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Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The DA 638 form is only for military awards.

    • Many believe that the DA 638 form is exclusively for military awards. In reality, it is used for various recognitions, including commendations and decorations for service members, regardless of their branch of service.

  • Misconception 2: Completing the form guarantees an award.

    • Some individuals think that simply filling out the DA 638 form ensures that an award will be granted. However, the form is just a recommendation. The final decision rests with the approving authority, who evaluates the merit of the nomination.

  • Misconception 3: Personal information on the form is not important.

    • There is a common belief that personal details, like the service member's SSN, are not crucial. This is incorrect. Accurate information is essential for processing the award and avoiding delays. Missing or incorrect details can hinder the application.

  • Misconception 4: The DA 638 form is a one-time submission.

    • Many assume that the DA 638 form is submitted once and never revisited. In truth, updates may be necessary. If new achievements or changes occur, the form can be resubmitted to reflect these updates, ensuring the award consideration remains current.

Documents used along the form

The DA Form 638 is an important document used for recommending military awards and decorations. When submitting this form, it is often necessary to include additional documents to support the application. Below is a list of forms and documents that are commonly used alongside the DA Form 638.

  • DA Form 4187: This is the Personnel Action form, which is used to request changes in a soldier's status, including awards and decorations. It provides a formal way to document any personnel actions that may affect the award recommendation.
  • DA Form 1042: The Medical Certificate form is used to verify a soldier's medical status, especially when injuries or health conditions impact their eligibility for certain awards. This form helps ensure that all relevant health information is considered in the award process.
  • DA Form 7500: This form is utilized for documenting a soldier's significant accomplishments and contributions. It serves as a supplementary record that can enhance the justification for the award being recommended.
  • DA Form 2406: The Performance Evaluation form is used to assess a soldier's performance over a specific period. This evaluation can provide essential context regarding the soldier's qualifications for the award.
  • DA Form 7425: The Award Recommendation form is used for specific types of awards, such as the Army Achievement Medal. This form includes detailed criteria that must be met and can streamline the award process when used alongside the DA Form 638.
  • Colorado ATV Bill of Sale Form: For efficient ownership transfers in Colorado, utilize the reliable Colorado ATV Bill of Sale information to ensure all legislative requirements are met.
  • DA Form 15-6: This is an Investigation Report form, which may be necessary if there are any inquiries or investigations related to the actions being recognized. It ensures that all relevant facts are considered during the award recommendation process.

Including these additional forms can help create a comprehensive and compelling case for the award being recommended. It is essential to ensure that all documentation is accurate and complete to facilitate the processing of the award application.

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Key Details about Da 638

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

    The DA 638 form is used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations. It allows for the documentation of achievements and the processing of award nominations. The form helps maintain records of individual award cases and ensures that proper recognition is given for meritorious acts or service.

  2. Who can submit a DA 638 form?

    Any military personnel or authorized individuals can submit a DA 638 form on behalf of a service member. This includes superiors, peers, or anyone who has witnessed the achievements of the individual being nominated. It’s important that the recommender is familiar with the accomplishments of the nominee to provide accurate information.

  3. What information is required on the form?

    The DA 638 form requires several key pieces of information, including:

    • Name of the individual being nominated
    • Rank and organization
    • Branch of service
    • Reason for the award
    • Period of service for which the award is being recommended
    • Specific achievements that justify the award

    Providing detailed and accurate information is crucial for the processing of the award.

  4. How are achievements documented on the DA 638 form?

    Achievements should be documented using specific bullet examples. This means that the recommender should clearly outline the actions or services that warrant the award. Each achievement should be concise yet descriptive enough to convey the significance of the actions taken by the nominee.

  5. What happens after the DA 638 form is submitted?

    Once the form is submitted, it undergoes a review process. Intermediate authorities will evaluate the nomination and make recommendations for approval or disapproval. The final decision rests with the approval authority, who will either grant the award or provide feedback on the nomination.

  6. Can the DA 638 form be used for posthumous awards?

    Yes, the DA 638 form can be used to recommend posthumous awards. In such cases, it is important to indicate that the award is being recommended posthumously on the form. This ensures that the nomination is processed correctly and that the appropriate honors are bestowed upon the deceased service member.

