Free Da 638 PDF Template

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

The DA Form 638 is used to recommend military personnel for awards and decorations. Its purpose is to consider individual nominations, record final actions, and maintain award case files. This form plays a crucial role in recognizing the valor, heroism, service, and achievements of service members during their military career.

2. Who has the authority to issue a DA Form 638?

The authority to issue a DA Form 638 comes from several sources, including the 10 U.S. Code Chapters 57 and 357 on Decorations and Awards, the Secretary of the Army under 10 U.S. Code 3013, and Army Regulation 600-8-22 on Military Awards. These authorities ensure that the form is used appropriately within the Army's framework for recognizing outstanding service and achievements.

3. What information is required on the DA Form 638?

• The form requires detailed information on the nominee, including their name, rank, social security number (SSN), organization, branch of service, and previous awards. It also requires details on the recommended award, the reason for the award, and the period of time the award covers.

• The recommender's data, including their name, title or position, rank, address, relationship to the awardee, and signature, also need to be provided.

• Justification for the award, proposed citation, and specific achievements or acts of merit must be clearly detailed in the justification and citation section.

4. Can the DA Form 638 be used for posthumous awards?

Yes, the DA Form 638 allows for nominations to be submitted for posthumous awards. There is a section on the form where the recommender can indicate whether the award is posthumous and, if so, state the award given. This enables the Army to honor the valor and sacrifice of service members who have given their lives for their country, even after their death.

5. What happens if personally identifiable information is not disclosed on the DA Form 638?

Disclosure of personally identifiable information on the DA Form 638 is voluntary, but failing to provide this information may delay the processing of the application. The information helps in the accurate identification and recognition of the nominee for the award.

6. What is the process after submitting the DA Form 638?

After submission, the DA Form 638 goes through a series of reviews and approvals by intermediate and senior authorities. These authorities may recommend approval, disapproval, or modification of the award based on the criteria set forth in Army Regulation 600-8-22. Once approved, the award is processed, and arrangements for the presentation are made. The form also includes sections for recording the orders issued for the award and its distribution.

7. Are there any special instructions for valor/heroism/wartime awards?

For valor, heroism, wartime awards, and all awards higher than the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), special instructions are provided in Chapter 3 of the Army Regulation 600-8-22. These instructions guide the nominator through the process to ensure such nominations meet the required criteria and are duly recognized for their exceptional bravery and service.

Filling out the DA Form 638, the Recommendation for Award, requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the instructions outlined in AR 600-8-22. However, common mistakes can interfere with the form's acceptance and delay the recognition of deserving individuals. Here are nine frequent errors to avoid:

1. Not accurately checking eligibility against AR 600-8-22 criteria, leading to recommendations for individuals who may not qualify for the proposed award.
2. Failing to provide complete identification details, such as incorrect or incomplete SSN and name formatting, which is essential for processing the award.
3. Overlooking the significance of thoroughly documenting previous awards, which can affect the consideration for the current award.
4. Incorrectly stating the period of award (a. FROM and b. TO) or choosing the wrong recommendation award, potentially disqualifying the nomination.
5. Insufficient justification for the award, not using specific bullet examples of meritorious acts or service as required in PART III - JUSTIFICATION AND CITATION DATA.
6. Not indicating or wrongly indicating the type of award in the sections 12a. INDICATE REASON, 12b. INTERIM AWARD, and 12c. POSTHUMOUS, which can misrepresent the recommendation's purpose.
7. Omitting the proposed presentation date or inaccurately formatting the date, which is critical for scheduling and ceremonial purposes.
8. In PART IV - RECOMMENDATIONS/APPROVAL/DISAPPROVAL, failing to secure the necessary signatures, ranks, and dates from approving authorities, compromising the form's validity.
9. Errors in the ORDERS DATA section, particularly in documenting the issuing headquarters, order numbers, and approver's details, which are crucial for the finalization and distribution of the award.

