Fill in a Valid Da 638 Template

1. What is the DA 638 form used for?

   The DA 638 form, officially known as the Recommendation for Award, is primarily used to nominate individuals for military awards and decorations. It collects necessary information about the nominee, their achievements, and the recommended award. This form plays a crucial role in recognizing individual contributions and meritorious service within the U.S. Army.

2. Who is eligible to be nominated using the DA 638?

   Any member of the U.S. Army, including active duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel, can be nominated for an award using the DA 638 form. The form is intended for those who have demonstrated exemplary service or achievements worthy of recognition as specified in Army Regulation 600-8-22.

3. What information is required to complete the DA 638 form?

   To complete the DA 638, you will need to provide several details:

   • Name of the individual being nominated (Last, First, Middle Initial)
   • Service number and rank
   • Unit or organization of the nominee
   • Reason for the award, including supportive achievements
   • Signature of the recommender

   This information will help outline the nominee's qualifications for the award.

4. Can I submit the DA 638 for any type of award?

   The DA 638 is generally used for recommendations for most military awards; however, there are specific instructions for awards of valor or heroism, as well as certain higher awards. For these instances, you should refer to Chapter 3 of AR 600-8-22 for special guidance on submission.

5. What happens after the DA 638 is submitted?

   Once the DA 638 form is submitted, it undergoes a review process. Commanders or designated evaluators will assess the provided information and determine the eligibility for the recommended award. If approved, it will lead to official orders and may result in a formal presentation of the award.

6. Is personal information on the DA 638 confidential?

   Yes, the personal information on the DA 638 is protected under the Privacy Act. While it's essential to provide accurate information for processing, disclosing personally identifiable information is voluntary. If you choose not to disclose such information, it may delay the processing of the award.

7. What if the award is for a deceased service member?

   The DA 638 can be used to recommend awards posthumously. You will need to indicate that the award is for a deceased service member by checking the appropriate box on the form. Specific procedures and criteria for posthumous awards are outlined in the regulation, ensuring that such recognitions are handled appropriately.

8. When is it appropriate to include specific achievements on the form?

   It’s crucial to include specific achievements when completing the DA 638. Using bullet points, detail meritorious acts or service that warrant the award. The more specific and compelling the achievements outlined in the justification, the stronger the case for the award will be. Providing evidence and context helps decision-makers understand the significance of the service rendered.

Filling out the DA 638 form correctly is essential for ensuring that awards and decorations are processed without unnecessary delays. Many individuals make mistakes that can hinder this process. One common error is failing to accurately complete the name section. It is vital to ensure the complete name, including last name, first name, and middle initial, is written clearly. Any discrepancy in the name can lead to confusion or rejection of the application.

Another frequent mistake lies in the omission or incorrect listing of the organization and branch of service. The DA 638 form explicitly requires accurate information regarding an individual's organization and service branch. Missing this information can further complicate the award approval process. Accuracy is not just important; it is necessary for avoiding additional steps later that could delay the award.

The reason for the award is another critical section that merits careful attention. Many applicants neglect to provide a clear and comprehensive explanation for the award. The awarding authority relies on this part to assess merit, making detailed descriptions of achievements essential. Providing vague or generalized statements might result in the disapproval of the award, thus missing an opportunity to recognize deserving individuals.

Lastly, many people overlook the importance of signatures on the form. Signatures from all required authorities must be present to validate the form. Not providing a signature where necessary can prevent the DA 638 from moving forward in the approval process. Review the form thoroughly to ensure all necessary signatures are included; this serves as confirmation that every individual completed their section accurately and responsibly.

The DA Form 638 is used primarily for the recommendation of awards within the military. This form serves as a vital document for recognizing soldiers for their achievements and contributions. Alongside the DA Form 638, several other forms and documents are commonly used in the award process. Below is a list of such forms, each with a brief description of its purpose and significance.

• DA Form 1 - This form is also known as the "Morning Report" and details daily changes in a soldier's status. It helps maintain accurate personnel records and is often referenced during the award process.
• DA Form 1059 - The "Service School Academic Evaluation Report" summarizes a soldier’s performance in educational programs and can support award recommendations by highlighting professional development achievements.
• DA Form 2166-9 - The "NCO Evaluation Report" provides a comprehensive evaluation of a Non-Commissioned Officer’s (NCO) performance and helps assess suitability for awards based on leadership and duty performance.
• DA Form 4970 - Known as the "Civilian Performance Appraisal," this form evaluates civilian employees’ contributions and can also be referenced in award nominations for soldiers working alongside them.
• DD Form 214 - This document serves as a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and includes details about the service member's time in the military, which can support award eligibility.
• SF 86 - The "Questionnaire for National Security Positions" collects information for a security clearance and may reflect the trustworthiness of a soldier, influencing their eligibility for specific awards.
• DA Form 4187 - This form is used for personnel action requests, which can cover changes like awards or promotions. It is instrumental in tracking changes related to soldiers’ status.
• DA Form 705 - This is the "Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard," which documents a soldier's fitness levels. Physical performance may be a factor in certain award considerations or eligibility.
• DA Form 2627 - The "Record of Proceedings Under Article 15, UCMJ" records non-judicial punishment actions and may impact eligibility for awards based on conduct and discipline history.

