Free Da 638 Form in PDF

Filling out the DA Form 638 is an important step in the process of nominating someone for an award. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Understand the Purpose: The form is used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations.
• Privacy Considerations: Personal information is voluntary but necessary for processing. Missing details may delay your application.
• Complete All Sections: Ensure that all parts of the form are filled out accurately, including soldier data and justification.
• Be Specific: Use clear examples of achievements in the justification section to strengthen the nomination.
• Check Eligibility: Confirm that the nominee meets the criteria for the award as outlined in AR 600-8-22.
• Use Correct Dates: Enter accurate dates for the period of the award to avoid confusion.
• Intermediate Authorities: Understand the role of intermediate authorities in the approval process. Their recommendations are crucial.
• Signature Requirements: Ensure that all necessary signatures are obtained, including those from the recommender and approving authorities.
• Review Before Submission: Double-check all information for accuracy and completeness before submitting the form.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with any changes to the form or the award process as outlined in Army regulations.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that the nomination process goes smoothly and that the deserving individual receives the recognition they deserve.

The DA Form 1256, known as the "Recommendation for Award of the Army Achievement Medal," serves a similar purpose to the DA Form 638. Both documents are used to nominate individuals for military awards, specifically recognizing acts of achievement. The DA Form 1256 focuses on the Army Achievement Medal, which is awarded for meritorious service or achievement. Like the DA Form 638, it requires detailed information about the nominee's accomplishments and is signed by a recommending official. The structure is straightforward, making it easy to understand the rationale behind the award recommendation.

Another comparable document is the DA Form 4980-14, or the "Army Commendation Medal Certificate." This form is used to formally present the Army Commendation Medal, which is awarded for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Similar to the DA Form 638, it necessitates a justification for the award, although it primarily focuses on the presentation aspect. Both forms emphasize the importance of clear communication regarding the individual's contributions, ensuring that the recognition is well-deserved and documented.

The DA Form 700-2, or the "Recommendation for Award of the Meritorious Service Medal," is also akin to the DA Form 638. This document is specifically designed for recommending individuals for the Meritorious Service Medal, which recognizes exceptional service. Like the DA Form 638, it requires detailed achievements and justification. Both forms share a common goal of honoring service members for their contributions, and they follow a similar approval process through various levels of command.

Similarly, the DA Form 638-1, which was previously used for award recommendations, shares many similarities with the current DA Form 638. Although it has been replaced, it served the same purpose of documenting recommendations for awards and decorations. The transition from DA Form 638-1 to DA Form 638 reflects an evolution in the documentation process, but both forms required comparable information, including the nominee's achievements and the rationale for the award.

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The DA Form 4187, known as the "Personnel Action," can also be likened to the DA Form 638 in terms of its role in processing personnel actions within the Army. While the DA Form 4187 covers a broader range of personnel actions, it can include recommendations for awards. Both forms require detailed information and signatures from appropriate authorities, ensuring that actions are documented and processed correctly.

Another relevant document is the DA Form 160, or the "Request for Orders." This form is often used to request orders for various personnel actions, including awards. Similar to the DA Form 638, it requires detailed information about the individual and the specific action being requested. Both forms play a crucial role in maintaining accurate records within the Army, ensuring that personnel actions are properly documented and approved.

The DA Form 1059, known as the "Academic Evaluation Report," also shares some similarities with the DA Form 638. While it primarily evaluates academic performance, it can be used to support recommendations for awards based on educational achievements. Both forms require thorough documentation of accomplishments and are signed by individuals in positions of authority, reinforcing the importance of recognizing exemplary performance.

Finally, the DA Form 11-2, or the "Army Training and Evaluation Program," is another document that bears similarities to the DA Form 638. While it focuses on training evaluations, it can also be utilized to recognize individuals for their contributions to training programs. Both forms aim to highlight the achievements of service members, ensuring that their efforts are acknowledged and rewarded appropriately.

Guidelines on Writing Da 638

Completing the DA Form 638 is an important step in the process of recommending someone for an award. This form gathers essential information about the individual being nominated and the reasons for the award. Follow these steps carefully to ensure all necessary details are included.

1. Fill out Part I - Soldier Data: Enter the nominee's name (last, first, middle initial), rank, and Social Security Number (SSN). Provide the organization and branch of service. Include the date and any previous awards. Specify the recommended award and the period for which the award is being recommended.
2. Indicate the reason for the award: Check the appropriate boxes for interim award and posthumous status if applicable. If an interim award is given, include the date.
3. Complete Part II - Recommender Data: Fill in your name, title or position, address, rank, and signature. Make sure to provide the relationship to the awardee.
4. Provide Justification in Part III: List specific achievements that justify the award. Use bullet points to clearly outline meritorious acts or services.
5. Draft the Proposed Citation: Write a concise citation summarizing the nominee's achievements and the reason for the award.
6. Move to Part IV - Recommendations/Approval/Disapproval: This section may require multiple signatures. Ensure that the intermediate authority certifies eligibility for the award and that the information in Part I is correct.
7. Complete Part V - Orders Data: Include information about the issuing authority, permanent order number, approved award, and the date of approval.

After completing the form, review it carefully for any errors or missing information. Submitting a well-prepared form helps streamline the approval process and ensures that the nominee receives the recognition they deserve.

