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The DA Form 638 serves as a critical document within the United States Army for the recommendation of awards and decorations. This form is utilized to nominate individuals for various honors, ensuring that their achievements are formally recognized. It encompasses essential details such as the nominee's name, rank, organization, and the specific reason for the award. The form also requires a justification section where recommenders can outline meritorious acts or service that warrant recognition. Additionally, the DA Form 638 includes provisions for privacy, as it collects personally identifiable information under the authority of several U.S. codes and regulations. The completion of this form is voluntary, but failure to provide necessary information may lead to delays in processing. The document must be signed by both the recommender and the approving authority, facilitating a structured review process. It is important to note that the form has undergone updates, with the latest version being from June 2017, replacing previous editions. This ensures that the procedures and requirements for award recommendations remain current and effective.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the DA 638 form, there are several important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Following these guidelines can help ensure that your application is processed smoothly and efficiently.
- Do provide accurate and complete information. Double-check names, ranks, and dates.
- Do use specific examples when detailing achievements. Highlight the actions that justify the award.
- Do ensure that the form is signed by the appropriate authorities. Missing signatures can delay processing.
- Do submit the form in a timely manner. Allow sufficient time for review and approval.
- Don’t leave any sections blank. If a section does not apply, indicate that clearly.
- Don’t use vague language. Be clear and concise in your descriptions to avoid confusion.
Document Attributes
| Fact Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Form Purpose | The DA 638 form is used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations. |
| Governing Regulation | This form is governed by Army Regulation 600-8-22. |
| Privacy Act Statement | It includes a Privacy Act Statement to protect personally identifiable information. |
| Eligibility Certification | Recommenders must certify the eligibility of the individual for the award. |
| Required Information | Information such as name, rank, organization, and reason for the award is required. |
| Disclosure Voluntariness | Providing identifying information is voluntary but may affect processing time. |
| Presentation Date | A proposed presentation date for the award can be included on the form. |
| Previous Editions | The DA 638 form replaced the DA Form 638-1, and previous editions are now obsolete. |
| Signature Requirement | Signatures from both the recommender and the approval authority are required. |
| Distribution of Awards | The form outlines the distribution process for the approved awards. |
Key takeaways
When filling out and using the DA 638 form, consider the following key takeaways:
- Complete Personal Information: Ensure that all sections regarding the soldier's name, rank, organization, and service branch are accurately filled out. This includes the Social Security Number (SSN) and previous awards.
- Specify the Award: Clearly indicate the type of award being recommended. This includes providing the reason for the award and the specific period during which the achievements occurred.
- Justification is Key: Use detailed bullet points to describe the soldier's achievements. Specific examples of meritorious acts or service will strengthen the nomination.
- Review Privacy Act Statement: Understand that disclosure of personal information is voluntary, but omitting details may delay processing. Familiarize yourself with the privacy considerations outlined in the form.
- Follow Approval Process: The form must go through several levels of authority for approval. Make sure to complete all necessary signatures and dates to ensure a smooth review process.
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Example - Da 638 Form
Detailed Instructions for Writing Da 638
Completing the DA Form 638 is an essential step in the process of nominating an individual for an award. It requires careful attention to detail to ensure that all necessary information is accurately provided. Below are the steps to guide you through filling out the form correctly.
- Gather Required Information: Collect all necessary details about the individual being nominated, including their name, rank, organization, and previous awards.
- Fill in Personal Data: In Part I, enter the nominee's name (last, first, middle initial), date, rank, SSN, organization, branch of service, and the period of the award.
- Specify Award Details: Indicate the recommended award and the reason for the award. If applicable, check the boxes for interim award or posthumous award.
- Provide Recommender Information: In Part II, fill in your name, title/position, rank, address, and signature.
- Detail Achievements: In Part III, list specific achievements or acts of merit in bullet format. Include at least four examples to support the nomination.
- Propose Citation: Draft a proposed citation that summarizes the nominee's accomplishments and the significance of the award.
- Complete Recommendation Section: In Part IV, ensure that the intermediate authority certifies the individual's eligibility for the award. Include signatures and dates as required.
- Finalize Orders Data: In Part V, fill out the orders data, including the issuing authority's name, rank, and signature.
- Review for Accuracy: Double-check all sections of the form for completeness and accuracy before submission.
Once the form is filled out, it should be submitted to the appropriate authority for processing. Make sure to keep a copy for your records, as it may be needed for future reference or follow-up.
Documents used along the form
The DA Form 638 is an essential document used to recommend individuals for military awards. Several other forms and documents often accompany it to ensure a comprehensive evaluation and processing of the award nomination. Below is a list of these commonly used documents.
- DA Form 4187: This form is used for various personnel actions, including requests for awards and decorations. It provides a structured format to document changes in a soldier's status or requests for specific actions.
- Residential Lease Agreement: A crucial legal document that clarifies the terms and conditions of renting property in New York, ensuring both parties understand their rights and responsibilities. For more information, visit https://newyorkform.com/free-residential-lease-agreement-template.
- DA Form 1041: The Army's "Record of Individual Performance" form captures detailed information about an individual's performance and achievements, which can support award nominations.
- DA Form 2-1: This is the "Personnel Qualification Record." It provides a summary of a soldier's qualifications, training, and experience, which may be relevant to the award recommendation.
- DA Form 1059: This form documents the completion of military training courses. It can be used to highlight additional qualifications that may contribute to the justification for an award.
- DA Form 7000: This form is used for the "Army Family Action Plan." It can include recommendations for awards based on the soldier's impact on family readiness and morale.
- DA Form 67-9: The "Officer Evaluation Report" is critical for documenting an officer's performance and can be referenced in award nominations to provide context on leadership and achievements.
- DA Form 1610: This form is used for travel requests and can be relevant if the award presentation requires travel for the soldier or the recommender.
- DA Form 7500: The "Army Award Recommendation" form is a precursor to the DA Form 638. It serves as a preliminary recommendation before the formal submission of the award nomination.
Each of these documents plays a vital role in the award nomination process. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of the soldier's qualifications and achievements, ensuring that the recommendation is well-supported and accurately reflects the individual's contributions.