application. By facilitating the recognition of valor, heroism, and exemplary service, the DA Form 638 plays a significant role in fostering a culture of appreciation within the military community.

Documents used along the form

The DA Form 638 is an essential document used for recommending awards within the military. However, there are several other forms and documents that often accompany it to ensure a smooth and thorough award process. Below is a list of these forms, along with a brief description of each.

  • DA Form 4187: This form is used for personnel actions, including requests for awards and decorations. It provides necessary details about the service member and the action being requested.
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  • DA Form 1059: Known as the Academic Evaluation Report, this document is used to evaluate a soldier's performance during a specific training course. It can support award nominations by highlighting achievements in training.
  • DA Form 2-1: This is the Personnel Qualification Record. It contains a soldier's career history and can be referenced to validate previous awards and accomplishments.
  • DA Form 700-8: This form is used for the nomination of soldiers for awards. It provides a structured way to present the soldier's achievements and contributions.
  • DA Form 2404: This is the Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Worksheet. While not directly related to awards, it may be referenced to show a soldier's responsibility and care for equipment, supporting their overall performance.
  • DA Form 4856: The Developmental Counseling Form is used to document counseling sessions. It can be beneficial in providing context for a soldier's performance and readiness for an award.
  • DA Form 7500: This form is a recommendation for the Soldier's Medal and is specific to valor awards. It details the circumstances and acts of heroism that warrant such recognition.

Understanding these accompanying forms can greatly enhance the award nomination process. Each document plays a role in presenting a comprehensive view of a soldier's qualifications and achievements, ensuring that their contributions are appropriately recognized.

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Guidelines on How to Fill Out Da 638

Filling out the DA Form 638 is an important step in the process of nominating an individual for an award. This form collects necessary information about the nominee and the recommender, as well as details about the achievements that warrant recognition. Accurate and complete information is essential to ensure the timely processing of the award nomination.

  1. Begin with Part I - Soldier Data.
  2. In Section 1, enter the nominee's name (Last, First, Middle Initial).
  3. Fill in the date (YYYYMMDD) in Section 3.
  4. Provide the nominee's Social Security Number (SSN) in Section 6.
  5. Indicate the nominee's rank in Section 5.
  6. List the organization in Section 7.
  7. Specify the branch of service in Section 9.
  8. Detail any previous awards in Section 8.
  9. State the recommended award in Section 10.
  10. Indicate the period of the award in Section 11 (a. From, b. To).
  11. In Section 12, select the reason for the award and indicate if it is an interim or posthumous award.
  12. In Part II - Recommender Data, enter the recommender's name and address in Sections 14 and 15.
  13. Fill in the recommender's title/position in Section 16 and rank in Section 17.
  14. Sign the form in Section 19.
  15. In Part III - Justification and Citation Data, list specific achievements in Section 20.
  16. Write a proposed citation in Section 21.
  17. In Part IV, provide the necessary signatures and dates for the intermediate authority in Sections 22-26.
  18. Complete Part V - Orders Data by filling in the necessary information in Sections 27-30.

Similar forms

The DA Form 1256, also known as the "Department of the Army Certificate of Achievement," serves a similar purpose as the DA 638 in recognizing individual accomplishments. Both forms are utilized to document and recommend awards for military personnel. The DA 1256 focuses specifically on achievements that may not meet the criteria for more formal awards, while the DA 638 is geared toward nominations for higher-level decorations. Each form requires detailed descriptions of the individual's contributions, ensuring that the merits of the service member are adequately captured and presented for consideration.

The DA Form 2408-14, or the "Equipment Maintenance Inspection Worksheet," shares a connection with the DA 638 in its emphasis on documentation. While the DA 638 is centered on personnel awards, the 2408-14 focuses on the maintenance and readiness of equipment. Both forms require precise information and signatures from appropriate authorities to validate the entries. This ensures accountability and recognition, whether it be for personnel achievements or the operational status of military equipment.

The DA Form 4187, known as the "Personnel Action," is another document that aligns with the DA 638 in terms of processing personnel-related actions. This form can be used for a variety of requests, including awards, and it requires similar information about the individual, such as name, rank, and the nature of the request. Like the DA 638, the DA 4187 must be signed by relevant authorities to proceed, emphasizing the importance of proper authorization in the military award process.