  7. Is there a deadline for submitting the DA 638 form?

    While there is no universal deadline for submitting the DA 638 form, it is advisable to submit it as soon as possible after the qualifying event or achievement. Timeliness is important, as delays may impact the recognition of the service member's accomplishments.

  8. What should I do if I have questions about the DA 638 form?

    If you have questions about the DA 638 form, it is best to consult your unit's personnel office or the awards and decorations officer. They can provide guidance on the completion of the form, the nomination process, and any specific requirements that may apply to your situation.

Similar forms

The DA Form 638 serves a vital role in the process of recommending individuals for military awards. It is similar to several other documents that also facilitate the recognition of service members for their achievements. Below is a list of seven documents that share similarities with the DA Form 638, along with an explanation of how they are alike.

  • DA Form 4980-14: This form is used for the Army Achievement Medal. Like the DA Form 638, it requires detailed justification for the award, emphasizing the need for specific examples of meritorious service or achievement.
  • Texas Affidavit of Gift form: This important document is required when giving a vehicle as a gift in Texas. It serves as proof that the item was given without any expectation of payment or return service. For more information and to fill out the form correctly, visit https://texasformspdf.com/fillable-affidavit-of-gift-online/.
  • DA Form 4980-18: This form is utilized for the Army Commendation Medal. It, too, necessitates a thorough description of the actions that warrant recognition, paralleling the DA Form 638 in its focus on individual accomplishments.
  • DA Form 638-1: This document was previously used for award recommendations before being replaced by the DA Form 638. Both forms aim to collect similar information regarding the service member's achievements and the rationale for the award.
  • DA Form 1059: This form is for the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon. It shares the goal of documenting individual accomplishments and contributions, similar to the DA Form 638's purpose of recognizing exceptional service.
  • DA Form 67-9: The Officer Evaluation Report (OER) serves to evaluate an officer's performance. While it is broader in scope, it includes sections that highlight significant achievements, akin to the specific accomplishments required on the DA Form 638.
  • DA Form 7500: This form is used for the Meritorious Service Medal. It requires a detailed narrative justifying the award, much like the DA Form 638, which seeks to provide a comprehensive account of the service member's contributions.
  • DA Form 2166-9: This is the Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report (NCOER). It documents an NCO's performance and achievements over a specific period, paralleling the DA Form 638 in its aim to recognize and validate individual efforts within the military framework.

Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the military's recognition system. They ensure that service members receive the acknowledgment they deserve for their dedication and accomplishments.

Guide to Filling Out Da 638

Completing the DA 638 form requires attention to detail and accuracy. This form is essential for nominating individuals for awards and decorations within the military. The following steps will guide you through the process of filling out the form correctly.

  1. Part I - Soldier Data: Fill in the soldier's name (last, first, middle initial) in box 1.
  2. Enter the soldier's rank in box 5.
  3. Input the soldier's Social Security Number (SSN) in box 6.
  4. Provide the organization name in box 7.
  5. Specify the branch of service in box 9.
  6. List any previous awards in box 8.
  7. Indicate the recommended award in box 10.
  8. State the period of the award in boxes 11a and 11b (from and to dates).
  9. Explain the reason for the award in box 12.
  10. Mark whether it is an interim award (box 12b) and if it is posthumous (box 12c).
  11. Fill in the proposed presentation date in box 13 if applicable.
  1. Part II - Recommender Data: Enter the recommender's name (last, first, middle initial) in box 14.
  2. Provide the recommender's address in box 15.
  3. Fill in the recommender's title/position in box 16.
  4. Input the recommender's rank in box 17.
  5. Sign the form in box 19.
  1. Part III - Justification and Citation Data: List achievements in boxes 20 and provide specific bullet examples of meritorious acts or service.
  2. Draft the proposed citation in box 21.
  1. Part IV - Recommendations/Approval/Disapproval: Ensure the intermediate authority certifies eligibility in box 22.
  2. Complete the signature and date fields for each authority involved in the approval process.
  1. Part V - Orders Data: Fill in the orders issuing HQ in box 27a.
  2. Provide the name of the orders approval authority in box 28a.
  3. Complete the rank, permanent order number, and date fields as necessary.

Once completed, review the form for accuracy. Ensure all required fields are filled out and signatures obtained. This thoroughness will facilitate the processing of the award nomination.