Blank Da 638 PDF Form

How to Use Da 638

Completing the DA Form 638 is essential for recommending an individual for military awards and decorations. This process involves gathering specific information about the soldier, the award being recommended, and the justification for the award. Following these steps will help ensure that the form is filled out accurately and completely.

1. Part I - Soldier Data:
   • Enter the soldier's name (Last, First, Middle Initial) in field 1.
   • Fill in the date in YYYYMMDD format in field 3.
   • Provide the soldier's rank in field 5.
   • Input the soldier's Social Security Number (SSN) in field 6.
   • Specify the organization in field 7.
   • List any previous awards in field 8.
   • Select the branch of service in field 9.
   • Indicate the recommended award in field 10.
   • State the period of the award in fields 11a and 11b.
   • Fill out the reason for the award in field 12, including any interim or posthumous designations if applicable.
   • Provide the proposed presentation date if necessary in field 13.
2. Part II - Recommender Data:
   • Enter your name (Last, First, Middle Initial) in field 14.
   • Provide your address in field 15.
   • Fill in your title/position in field 16.
   • Specify your rank in field 17.
   • Sign the form in field 19.
3. Part III - Justification and Citation Data:
   • List specific achievements that justify the award in fields 20 (Achievement #1 to Achievement #4).
   • Draft a proposed citation in field 21.
4. Part IV - Recommendations/Approval/Disapproval:
   • Complete the necessary fields for intermediate authority recommendations in fields 22-26, including signatures and dates.
5. Part V - Orders Data:
   • Fill in the orders issuing HQ in field 27a and provide the permanent order number in field 27b.
   • Complete the approved award information in fields 28-30.

1. What is the purpose of the DA Form 638?

   The DA Form 638 serves as a recommendation for awards within the U.S. Army. It is used to nominate individuals for various awards and decorations, record final actions taken on those nominations, and maintain individual award case files. This form is essential for recognizing the achievements and service of soldiers.

2. Who is authorized to use the DA Form 638?

   The form is intended for use by members of the U.S. Army and their authorized representatives. This includes commanders and other officials who are responsible for recommending soldiers for awards. The form must be filled out accurately to ensure proper consideration for the award.

3. What information is required on the form?

   The DA Form 638 requires several key pieces of information, including:

   • Name of the soldier being nominated
   • Rank and organization of the soldier
   • Branch of service
   • Reason for the award
   • Details of previous awards
   • Specific achievements that justify the award

   Additionally, the recommender must provide their own information, including their title, rank, and signature.

4. What types of awards can be recommended using this form?

   The DA Form 638 can be used to recommend various types of awards, including but not limited to:

   • Meritorious Service Medals
   • Army Commendation Medals
   • Army Achievement Medals
   • Valor awards for acts of heroism

   For awards higher than the Meritorious Service Medal, additional special instructions must be followed as outlined in Army Regulation 600-8-22.

5. What is the significance of the Privacy Act Statement on the form?

   The Privacy Act Statement informs individuals about the authority under which their personal information is collected and how it will be used. It emphasizes that providing personal information is voluntary, but failure to do so may delay the processing of the award nomination. This statement is crucial for protecting the privacy of the individuals involved.

6. How is the approval process structured for awards recommended on the DA Form 638?

   The approval process involves multiple levels of authority. After the recommender submits the form, it is reviewed by intermediate authorities who can approve, disapprove, or recommend upgrades or downgrades of the award. Each level of authority must sign and date the form, ensuring a thorough review before final approval is granted.

7. 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 where the recommender can indicate if the award is being recommended posthumously. This allows for proper recognition of the service and sacrifice of soldiers who have passed away.

8. What happens if the form is incomplete or inaccurate?

   If the DA Form 638 is incomplete or contains inaccuracies, it may lead to delays in processing the award nomination. It is vital for recommenders to ensure that all sections of the form are filled out correctly and that the information provided is accurate. In some cases, incomplete forms may be returned for corrections, which can prolong the recognition process.

1. Failing to provide complete personal information.

   All sections, such as name, rank, and SSN, must be filled out accurately. Incomplete information can lead to processing delays.

2. Neglecting to specify the reason for the award.

   Section 12 requires a clear indication of the reason for the award. Lack of clarity can result in confusion during the review process.

3. Overlooking the required signatures.

   Both the recommender and the approval authority must sign the form. Missing signatures may invalidate the submission.

4. Providing vague or insufficient justification.

   In Part III, it is essential to include specific examples of achievements. Generic statements do not adequately support the award nomination.

5. Incorrectly indicating the period of the award.

   Accurate dates are crucial in Section 11. Errors in this section can lead to complications in award eligibility.

6. Failing to adhere to submission timelines.

   Timely submission is critical. Late submissions may result in disqualification from receiving the award.

The DA Form 638 is an important document used in the military to recommend individuals for awards. It is often accompanied by other forms and documents that help streamline the process of recognition and ensure all necessary information is collected. Below is a list of forms that are frequently used alongside the DA Form 638.