The DA Form 2-1, or "Personnel Qualification Record," functions as a comprehensive record of a soldier's qualifications and achievements. While the DA 638 is specifically for recommending awards, the DA 2-1 includes a broader scope of an individual's service history, including awards received. Both forms highlight the importance of recognizing individual contributions, and they serve as essential tools for tracking a soldier's career progression within the Army.

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The DA Form 700-1, which is the "Army Award Recommendation," closely resembles the DA 638 in its core purpose of recommending awards. It is specifically designed for certain types of awards and requires detailed justification for the nomination. Both forms necessitate a thorough evaluation of the individual's service and achievements, ensuring that only deserving candidates are recognized for their contributions to the military.

The DA Form 1059, known as the "Service School Academic Evaluation Report," shares a focus on documenting accomplishments but is specific to academic achievements. While the DA 638 is used for a variety of awards, the DA 1059 is tailored to recognize educational milestones. Both forms require a detailed account of the individual's performance and contributions, reinforcing the importance of documentation in the award process.

The DA Form 2823, or "Sworn Statement," can be compared to the DA 638 in that it serves to document specific incidents or actions. While the DA 638 is focused on recommending awards, the DA 2823 is often used to gather evidence or testimonies regarding a soldier's actions. Both forms require clear, concise information and are crucial in establishing a factual basis for decisions related to awards or other personnel actions.

The DA Form 8003, known as the "Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal Certificate," is used to formally recognize service members in the Army Reserve. Similar to the DA 638, this form serves to document and validate the achievements of individuals, although it is specific to the Reserve components. Both forms require a thorough review and approval process, ensuring that the contributions of service members are formally acknowledged.

Finally, the DA Form 638-1, which was replaced by the current DA 638, serves as a historical reference point for the evolution of award recommendation processes. Like the DA 638, it was designed to facilitate the nomination of individuals for awards. Understanding the changes in these forms helps to appreciate the ongoing efforts to streamline and enhance the recognition of military service and achievements.

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Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The DA 638 form is only for military personnel.
  • This form is utilized by all branches of the military, not just the Army. It serves as a standardized method for recommending awards across different services.

  • Misconception 2: The DA 638 is only for awards related to valor or heroism.
  • While it does accommodate nominations for valorous actions, the form is also used for a variety of awards, including service-related achievements and commendations.

  • Misconception 3: Submitting a DA 638 guarantees an award.
  • Submitting the form is merely the first step in the process. Approval is contingent on a review of the merits presented, and not all submissions result in an award.

  • Misconception 4: Personal information on the DA 638 is not protected.
  • The form includes a Privacy Act statement, emphasizing the protection of personally identifiable information. Disclosure is voluntary, but omitting information may delay processing.

  • Misconception 5: The DA 638 form is outdated.
  • The current version of the DA 638 was updated in June 2017. It's essential to use the most recent version to ensure compliance with regulations.

  • Misconception 6: Only officers can submit a DA 638 form.
  • Any member of the military, regardless of rank, can recommend someone for an award using the DA 638. This inclusivity allows for recognition at all levels.

  • Misconception 7: There is no need for justification when submitting the form.
  • Part III of the form specifically requires justification and citation data. Clear examples of achievements must be provided to support the recommendation.

  • Misconception 8: The DA 638 is only used for individual awards.
  • While the form primarily addresses individual nominations, it can also be used for group awards under certain circumstances, depending on the guidelines provided.

  • Misconception 9: There is a strict deadline for submitting the DA 638.
  • While timely submission is encouraged, specific deadlines may vary based on the type of award being recommended. It is advisable to check with the appropriate authority for details.

File Features

Fact Name Description
Form Purpose The DA Form 638 is used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations.
Governing Law This form is governed by Army Regulation 600-8-22, which outlines military awards.
Privacy Act Statement The form includes a Privacy Act statement, indicating how personal information will be handled.
Voluntary Disclosure Disclosure of personal information is voluntary; however, not providing it may delay processing.
Submission Date Applicants must provide the date of the recommendation in the format YYYYMMDD.
Previous Editions DA Form 638, June 2017, replaces previous editions of this form, which are now obsolete.