Fill a Valid Da 638 Form

What is the purpose of the DA Form 638?

The DA Form 638 is a formal document used by the United States Army for recommending military personnel for awards and decorations. Its primary purpose is to recognize individuals for their valor, heroism, wartime service, and other meritorious acts. It provides a structured way to consider nominations, record final actions, and maintain individual award case files.

Who can initiate a DA Form 638 recommendation?

Any member of the Armed Forces, civilian, or foreign military personnel who has direct knowledge of the individual's meritorious service or achievement can initiate a recommendation for an award by filling out the DA Form 638. However, the form must be endorsed and submitted through the nominee's chain of command for consideration.

What information is required on the DA Form 638?

The form requires detailed information about the nominee including their name, rank, service number (SSN), branch of service, and specific achievements that justify the award. In addition, it requires information on the type of award recommended, the period of the award, and whether it is a posthumous recommendation. The form also includes sections for the recommender's data, a complete justification for the award, and approval or disapproval by the relevant authorities.

Can the DA Form 638 be used for recommending any military award?

Yes, but with limitations. The DA Form 638 is used for a wide range of military awards. For valor, heroism, wartime service, and all awards higher than the MSM (Meritorious Service Medal), specific instructions in Chapter 3 of the AR 600-8-22 must be followed to ensure compliance. For lower-tier awards, the form serves as a comprehensive recommendation tool.

What is the process after submitting the DA Form 638?

After submission, the DA Form 638 goes through various levels of review within the nominee’s chain of command. Intermediate and approving authorities evaluate the recommendation based on the merits of the achievements cited. Upon approval, the form facilitates the issuance of orders that officially grant the award. The process ensures that commendations are reviewed thoroughly and justified appropriately.

Is personal information on the DA Form 638 protected?

Yes. The information provided on the DA Form 638 is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. While the form collects personally identifiable information, such as the nominee’s service number and achievements, this information is used solely for the purpose of processing the award. Disclosure is voluntary, but failure to provide necessary details may delay or impact the processing of the award.

One common mistake made when filling out the DA Form 638 for military awards is inaccurately reporting personal information such as the name, rank, and social security number. This information is critical for the identification of the service member and must exactly match official records. Errors here can lead to significant delays in the processing of awards.

Another area where mistakes frequently occur is in the specification of the award period, outlined in items 11a and 11b. It is imperative to accurately denote the start and end dates of the period for which the award is recommended. Misunderstandings or inaccuracies in these dates can lead to confusion over the scope of achievements being recognized.

Frequently, candidates overlook the importance of thoroughly completing the justification and citation sections (items 20 and 21). Providing detailed bullet examples of meritorious acts or service and a well-crafted proposed citation is crucial. A strong narrative that clearly outlines the service member's achievements makes a compelling case for the award. Vague or incomplete justifications can diminish the perceived value of the contribution.

Ensuring that the correct type of award is recommended (Item 10) is another critical factor. Misidentification of the award can result from unfamiliarity with military awards or a misunderstanding of the criteria for specific decorations. This mistake can cause unnecessary corrections and delays in processing.

The need to specify whether an award is interim, posthumous, or neither (items 12b and 12c) is another detail that is sometimes missed. This distinction is important for the accurate documentation and ceremony associated with military awards. Failure to correctly identify the award type can result in inappropriate handling of the commendation.

Errors in the completion of recommender data (Part II) and the signatures required (Items 19, 22a, 24h, 26h) are also common. The recommender plays a significant role in the award process, and as such, their information and endorsement must be correctly and completely provided. Missing or inaccurate information in this section can invalidate the recommendation.

Incorrect or incomplete orders data (Part V, Items 27a to 30) is another frequent issue. This section is vital for the formal issuance of the award and must be meticulously completed to ensure that the recognition is properly recorded and announced.

Additionally, the use of non-standard abbreviations or acronyms can be a source of confusion. While military personnel are accustomed to a wealth of abbreviations, sticking to standard terminology in formal documents like the DA Form 638 ensures clarity and minimizes the risk of misunderstandings.

Lastly, failing to review the entire form for completeness and accuracy before submission is a widespread oversight. A final review can catch mistakes that could delay the award process or cause a nomination to be overlooked. Attention to detail at every step of filling out the form is paramount to honor the achievements of service members appropriately.

Completing the DA Form 638 for a recommendation for an award is an important process in recognizing the valor, heroism, or meritorious service of military personnel. To support and enhance the nomination package, several other forms and documents are typically used in conjunction. These forms not only provide additional context but also substantiate the achievements and merits of the individual being recommended. Understanding these accompanying documents can help ensure a well-prepared and comprehensive recommendation.