These forms collectively support the award recommendation process by providing essential information and documentation. Together, they ensure that the achievements and dedication of service members are appropriately recognized within the military framework.

The DA Form 638 is a key document used in the United States Army for recommending awards. There are several other forms that share similarities with the DA 638, primarily in their functions related to awards and recognitions. Here are ten forms that are similar to the DA Form 638:

• DA Form 1059 - This form is used for evaluations of service members participating in Army training courses. Like the DA 638, it records achievements and can influence future awards or promotions.
• DA Form award 7030 - Known as the Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report, this document assesses NCO performance and also contributes to award nominations.
• DA Form 4980-14 - A request for a Bronze Star Medal is similar to the DA 638 since it involves due recommendations and justifications for specific, noteworthy acts of service.
• DA Form 4187 - Used for personnel actions, it sometimes includes award recommendations, paralleling the DA 638 in acknowledging individual accomplishments.
• DA Form 638-1 - This is essentially an outdated version of the DA 638, designed for the same purpose but replaced by the current form for better efficiency.
• DA Form 3 - This document pertains to award recommendations for foreign military service and, like the DA 638, requires substantiation of the service member's achievements.
• DA Form 4100 - This form is used for processing applications for commendation and service medals, making it similar in intent and purpose to the DA 638.
• DA Form 4521 - A certificate of achievement, which often accompanies awards like those recommended on the DA 638, celebrates individual accomplishments within military service.
• DA Form 3349 - This form, related to profiling for physical conditions, sometimes includes recommendations for awards related to fitness achievements, paralleling the achievement highlights on the DA 638.
• DA Form 675 - This is a report of efficiency that assesses performance directly relevant to award nominations highlighted in the DA 638.

Each of these forms serves unique purposes while maintaining a focus on the recognition of service members' accomplishments. By utilizing these forms, the Army ensures that proper acknowledgment is given where it is due.

When filling out the DA 638 form, consider the following guidelines:

• Ensure all personal information, such as name and SSN, is accurate and complete.
• Provide specific examples of achievements in the justification section to support the nomination.
• Double-check the dates to avoid errors in the award period.
• Follow any special instructions related to the type of award being recommended.
• Confirm signatures and titles of authorities are properly included before submission.
• Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

Avoid the following common mistakes:

• Do not leave any field blank unless specifically instructed that it is optional.
• Avoid vague descriptions of achievements; detail is crucial for clarity.
• Do not submit the form without verification of all cited accomplishments.
• Refrain from using outdated forms or versions that may no longer be valid.
• Do not overlook the importance of including the proposed presentation date, if applicable.
• Avoid submitting the form late, as timing can impact the award consideration.

Here are some common misconceptions about the DA 638 form that may lead to confusion.

• It's only for awards. Many believe the DA 638 is solely for awards. In reality, it is also used to consider nominations for decorations and record final actions.
• Personal information is mandatory. Some think that all personal details must be provided. While it's true that missing information can delay processing, disclosure of personally identifiable information is actually voluntary.
• Only superiors can fill it out. Many people assume that only a superior can submit the form. However, anyone who can provide the necessary information and justification can recommend an award.
• Completing it is complicated. A common belief is that filling out the DA 638 is overly complex. In fact, the form is straightforward and designed to guide you through the necessary information step-by-step.
• There’s a strict format for justification. Some may think that there's an exact structure for the justification section. While specific examples of achievements are required, there's flexibility in how to present them.
• The recommendation is permanent. Many believe that once an award is recommended, it cannot be changed. In fact, recommendations can be upgraded or downgraded based on further review and circumstances.
• It's only relevant during wartime. There’s a misconception that the DA 638 is only used for wartime awards. This is not true; it is applicable for various awards, both during peacetime and wartime.

Understanding these points can help streamline the process and promote clarity when dealing with the DA 638 form.

• The DA Form 638 is essential for recommending awards and decorations for military personnel, necessitating accuracy in completion to ensure successful processing.

• Gather necessary information before filling out the form, including the recipient’s full name, organization, branch of service, rank, and previous awards.

• Clearly specify the reason for the award and provide detailed justifications in the designated section. Concrete examples of service or acts of merit will make the nomination more compelling.

• Ensure that all required signatures are obtained from the recommending authority and appropriate levels of command to facilitate timely processing.

• Keep in mind that providing personally identifiable information is voluntary, but omitting such details might result in delays in processing the nomination.

• After submission, follow up on the status of the nomination and be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if required.