• DA Form 4187 - This form is used for requests for personnel actions. It can include requests for awards, reassignments, or changes in duty status. It provides a structured way to communicate changes and requests within military personnel management.
• DA Form 1059 - This form is utilized to document completion of training courses. It serves as an official record of an individual's training achievements and can be used to support award nominations.
• DA Form 2-1 - This is the Personnel Qualification Record. It contains vital information about a service member's career, including awards, training, and assignments. It is often referenced when considering awards.
• DA Form 7000 - This form is used for the Army's Family Readiness Group. It helps document support activities and can be important in recognizing the contributions of family members to a service member's success.
• DA Form 2823 - This is a Sworn Statement form. It is used to collect statements from witnesses or individuals involved in incidents that may warrant awards for valor or service. It provides additional context for award recommendations.
• DA Form 4856 - The Developmental Counseling Form is used for counseling sessions. It can document performance and achievements that may be relevant for award recommendations.
• AR 600-8-22 - This Army Regulation outlines the policies and procedures for military awards. It serves as a reference for eligibility and the award process, guiding individuals in their recommendations.
• DA Form 3150 - This form is a request for a certificate of appreciation. It is often used to recognize contributions of civilians or organizations that support military operations and can be related to awards.
• DA Form 2446 - This form is used for the submission of a recommendation for the Soldier’s Medal. It documents the details of acts of heroism and valor, which can complement the DA Form 638.

Using these forms in conjunction with the DA Form 638 can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of award nominations. Each document plays a unique role in the overall process of recognizing military service and achievements.

The DA Form 4187, commonly known as the Personnel Action form, is similar to the DA Form 638 in that it is used to document actions related to military personnel. This form captures various requests, such as promotions, transfers, or awards, and requires detailed information about the service member, including their name, rank, and unit. Both forms serve to ensure that personnel actions are officially recorded and processed through the appropriate channels, providing a clear trail of documentation for future reference.

The DA Form 2446, or the Award Recommendation form, also shares similarities with the DA Form 638. It is specifically designed for recommending awards and decorations for military personnel. Like the DA Form 638, the DA Form 2446 requires detailed justification for the award, including specific achievements and contributions of the service member. Both forms are essential in maintaining a structured process for recognizing outstanding service within the military.

The DA Form 1059, known as the Academic Evaluation Report, is another document that parallels the DA Form 638 in its purpose of assessing individual performance. While the DA Form 638 focuses on awards, the DA Form 1059 evaluates a service member's educational achievements and conduct during military training. Both documents contribute to a service member's overall record and can impact future opportunities for promotions and awards.

Lastly, the DA Form 7500, or the Army Civilian Service Award Nomination form, is similar to the DA Form 638 in that it is used to recommend awards, but it specifically applies to civilian employees within the Army. This form captures the same essential information regarding the nominee's achievements and the rationale for the award. Both forms facilitate the recognition of exceptional contributions, whether from military personnel or civilian staff, underscoring the importance of acknowledging service across the Army.

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

• Ensure all personal information is accurate and complete.
• Use clear and concise language when describing achievements.
• Follow the specific instructions outlined in AR 600-8-22.
• Provide specific examples of meritorious acts or service.
• Double-check dates to avoid discrepancies.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Do not leave any required fields blank.
• Avoid vague descriptions of achievements.
• Do not submit the form without proper signatures.
• Refrain from using abbreviations that may not be widely understood.
• Do not forget to include the proposed presentation date if applicable.

Understanding the DA Form 638 is crucial for anyone involved in the military awards process. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Below is a list of five common misunderstandings regarding this form, along with explanations to clarify each point.

• The DA Form 638 is only for awards related to valor. Many believe this form is exclusively for valor or heroism awards. In reality, it is used for a variety of awards, including commendations and achievements that may not involve direct acts of bravery.
• Submitting the form guarantees an award. Some individuals think that simply filling out and submitting the DA Form 638 ensures that the award will be granted. However, the approval process involves multiple levels of review, and the final decision is based on the merits of the nomination.
• Only high-ranking officials can recommend awards. There is a misconception that only senior officers can fill out and submit the DA Form 638. In fact, any member of the military can recommend someone for an award, provided they can substantiate the nomination with adequate justification.
• The form is not necessary for posthumous awards. Some believe that posthumous awards do not require the DA Form 638. This is incorrect. Even for posthumous recognitions, the form must be completed to ensure proper documentation and processing.
• All information on the form is public. There is a common belief that all details submitted on the DA Form 638 are publicly accessible. While certain information may be disclosed, personal identifying information is protected under the Privacy Act, and disclosure is limited to specific circumstances.

By addressing these misconceptions, individuals can better navigate the awards process and ensure that deserving service members receive the recognition they have earned.

• The DA 638 form is essential for recommending awards and decorations within the Army. It serves as a formal mechanism to document individual achievements.

• Accurate completion of all sections is crucial. Missing or incorrect information can delay the processing of the award.

• Part I gathers soldier data, including name, rank, and organization. Ensure this information is precise and up-to-date.

• In Part III, provide specific examples of meritorious acts or services. Clear and detailed bullet points strengthen the case for the award.

• Be mindful of the Privacy Act. While disclosure of personal information is voluntary, it is necessary for processing the application.

• Part IV requires signatures from recommending and approving authorities. Each signature confirms eligibility and accuracy of the information provided.

• Keep a copy of the completed form for your records. This can be beneficial for future reference or if questions arise during the review process.