To ensure the deserved recognition of individuals, it’s important to diligently review and accurately complete every section of the DA Form 638. Taking the time to verify all information against the guidance provided in AR 600-8-22 can prevent delays and ensure the timely and appropriate honoring of achievements.

The DA Form 638, Recommendation for Award, is a pivotal document within the United States Army, used to recommend military personnel for various awards based on meritorious service or acts of valor. Filling out this form correctly and completely is crucial for the recognition of individual achievements, but it's often just one part of a comprehensive documentation process. Several other forms and documents are typically used in conjunction with DA Form 638 to ensure a thorough and accurate award nomination package. Below is an overview of additional forms and documents that are frequently utilized alongside the DA Form 638.

• DA Form 11-2: Management Control Evaluation Certification Statement – This form is used to certify that the recommendations for awards have been evaluated for regulatory compliance and management control.
• DA Form 87: Certificate of Training – Used to document completed training which may be required for eligibility for certain awards.
• NCOER (Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report): This evaluates the performance of noncommissioned officers and is often used to support award recommendations by showcasing exemplary service.
• OER (Officer Evaluation Report): Similar to the NCOER but for commissioned officers, highlighting achievements and performance that could justify an award.
• Letters of Recommendation: These provide personal testimonials to the character and performance of the candidate for an award. They can come from superiors, peers, or even subordinates.
• Citation or Narrative Summary: This narrative provides a detailed account of the actions or service warranting the award, explaining why the individual merits recognition.
• Supporting Statements: These are additional documents that give further evidence of the worthiness of the individual for the award, such as descriptions of specific incidents or accomplishments.
• Unit Citations or Awards: Documentation of any unit-based recognitions can complement an individual's DA Form 638 by providing context to the individual's contributions within a group achievement.

Together, these documents form a comprehensive dossier that not only substantiates the merit of the award but also paints a full picture of the individual's contributions to their unit, the Army, and their country. Accurately and thoroughly preparing these forms and documents alongside the DA Form 638 can significantly impact the recognition process, ensuring deserving individuals receive the honors they have earned. Understanding and compiling the necessary documentation is key to a successful award recommendation.

• The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is similar to the DA Form 638 because they both are critical in the military personnel's career. The DD Form 214 is used to validate a service member's time in the military, their rank, and the awards they have received, which is information that the DA Form 638 provides details on for the specific instance of recommending an award.

• The OPM Form 1203-FX, Assessment Questionnaire, is similar in the sense that both forms capture essential data for evaluation purposes. While the OPM Form 1203-FX is used for assessing a candidate's eligibility for federal employment through their responses to questions, the DA Form 638 evaluates a military member's actions for eligibility for awards, documenting achievements and recommendations.

• The OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment, shares similarities as it collects data on an individual’s background which could influence a decision-making process — in the case of OF-306, for employment decisions, and for the DA Form 638, for award recommendations. Both forms include personal information, background checks, and declarations.

• The NCOER (Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report) and the DA Form 638 are used within the Army to assess personnel, but for different purposes. The NCOER evaluates the performance and potential of noncommissioned officers, documenting their achievements and areas for improvement, similarly to how the DA Form 638 documents achievements for the purpose of award recommendations.

• The SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, is akin to the DA Form 638 in that they both officially record actions that affect a member's career. The SF-50 is used to document employment status, pay adjustments, promotions, and other personnel actions in federal employment, while the DA Form 638 documents recommendations for military awards, which can significantly impact a military member's career trajectory.

Filling out the DA Form 638, a Recommendation for Award, necessitates attention to detail and an understanding of the relevant instructions and regulations. This form is used within the U.S. Army to recommend individuals for awards and decorations, a process governed by Army Regulation 600-8-22. Below are essential guidelines on what one should and should not do while completing this form.

