Da 638 PDF Form

1. What is the DA Form 638?

   The DA Form 638 is a document used by the U.S. Army to recommend individuals for awards and decorations. It serves as a formal request to recognize meritorious acts or service by soldiers.

2. Who can submit a DA Form 638?

   Any authorized individual, typically a soldier's supervisor or commanding officer, can submit this form. The recommender must have knowledge of the soldier’s achievements and eligibility for the award.

3. What information is required on the form?

   The form requires detailed information about the soldier, including their name, rank, organization, and the reason for the award. Specific achievements that justify the award must also be included.

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

   The primary purpose is to consider individual nominations for awards and decorations. It helps record final actions and maintain individual award case files.

5. What happens if I don’t provide all the required information?

   If you fail to provide necessary identifying information, it may delay the processing of the application. Complete and accurate information is crucial for timely consideration.

6. Can the information on the DA Form 638 be shared?

   Yes, information may be disclosed to public and private organizations, including the media, that grant or publicize awards. However, this is done in accordance with privacy regulations.

7. What types of awards can be recommended using this form?

   The DA Form 638 can be used to recommend various awards, excluding valor or heroism awards and those higher than the M8M. Specific instructions for these awards are outlined in Army Regulation 600-8-22.

8. How is the DA Form 638 processed after submission?

   Once submitted, the form is reviewed by intermediate authorities who can approve, disapprove, or recommend upgrades or downgrades of the award. The final decision is made by the approval authority.

Detailed Guide for Using Da 638

Completing the DA 638 form requires careful attention to detail. Each section must be filled out accurately to ensure the award process proceeds smoothly. Follow these steps to complete the form correctly.

1. Part I - Soldier Data: Fill in the soldier's name (Last, First, Middle Initial) in box 1. Include their rank in box 5 and Social Security Number (SSN) in box 6. Enter the date in YYYYMMDD format in box 3. Specify the organization in box 7 and the branch of service in box 9. Document any previous awards in box 8. State the recommended award in box 10 and the period of the award in boxes 11a and 11b. Indicate the reason for the award in box 12, and check the appropriate boxes for interim and posthumous awards if applicable.
2. Part II - Recommender Data: Provide the recommender's name (Last, First, Middle Initial) in box 14. Include their address in box 15, title/position in box 16, and rank in box 17. The recommender must sign in box 19.
3. Part III - Justification and Citation Data: List achievements in box 20. Provide specific bullet examples of meritorious acts or service for up to four achievements. In box 21, draft the proposed citation that summarizes the soldier's accomplishments.
4. Part IV - Recommendations/Approval/Disapproval: Ensure that the intermediate authority certifies the individual's eligibility for the award in box 22. The authority must sign and date the form in boxes 22a and 22b. Repeat this process for any additional intermediate authorities in the subsequent sections (boxes 24 and 25).
5. Part V - Orders Data: In box 27, provide the orders issuing headquarters and the permanent order number in box 27b. Document the approved award in box 29 and the date of approval in box 30.

Once the form is completed, review it for accuracy. Ensure all necessary signatures are obtained. Submit the form through the appropriate channels for processing. Timely submission is crucial to avoid delays in award recognition.

The DA Form 638 is a crucial document used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations. Alongside this form, several other documents are often required to ensure a comprehensive review and approval process. Below is a list of additional forms and documents commonly associated with the DA Form 638.

• DA Form 1059: This form is used to document the completion of a training course. It provides a record of the soldier's achievements and is often submitted alongside the DA Form 638 to highlight relevant training that supports the award recommendation.
• DA Form 4187: Known as the Personnel Action form, it is utilized to request changes in a soldier's status, such as promotions or transfers. This form may accompany the DA Form 638 to provide context regarding the soldier's career progression and qualifications for the award.
• DA Form 2823: This is a sworn statement form used to collect witness accounts or personal narratives related to the acts for which the award is being recommended. It can strengthen the justification section of the DA Form 638 by providing additional evidence of meritorious service.
• DA Form 2-1: This is the Personnel Qualification Record, which outlines a soldier's qualifications, assignments, and awards. It serves as a reference to verify the soldier's eligibility and previous recognitions when processing the DA Form 638.
• DA Form 7501: This is the Military Awards and Decorations Record, which tracks all awards received by a soldier throughout their service. It is essential for ensuring that the recommended award is accurately reflected in the soldier's official records.

Each of these documents plays a significant role in the award recommendation process. They provide necessary context, evidence, and verification to support the DA Form 638, ensuring that the contributions of service members are recognized appropriately.

The DA Form 31, Request and Authority for Leave, is similar to the DA Form 638 in that both are used within the military to document important personnel actions. While the DA Form 638 focuses on recommendations for awards, the DA Form 31 is specifically for requesting leave. Each form requires the submission of personal information, such as name and rank, and both forms are subject to review and approval by a chain of command. The DA Form 31 also has a section for justification, similar to the achievements section in the DA Form 638, where the reasons for the request are outlined.

The DA Form 2-1, Personnel Qualification Record, serves as a record of an individual's qualifications and service history. Like the DA Form 638, it contains personal data including name, rank, and service details. Both forms are essential for tracking the accomplishments and eligibility of military personnel. The DA Form 2-1 may be referenced when considering awards, as it provides a comprehensive overview of a service member's career and achievements.

The DA Form 1156, Honorary Award Recommendation, is another document that parallels the DA Form 638. This form is used to recommend individuals for honorary awards, which are distinct from formal military decorations. Both forms require detailed justification and evidence of merit, and they are processed through similar approval channels. The DA Form 1156 emphasizes the importance of recognizing service members for their contributions, much like the DA Form 638 does for awards and decorations.

The DA Form 67-9, Officer Evaluation Report, is a performance evaluation tool that shares similarities with the DA Form 638 in terms of documenting achievements. While the DA Form 638 is specifically for awards, the DA Form 67-9 assesses an officer’s performance over time. Both forms require detailed descriptions of accomplishments and contributions, and they play a role in a service member’s career progression and recognition within the military.

The DA Form 4187, Personnel Action, is used to document various personnel actions, including awards and decorations. Similar to the DA Form 638, it requires the submission of personal information and justification for the action being requested. Both forms undergo a review process and are essential for maintaining accurate records of military personnel actions. The DA Form 4187 can also be used to initiate the award process, making it closely linked to the DA Form 638.

The DA Form 7500, Request for Personnel Action, is another document that aligns with the DA Form 638. This form is used to initiate various personnel actions, including awards. Both forms require detailed information about the individual being recognized and involve a chain of command for approval. The DA Form 7500 is crucial for ensuring that personnel actions, such as award nominations, are properly documented and processed.

Lastly, the DA Form 600-8-22, Military Awards Policy, provides guidance on the awards process and is closely related to the DA Form 638. While the DA Form 638 is the actual recommendation form, the DA Form 600-8-22 outlines the policies and procedures for awards, helping individuals understand eligibility and the criteria for various decorations. Both documents work in tandem to ensure that deserving service members receive appropriate recognition for their achievements.