Fill Out a Valid Da 638 Form

Fill Out a Valid Da 638 Form

The DA Form 638 is a document used by the United States Army to recommend individuals for awards and decorations. This form is essential for recognizing soldiers' achievements and contributions, and it serves to maintain individual award case files. By following the guidelines outlined in Army Regulation 600-8-22, the DA Form 638 facilitates the nomination process and ensures that deserving service members receive appropriate recognition for their valor and service.

Make This Da 638 Online

The DA Form 638 serves a crucial role in recognizing the achievements of military personnel. This form is primarily used to recommend individuals for various awards and decorations, ensuring that their exceptional service is formally acknowledged. It is essential for documenting the nomination process, recording final actions, and maintaining individual award case files. The form includes sections for personal information, such as the soldier's name, rank, and organization, alongside details about the specific award being recommended. Additionally, it requires a justification section where the recommender can highlight notable achievements and meritorious acts. There are also provisions for different types of awards, including valor and heroism, which follow special instructions outlined in Army Regulation 600-8-22. Understanding the nuances of the DA Form 638 is vital for anyone involved in the military awards process, as it helps to ensure that deserving service members receive the recognition they rightfully earn.

Documents used along the form

The DA Form 638 is a vital document used in the military to recommend individuals for awards and decorations. However, it is often accompanied by other forms and documents that provide additional context, details, or necessary approvals. Understanding these related documents can streamline the process of recognition and ensure that all required information is submitted accurately.

  • DA Form 4187: This form is used to request a variety of personnel actions, such as changes in duty assignments or modifications to awards. It serves as a formal request to initiate actions that may impact a soldier’s career.
  • DA Form 1059: This document is a certificate of completion for military training courses. It provides evidence of the soldier's qualifications and accomplishments, which can support their nomination for awards.
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  • DA Form 2166-9: This is the NCO Evaluation Report. It evaluates a non-commissioned officer’s performance and potential. This report can be a key component in justifying award nominations by highlighting the individual’s contributions.
  • DA Form 7000: This form is used for the Army’s Financial Assistance Program. It can be relevant for soldiers who have received awards that come with financial benefits, ensuring all financial aspects are documented properly.
  • AR 600-8-22: This regulation outlines the policies and procedures for military awards. While not a form, it serves as a crucial reference for understanding eligibility criteria and the award process, guiding the completion of the DA Form 638.
  • Supporting Letters: These are letters from peers, supervisors, or other individuals that provide additional context or endorsements for the award nomination. They can strengthen the case by detailing specific acts of valor or service.

Utilizing these forms and documents in conjunction with the DA Form 638 can enhance the nomination process. Each document plays a specific role in ensuring that the award recommendation is thorough and well-supported, ultimately reflecting the true merit of the individual being recognized.

Check out Common Documents

Similar forms

  • DA Form 1256: This form is used to recommend a soldier for an award. Similar to the DA 638, it requires detailed justification for the award and includes sections for personal and service information.

  • DA Form 2-1: The DA Form 2-1 is a personnel record that outlines a soldier's qualifications and achievements. Like the DA 638, it serves as a record of accomplishments but is more comprehensive regarding overall service history.

  • DA Form 1059: This form is utilized for documenting academic achievements. It is similar in purpose, as both forms recognize service and accomplishments, but the DA Form 1059 focuses on educational achievements.

  • DA Form 703: The DA Form 703 is used for the Army Physical Fitness Test. While it assesses physical performance, it shares a common goal with the DA 638 of documenting achievements and qualifications.

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  • DA Form 4187: This form is used for personnel actions, such as reassignments or promotions. Both forms require detailed information and justification, reflecting the soldier's service and contributions.

  • DA Form 638-1: This is the predecessor to the DA 638 and served a similar purpose in recommending awards. It includes sections for personal information and justification, though it has been replaced by the DA 638.

  • DA Form 3349: Used for profiling soldiers with medical conditions, this form documents limitations. Both forms require detailed information about the soldier's situation, though their focuses differ.

  • DA Form 7500: This form is used for documenting exceptional performance in special operations. Like the DA 638, it aims to highlight significant achievements and contributions.

  • DA Form 7425: This is used for documenting commendable service in a specific duty position. Both forms serve to recognize and validate a soldier's contributions, though the DA Form 7425 is position-specific.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the DA 638 form, consider the following guidelines:

  • Provide accurate and complete information in all required fields.
  • Use clear and concise language when describing achievements and reasons for the award.
  • Ensure that the proposed citation reflects the meritorious acts performed.
  • Double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors before submission.
  • Submit the form in a timely manner to avoid processing delays.

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Do not leave any required fields blank; this may lead to delays.
  • Avoid vague descriptions; specificity strengthens the nomination.
  • Do not submit the form without the necessary signatures.
  • Do not provide inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Avoid waiting until the last minute to complete the form.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Personal Information: Failing to fill out all required fields, such as name, rank, or SSN, can lead to delays. Each section must be completed accurately.

  2. Incorrect Dates: Entering the wrong dates for the period of award can cause confusion. Ensure that the dates are in the correct format (YYYYMMDD) and reflect the actual service period.

  3. Vague Justifications: Providing unclear or general descriptions in the justification section weakens the nomination. Specific examples of achievements should be included to support the award recommendation.

  4. Missing Signatures: Not obtaining the necessary signatures from recommenders or approval authorities can halt the process. Every signature is essential for validation.

  5. Failure to Indicate Award Type: Not clearly marking the recommended award can lead to misunderstandings. Be sure to specify the award type in the designated section.

  6. Omitting Previous Awards: Forgetting to list any prior awards may affect the current nomination. Include all relevant previous awards to provide a complete picture of the individual’s accomplishments.

  7. Neglecting Privacy Act Compliance: Ignoring the privacy statement and not understanding the implications of sharing personal information can lead to complications. Always be aware of the privacy requirements when submitting the form.