• Do ensure that all personal information is accurate and complete, including the name, rank, and service number of the individual being recommended for the award.
• Don't forget to refer to AR 600-8-22 for specific instructions related to valor/heroism/wartime and awards higher than the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).
• Do cite specific examples of meritorious acts or services that justify the award, using clear and concise bullet points as indicated in Section III of the form.
• Don't include irrelevant or unnecessary information that does not directly support the reason for the award.
• Do check for the proper authorization under which the recommendation is being made, ensuring compliance with the stated authority in the Privacy Act Statement.
• Don't leave sections incomplete, particularly those that are mandatory such as the period of the award, proposed presentation date, and justification for the award.
• Do review the form for any typographical or factual errors before submission. Accuracy is paramount in official documentation.
• Don't assume prior awards are known by the reviewing authority; include all relevant previous awards in section 8 to provide a comprehensive view of the individual's recognition.
• Do obtain all necessary signatures from intermediate and approval authorities as required in Parts IV and V of the form, ensuring the form is processed appropriately through the chain of command.

Adherence to these guidelines will facilitate a smooth recommendation process, honoring those who have distinguished themselves through their service. Filling out the DA Form 638 with diligence and accuracy acknowledges the significance of military awards and the individuals who earn them.

There are several misconceptions about the DA Form 638, Recommendation for Award. This form is pivotal within the military awards process, but misunderstandings can lead to confusion regarding its use and significance.

• Misconception 1: It's Only for Combat Awards
  

  Many believe the DA Form 638 is solely for recognizing valor or heroism in combat situations. However, it is used for a wide range of awards, including those for meritorious service or achievement that isn't related to combat. The form serves to recommend military personnel for most types of awards beyond just combat-related honors.

• Misconception 2: Personal Information is Mandatory for Processing
  

  While the form requests personal information such as the service member's Social Security Number (SSN), disclosure is voluntary. However, omitting this information may delay the application process. The primary function of collecting this data is to ensure accurate identification and record-keeping for award nominations.

• Misconception 3: Recommendations Are Final
  

  Another common misunderstanding is that once a recommendation is submitted on a DA Form 638, it's final and unchangeable. In reality, the form undergoes several levels of review, and recommendations can be upgraded, downgraded, approved, or disapproved by various authority levels. The process is designed to ensure fairness and that the recommended award matches the achievement or service level.

• Misconception 4: Only Direct Commanders Can Recommend Awards
  

  It's often thought that only a service member's direct commander can fill out and submit a DA Form 638. While it's typical for recommendations to come from within a soldier's chain of command, any individual, including those from different units or even the broader public, can initiate a recommendation, provided they have sufficient knowledge of the nominee's meritorious service or achievement. Supervisors, peers, or even civilian colleagues may also contribute, especially if they possess firsthand accounts relevant to the nomination.

Understanding the versatility and procedure of the DA Form 638 clarifies its role in recognizing the diverse and commendable achievements of military personnel, further emphasizing the importance of this form in the broader context of military honors and decorations.

Filling out and utilizing the DA Form 638, a form for recommending military awards, involves careful attention to detail and a clear understanding of the process. Below are four key takeaways that can help ensure the form is completed accurately and effectively:

• Understand the Purpose: The DA Form 638 is strictly used for recommending individuals for awards and decorations, documenting final actions taken, and maintaining individual award case files.
• Know the Authority and Instructions: Being familiar with the governing authority — AR 600-8-22, Military Awards — is crucial. For valor/heroism/wartime and all awards higher than the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), special instructions outlined in Chapter 3 must be followed.
• Provide Detailed Justification: Part III of the form is dedicated to justification and citation data. Utilize specific bullet examples to detail the meritorious acts or service of the individual being recommended. Accuracy and compelling narrative in this section are key to a successful recommendation.
• Ensure Accurate Soldier and Recommender Data: The form requires detailed information about the soldier being recommended as well as the individual submitting the recommendation. This includes everything from personal identifiers to the specific period of the award. Accuracy in this data is paramount to avoid delays or rejections in processing.

Successfully navigating the nuances of the DA Form 638 requires a thorough understanding of its sections and adherence to the Army's regulations on military awards. This ensures that individuals deserving of recognition receive the appropriate accolades for their service and achievements.