Understanding the DA Form 638 can be challenging due to various misconceptions. Here are ten common misunderstandings and clarifications regarding this important document.

1. Misconception 1: The DA Form 638 is only for valor awards.

This form is used for a variety of awards, not just those for valor. It applies to all types of decorations and honors, including service awards.

2. Misconception 2: Only officers can submit the DA Form 638.

Any service member, regardless of rank, can submit this form. It is designed for all branches of the military.

3. Misconception 3: The DA Form 638 is not required for posthumous awards.

In fact, the form is necessary for posthumous awards. It ensures that the service member’s achievements are officially recognized, even after their passing.

4. Misconception 4: You cannot update the DA Form 638 once submitted.

Updates can be made to the form if additional information or corrections are needed before final approval.

5. Misconception 5: The form is only for individual awards.

While it primarily focuses on individual nominations, it can also be used for unit awards under certain circumstances.

6. Misconception 6: The DA Form 638 is not subject to review.

This form undergoes a thorough review process. Multiple authorities must approve it before any award is granted.

7. Misconception 7: All awards require the same level of documentation.

Different awards may have varying documentation requirements. Higher-level awards often require more detailed justification.

8. Misconception 8: The DA Form 638 is a permanent record.

The information on the form is maintained as part of an individual's award case file but is not a permanent public record.

9. Misconception 9: You can submit the form without a proposed citation.

A proposed citation is an essential part of the submission. It summarizes the achievements that warrant the award.

10. Misconception 10: The DA Form 638 is only relevant during active duty.

This form can also be utilized for reserve and retired service members, ensuring recognition for their contributions at any stage of their military career.

The DA Form 638 is a crucial document for recommending military awards. It is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that help streamline the process of awarding decorations. Below is a list of five forms that are commonly used alongside the DA Form 638, each serving a specific purpose in the awards process.

• DA Form 4856: This form is used for Developmental Counseling. It documents the counseling sessions that can provide context for the service member's performance and achievements, which may support their nomination for an award.
• DA Form 2446: Known as the "Recommendation for Award," this form is utilized to formally recommend an individual for a specific award. It contains detailed information about the individual's accomplishments and contributions.
• DA Form 1059: This form is the Academic Evaluation Report. It evaluates a soldier’s performance in training courses and can serve as a basis for recommending awards, particularly for educational achievements.
• DA Form 15-6: This is an Investigation Report. If an award is based on an incident that requires investigation, this form provides official documentation of the findings, which can bolster the award recommendation.
• General Power of Attorney: This document is crucial for appointing an agent to manage financial and legal decisions, ensuring your preferences are observed when you're unable to act. For guidance on completing this form, refer to Arizona PDF Forms.
• DA Form 7000: This form is used for the Financial Liability Investigation of Property Loss. In cases where a service member's actions involve property loss, this form can provide necessary context for evaluating their overall performance and suitability for awards.

Each of these forms plays an important role in the awards process, ensuring that all relevant information is considered when recognizing a service member's contributions. Properly completing and submitting these forms can significantly enhance the chances of receiving an award.

When filling out the DA 638 form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and completeness. Below is a list of things to do and not to do:

• Do provide complete and accurate information in all required fields.
• Do use clear and specific language when describing achievements.
• Do double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors before submission.
• Do ensure that the proposed presentation date is realistic and achievable.
• Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

• Don't leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms may be delayed.
• Don't use vague terms or generalizations in the justification section.
• Don't submit the form without the necessary signatures.
• Don't forget to include the correct dates for the period of the award.
• Don't provide personal information that is not relevant to the award.

Filling out the DA 638 form correctly is crucial for ensuring that awards and decorations are processed efficiently. However, several common mistakes can hinder this process. One significant error is the failure to provide complete and accurate personal information in Part I. This section requires the full name, rank, and social security number of the individual being nominated. Omitting any of these details can lead to delays or even disqualification of the nomination.

Another frequent mistake occurs in the "Reason for Award" section. Individuals often provide vague or generic reasons instead of specific, detailed justifications. It is essential to articulate the achievements clearly and concisely, using bullet points to highlight meritorious acts. This specificity helps reviewers understand the significance of the contributions made by the nominee.

Additionally, many people neglect to include previous awards in the designated section. This oversight can diminish the perceived merit of the current nomination. Listing prior awards demonstrates a history of excellence and can strengthen the case for the new award. Therefore, it is important to ensure that this section is filled out completely.

In Part III, where the justification and citation data are recorded, individuals often fail to provide concrete examples of the nominee's achievements. Without specific examples, the justification may appear weak or unsubstantiated. Each bullet point should detail particular actions or services that warrant recognition, thereby enhancing the overall impact of the nomination.

Another common error is the incorrect completion of the proposed presentation date. Failing to specify a date or providing an unrealistic timeline can complicate the award process. It is advisable to consult with relevant parties to determine an appropriate date for the award presentation, ensuring that it aligns with organizational schedules.

Lastly, signatures and dates in the approval sections are sometimes overlooked or improperly completed. Each authority involved in the approval process must sign and date the form accurately. Incomplete signatures can result in delays or the rejection of the award nomination. Careful attention to these details is essential for a smooth approval process.