Table of Contents
The DA Form 638 serves as a crucial tool within the United States Army for recognizing and honoring the exemplary service of soldiers. This form is primarily used to recommend individuals for various awards and decorations, including those awarded for valor, heroism, or significant contributions during wartime. It is essential for both the nominator and the nominee to provide accurate and detailed information, as this will impact the evaluation of the award. The form requires personal details such as the soldier’s name, rank, and branch of service, along with a clear justification for the award based on specific achievements. Furthermore, the DA Form 638 adheres to privacy regulations, ensuring that the personally identifiable information of individuals is handled with care. It also outlines the process for approval, which involves multiple levels of review before a recommendation can be finalized. By documenting the reasons for the award and maintaining individual case files, this form plays a vital role in the Army’s commitment to recognizing outstanding service and dedication. Understanding the intricacies of the DA Form 638 can empower soldiers and their advocates to navigate the award process effectively.
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Document Specifics
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Form Purpose | The DA 638 form 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 | Information collected is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring confidentiality of personal data. |
| Disclosure Information | Disclosure of personal information is voluntary, but not providing it may delay processing. |
| Submission Frequency | There is no specific limit on how often this form can be submitted for different individuals. |
| Previous Editions | The current version replaces previous editions of the DA 638 form, which are now obsolete. |
| Effective Date | The DA 638 form was last updated in June 2017. |
How to Write Da 638
Completing the DA Form 638 is an important step in the process of nominating an individual for an award. This form requires specific information about the soldier being nominated, the recommender, and the justification for the award. Properly filling out this form ensures that all necessary details are provided for consideration.
- Gather Required Information: Collect all necessary details about the nominee, including their name, rank, organization, and service branch.
- Complete Part I - Soldier Data: Fill in the soldier's name (last, first, middle initial), rank, Social Security Number (SSN), organization, previous awards, recommended award, and the period of the award.
- Indicate the Reason for Award: Specify the reason for the award, including whether it is an interim or posthumous award.
- Fill Out Part II - Recommender Data: Provide your name, title, address, rank, and signature. Ensure that your relationship to the awardee is clear.
- Detail Achievements in Part III: List specific bullet points highlighting the soldier's meritorious acts or service. Include at least four achievements.
- Propose a Citation: Write a proposed citation that summarizes the soldier's accomplishments and the reason for the award.
- Complete Part IV - Recommendations/Approval/Disapproval: This section requires signatures and dates from intermediate authorities, confirming eligibility for the award.
- Fill Out Part V - Orders Data: Provide information about the issuing authority, permanent order number, approved award, and the date of approval.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all entries for accuracy before submitting the form to the appropriate authority.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the DA 638 form, attention to detail is crucial. Here are six important guidelines to follow, as well as some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Ensure accuracy in personal information. Verify that the name, rank, organization, and Social Security Number are correct.
- Provide a clear reason for the award. Specify the achievements that warrant recognition, using specific examples.
- Complete all required sections. Every part of the form must be filled out to avoid delays in processing.
- Use concise language. Write clearly and directly to convey the significance of the accomplishments.
- Double-check dates. Confirm that all dates, especially those related to the award period and proposed presentation, are accurate.
- Seek feedback before submission. Have someone review the form to catch any errors or omissions.
- Avoid using vague language. General statements do not effectively communicate the merit of the award.
- Do not leave sections blank. Incomplete forms can lead to processing delays.
- Refrain from exaggerating achievements. Honesty is essential in maintaining the integrity of the award process.
- Do not ignore formatting guidelines. Adhering to the specified format ensures clarity and professionalism.
- Avoid submitting without signatures. Ensure all necessary approvals are obtained before sending the form.
- Do not forget to keep a copy. Retaining a copy of the completed form can be useful for future reference.
Documents used along the form
The DA Form 638 is an essential document for recommending individuals for military awards and decorations. However, it is often accompanied by other forms and documents that help streamline the process and ensure that all necessary information is collected. Below is a list of some common forms and documents that are frequently used alongside the DA Form 638.
- DA Form 4187: This form is used for personnel actions such as requests for promotions, reassignments, or changes in duty status. It provides a formal way to document changes in a soldier's record and is often necessary for processing award recommendations.
- DA Form 1059: This form serves as the academic evaluation report for soldiers who have completed formal training courses. It highlights achievements and performance, which can be relevant when justifying an award.
- DA Form 67-9: Known as the Officer Evaluation Report, this document assesses an officer's performance and potential. It can provide supporting evidence for an award nomination by showcasing a soldier's contributions and accomplishments.
- DA Form 7500: This form is utilized for submitting a request for a commendation or award for a civilian employee. It is important when recognizing the contributions of non-military personnel who have supported military operations.
- DA Form 2446: This is a request for a military decoration for valor. It is specifically designed for cases involving acts of heroism or bravery, and it requires additional documentation to support the claim.
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- Army Regulation 600-8-22: This regulation outlines the policies and procedures regarding military awards and decorations. While not a form, it serves as a critical reference for understanding eligibility and requirements for various awards.
Understanding these forms and documents can significantly enhance the award recommendation process. Each one plays a unique role in ensuring that the contributions and achievements of service members are accurately recognized and honored.