Free Da 638 PDF Template Open Da 638 Editor Here

Free Da 638 PDF Template

The DA Form 638 is a recommendation form used to nominate individuals for military awards and decorations. It serves as a critical tool for documenting achievements and facilitating the recognition process within the U.S. Army. Completing this form accurately is essential for ensuring that deserving service members receive the honors they have earned.

Ready to recognize someone’s achievements? Fill out the DA Form 638 by clicking the button below.

Open Da 638 Editor Here

Check out Other Templates

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the DA 638 form is essential for nominating individuals for military awards. Here are some key takeaways to ensure the process goes smoothly:

  • Understand the Purpose: The DA 638 form is used to recommend individuals for awards and decorations, capturing essential information about the nominee.
  • Gather Required Information: Before starting, collect necessary details such as the nominee's name, rank, organization, and previous awards.
  • Be Specific: In the justification section, provide clear examples of the individual's achievements. Specificity strengthens the nomination.
  • Follow Privacy Guidelines: Be aware of the Privacy Act. Disclosure of personal information is voluntary, but omitting it can delay processing.
  • Check for Eligibility: Ensure that the nominee meets the eligibility criteria outlined in AR 600-8-22 before submitting the form.
  • Use Correct Dates: Accurately fill in the award period and proposed presentation date to avoid confusion.
  • Signatures Matter: Ensure all required signatures are obtained. Incomplete forms can lead to disapproval.
  • Review Before Submission: Double-check the entire form for accuracy and completeness. Errors can hinder the award process.

Da 638 Preview

Similar forms

The DA Form 31 is a request for leave form used by military personnel. Similar to the DA 638, it requires specific information about the individual, including name, rank, and organization. The purpose of the DA Form 31 is to document requests for leave and ensure proper approval processes are followed. Both forms necessitate signatures from higher authorities, reflecting the hierarchical nature of military processes. Additionally, the DA Form 31 also maintains records of the leave period, akin to how the DA 638 records the award period.

The DA Form 2-1 is a personnel qualification record. This document tracks an individual's military career, including assignments, training, and awards. Like the DA 638, the DA Form 2-1 compiles significant information about the service member, including their achievements and recognitions. Both forms serve as essential documentation for evaluating a service member’s qualifications and history, with the DA 638 specifically focusing on awards and decorations.

The DA Form 1156 is used for the recommendation of a Meritorious Service Medal. This form is similar to the DA 638 in that it is designed to recommend an individual for a specific military award. Both forms require detailed justification and citation of achievements. The DA Form 1156, however, is more focused on a particular type of award, whereas the DA 638 can be used for various awards. Both documents emphasize the importance of documenting meritorious service within the military.

The DA Form 1059 is the academic evaluation report. This document assesses the performance of soldiers in military education courses. Similar to the DA 638, it provides a formal evaluation of an individual’s achievements. Both forms require input from supervisors or instructors and are used to support future recommendations or promotions. While the DA 638 is focused on awards, the DA Form 1059 evaluates educational accomplishments.

The DA Form 67-9 is the officer evaluation report. This report evaluates an officer’s performance and potential for future assignments. Like the DA 638, it requires detailed justification of an individual’s accomplishments and contributions. Both forms are critical for career progression within the military. The DA Form 67-9, however, focuses specifically on officer evaluations, while the DA 638 is broader in scope regarding various types of awards.

The DA Form 4187 is a personnel action request form. This document is utilized to initiate a variety of personnel actions, including awards and decorations. Similar to the DA 638, it requires detailed information about the individual and the action being requested. Both forms are essential for maintaining accurate personnel records and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken within the military structure.

The California Dog Bill of Sale form serves as a legal document that facilitates the sale or transfer of ownership of a dog in California. This form ensures that both parties involved in the transaction agree on the terms and conditions surrounding the exchange. By documenting the sale, it helps protect the interests of both the seller and the buyer. For more information, you can visit templates-guide.com/california-dog-bill-of-sale-template/.

The DA Form 750 is a request for a military award recommendation. This form is specifically designed to recommend individuals for military honors. Like the DA 638, it requires a detailed justification for the award and the individual’s achievements. Both forms serve to document and formalize the recognition of service members for their contributions, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging excellence in military service.

The DA Form 160 is a request for a military occupational specialty (MOS) classification. This document is similar to the DA 638 in that it involves the evaluation of a service member's qualifications and achievements. Both forms require accurate and comprehensive information about the individual. While the DA 638 focuses on awards, the DA Form 160 is concerned with the classification and assignment of personnel based on their skills and training.

The DA Form 2028 is a recommended changes to publications form. This document allows personnel to suggest changes to Army regulations and publications. Similar to the DA 638, it requires specific information about the individual making the recommendation. Both forms contribute to the improvement of military processes and documentation, highlighting the importance of feedback and continuous improvement within the Army.

