Homepage Fillable Da 638 Form
Navigation

The DA Form 638 serves as a crucial document within the United States Army for the recommendation and processing of awards and decorations. This form is utilized to nominate individuals for various honors, including those for valor, heroism, and wartime service, as well as for awards exceeding the Meritorious Service Medal. It is governed by Army Regulation 600-8-22, which outlines the procedures and guidelines for military awards. The form collects essential information, such as the nominee's name, rank, organization, and the specific reason for the award. It also includes sections for the recommender's details and justification for the nomination, requiring concrete examples of meritorious acts or service. Additionally, the DA Form 638 incorporates a Privacy Act Statement, ensuring that personal information is handled in compliance with federal regulations. The document must be completed accurately to avoid delays in processing, emphasizing the importance of precise data entry. Furthermore, the form facilitates communication with various authorities within the Army, allowing for a structured review and approval process for award recommendations. Through this systematic approach, the DA Form 638 plays a vital role in recognizing and honoring the contributions of service members.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: Failing to fill out all required fields can lead to delays. Each section must be completed accurately, including names, ranks, and dates.

  2. Incorrect Dates: Providing wrong dates for the period of the award can cause confusion. Make sure the dates are accurate and formatted correctly (YYYYMMDD).

  3. Missing Justification: Not including specific examples of achievements can weaken the nomination. Clear, detailed bullet points should highlight the meritorious acts or service.

  4. Neglecting Signatures: Forgetting to obtain necessary signatures from recommenders can halt the process. Ensure all required signatures are present before submission.

  5. Ignoring Privacy Act Requirements: Failing to understand the privacy implications of the information provided can lead to issues. Be aware of what personal information is being disclosed.

  6. Not Following Submission Guidelines: Each form has specific submission instructions. Ignoring these can result in the form being rejected or delayed.

Guide to Writing Da 638

Completing the DA Form 638 is an essential step in the process of nominating someone for an award. This form collects necessary information about the individual being nominated, as well as the recommender. Follow these steps carefully to ensure that the form is filled out correctly and completely.

  1. Begin with Part I - Soldier Data. Fill in the following fields:
    • 1. Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
    • 2. Date (YYYYMMDD)
    • 3. From (indicate the period of service)
    • 4. Rank
    • 5. SSN
    • 6. Organization
    • 7. Branch of Service
    • 8. Previous Awards
    • 9. Recommended Award
    • 10. Reason for Award
    • 11. Period of Award (From and To)
    • 12. Indicate if it is an Interim Award and if it is Posthumous
    • 13. Proposed Presentation Date (if applicable)
  2. Proceed to Part II - Recommender Data. Fill in the following fields:
    • 14. Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
    • 15. Address
    • 16. Title/Position
    • 17. Rank
    • 18. Relationship to Awardee
    • 19. Signature
  3. In Part III - Justification and Citation Data, provide detailed achievements:
    • 20. List up to four specific achievements that justify the award
    • 21. Draft a proposed citation that summarizes the achievements
  4. Move on to Part IV - Recommendations/Approval/Disapproval. Complete the following:
    • 22. Certify eligibility and correctness of Part I information
    • 23. Fill in details for Intermediate Authority including signature and date
    • 24. Repeat the process for any additional Intermediate Authorities
  5. Finally, complete Part V - Orders Data:
    • 25. Provide details about the orders issuing HQ
    • 26. Include the name and title of the approval authority
    • 27. Add the approved award and date

After filling out the form, review it for accuracy and completeness. Ensure that all required signatures are obtained before submitting the form to the appropriate authority for processing. This will help facilitate a smooth review and approval process for the award nomination.

Documents used along the form

The DA Form 638 is a critical document used in the military to recommend individuals for awards and decorations. When submitting this form, several other documents may accompany it to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the nominee's achievements. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that often accompany the DA Form 638.

  • DA Form 4991: This form is used to document a Soldier’s eligibility for an award based on their service and accomplishments. It includes details about the service member's performance and any previous awards received, providing context for the current nomination.
  • Articles of Incorporation: Essential for establishing a corporation in New York, the Articles of Incorporation form outlines vital details such as the corporation's name, purpose, and structure. For a template, visit NY Templates.
  • DA Form 1059: The Academic Evaluation Report is utilized to assess a Soldier’s performance during military schooling. It highlights the skills and knowledge gained, which can support the rationale for an award recommendation.
  • DA Form 4187: This form is the Personnel Action request, used to document changes in a Soldier’s status. It can be important when an award is linked to a specific action or event in the Soldier's career.
  • Supporting Memorandum: This document provides additional context and justification for the award recommendation. It may include endorsements from peers or superiors, emphasizing the nominee's contributions and impact on the unit or mission.

These accompanying documents help create a robust case for the award, ensuring that all relevant information is presented for consideration. The thoroughness of the submission can significantly influence the outcome of the award process.