How to Use Da 638

Completing the DA 638 form is an essential step in the process of recommending an individual for an award or decoration. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete, as this will facilitate the review and approval process.

  1. Section 1: Soldier Data
    • Fill in the soldier's name (Last, First, Middle Initial).
    • Provide the soldier's rank.
    • Enter the soldier's Social Security Number (SSN).
    • Specify the date in the format YYYYMMDD.
    • Indicate the organization the soldier belongs to.
    • List any previous awards received by the soldier.
    • Identify the branch of service.
    • State the recommended award.
    • Fill in the period of the award (From and To dates).
    • Indicate the reason for the award and whether it is an interim or posthumous award.
    • Propose a presentation date if applicable.
  2. Section 2: Recommender Data
    • Provide your name (Last, First, Middle Initial).
    • Enter your title or position.
    • Fill in your rank.
    • List your address.
    • Sign the form.
  3. Section 3: Justification and Citation Data
    • Detail specific achievements in bullet points (up to four examples).
    • Draft a proposed citation that summarizes the achievements.
  4. Section 4: Recommendations/Approval/Disapproval
    • Certify the eligibility of the individual for the award.
    • Complete the intermediate authority sections for recommendations, including signatures and dates.
    • Document any comments or additional information as needed.
  5. Section 5: Orders Data
    • Fill in the details for the orders issuing authority.
    • Provide the permanent order number.
    • State the approved award and the date of approval.

Documents used along the form

The DA Form 638 is a vital document used in the military to recommend individuals for awards and decorations. Alongside this form, several other documents may be required to ensure a thorough evaluation and processing of the award nominations. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that accompany the DA Form 638.

  • DA Form 4991: This form is used to document the details of a soldier's service, including deployments and assignments. It provides a comprehensive overview of the soldier's career, which is essential for assessing eligibility for awards.
  • Florida Motorcycle Bill of Sale: This document is essential for transferring ownership of motorcycles in Florida, detailing the transaction and can be found at https://floridaformspdf.com/.
  • DA Form 1059: The Academic Evaluation Report (AER) is used to evaluate a soldier's performance during military education courses. It helps in recognizing achievements and contributions made during training, which can support award nominations.
  • DA Form 2-1: This form is the Personnel Qualification Record. It contains vital information about a soldier's qualifications, assignments, and awards, serving as a reference for those reviewing the DA Form 638.
  • DA Form 4187: This is the Personnel Action form, used to request changes in a soldier's status, including promotions or awards. It can provide additional context for the award recommendation.
  • DA Form 7500: The Individual Soldier's Record of Training is used to track training and qualifications. This document can substantiate the skills and competencies of the soldier being recommended for an award.
  • Recommendation Letters: These letters from peers or superiors can provide personal insights into the soldier's character and achievements, enhancing the case for the award.
  • Unit Awards Recommendations: This document outlines the achievements of a unit and can be submitted alongside individual recommendations to highlight collective accomplishments that may support individual awards.

Each of these documents plays a significant role in the award nomination process, providing necessary information and context. When submitted together, they create a comprehensive package that helps decision-makers accurately assess the merits of the award being recommended.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: Many individuals fail to fill out all required fields, such as the soldier's name, rank, and organization. Omitting this information can delay processing.

  2. Incorrect Dates: Providing incorrect dates for the award period or the date of the nomination can lead to confusion and may result in disapproval.

  3. Missing Justification: Failing to include specific examples of achievements in the justification section can weaken the nomination. Clear bullet points are essential.

  4. Not Indicating Interim Awards: Not marking whether the award is interim can create issues in processing. Be sure to check the appropriate box.

  5. Incorrect SSN: Entering an incorrect Social Security Number can lead to identity verification issues, which may delay the award process.

  6. Signature Errors: Omitting signatures or providing incorrect titles can invalidate the form. Ensure that all required signatures are included.

  7. Not Following Submission Guidelines: Each branch may have specific submission guidelines. Ignoring these can result in rejection of the application.

  8. Neglecting to Review: Failing to review the completed form for accuracy before submission can lead to simple mistakes that could have been easily corrected.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the DA Form 638, it is essential to approach the process with care and attention to detail. Here are some important guidelines to follow, as well as common pitfalls to avoid.

  • Do ensure accuracy: Double-check all personal information, including names, ranks, and service numbers, to avoid any errors.
  • Do provide complete information: Fill in all required fields thoroughly. Missing details can lead to delays in processing.
  • Do use specific examples: In the justification section, provide clear and concise bullet points that detail the achievements and actions deserving recognition.
  • Do follow the guidelines: Adhere to the instructions outlined in AR 600-8-22 to ensure compliance with military standards.
  • Don't rush the process: Take the necessary time to complete the form accurately. Hasty submissions may result in mistakes.
  • Don't leave out signatures: Ensure that all required signatures are obtained before submission to avoid processing delays.
  • Don't ignore deadlines: Be mindful of any submission deadlines to ensure timely consideration of the award.