• Service Record: This encompasses the service member's entire military career, including previous awards, training, evaluations, and assignments. It highlights the nominee's history of excellence and dedication.
• NCO Evaluation Report (NCOER) or Officer Evaluation Report (OER): These reports provide a detailed account of the nominee's performance and potential as seen by their supervisors. They are critical in showcasing the nominee's leadership qualities, professional competencies, and contributions to their unit.
• Letters of Recommendation: Written by individuals who have directly observed the nominee's actions, these letters offer personal testimonials and examples of the nominee’s valor or meritorious service, giving a narrative depth to the recommendation.
• Award Citations or Narratives from Previous Awards: Including these documents helps to create a continuous narrative of excellence and valor, demonstrating a pattern of outstanding service and leadership.
• Witness Statements: In cases of valor or heroism, witness statements can provide firsthand accounts of the nominee’s actions. These are particularly powerful when nominating for awards that recognize bravery under fire or lifesaving actions.
• Training Certificates: Relevant training certificates can underscore the nominee's specialized skills or qualifications, particularly if they are directly related to the actions leading to the award recommendation.

While the DA Form 638 is pivotal for the recommendation process, the inclusion of these additional forms and documents enriches the nomination, providing a holistic view of the nominee's career and actions. Collectively, they strengthen the case for approval of the recommended award, ensuring the nominee's accomplishments are fully recognized and appropriately honored.

The SF-50 form, officially known as the Notification of Personnel Action, is similar to the DA 638 form in that it is used within federal employment to document an employee's career progression, including promotions, reassignments, pay adjustments, or awards. Both forms serve as official records that capture important milestones or decisions related to an individual's status within the federal government or military, respectively. The SF-50 form is widely recognized across civilian agencies, while the DA 638 form is specific to the Army's award nomination process.

The NCO Evaluation Report (DA Form 2166-9 Series) bears resemblance to the DA 638 form in its purpose to evaluate the performance and potential of non-commissioned officers within the Army. Though the DA 638 focuses on recognizing exemplary deeds warranting awards, both documents contribute to an individual's career development by documenting achievements and competencies. The NCO Evaluation Report plays a critical role in promotion, schooling, and assignment decisions, paralleling the DA 638's role in awarding honors for meritorious acts.

The Officer Evaluation Report (OER), similar to the DA Form 638, is another evaluative tool within the Army, designated for officers. The OER, like the DA 638, serves to document the performance, achievements, and leadership qualities of Army personnel. While the DA 638 form is specifically for recommendations for awards, the OER provides a broader evaluation of an officer's career with considerations for future roles and promotions, thus influencing an officer's career trajectory through documented performance and potential.

Lastly, the Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) nomination form shares objectives with the DA 638 form, although it is used across all branches of the U.S. military. The JSCM nomination form is employed to recognize individuals who have performed outstanding service and achieved significant accomplishments that warrant commendation. Like the DA 638, it involves a detailed process of nomination, approval, and validation of an individual's contributions to the military, underscoring the importance of formally acknowledging meritorious service across different branches.

Filling out the DA Form 638, a document designed for recommending military personnel for awards, requires attention to detail and an understanding of its components. This form plays a crucial role in acknowledging the valor, heroism, or noteworthy service of service members, hence, it's essential to approach it with the necessary seriousness and precision. Here are five do's and don'ts to consider when completing the DA Form 638.

• Ensure accuracy of information: Double-check all entries for correctness, specifically personal details like names, service numbers, and ranks, to avoid any discrepancies.
• Follow specific guidelines for awards: Adhere to the instructions detailed in AR 600-8-22, particularly for valor, heroism, wartime, and high-level awards, as these often have additional requirements.
• Provide detailed justification: Use clear, concise bullet points to highlight the achievements or meritorious acts that qualify the individual for the award. Specific examples will strengthen the nomination.
• Include proper documentation: Attach any relevant supporting documents or endorsements that can substantiate the nomination and provide a well-rounded view of the individual's accomplishments.
• Review for completeness: Before submission, thoroughly review the form to ensure no section is left unfilled and that all parts of the nomination package present a compelling case for the award.

• Omit personal identification: Failing to provide complete personal identification details, including social security numbers, can delay or hinder the processing of the application.
• Use vague language in justifications: Avoid broad statements or generic descriptions of achievements. The specificity and relevance of the accomplishments are crucial for a successful nomination.
• Disregard privacy considerations: Be mindful of the privacy of the information provided, especially since the form allows for disclosure under certain circumstances as outlined in its privacy act statement.
• Forget to indicate special considerations: If the award is for posthumous recognition or an interim award, these options must be explicitly marked, ensuring the review process accommodates these circumstances.
• Submit without proper endorsements: All necessary signatures and recommendations must be included before submission, as missing endorsements can invalidate the nomination.

When it comes to the DA Form 638, also known as the Recommendation for Award, there are several misconceptions that often circulate among those not deeply familiar with military administrative procedures. Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for accurately recognizing individuals' contributions and ensuring they receive the commendation they rightfully deserve.

• Misconception 1: The DA Form 638 is only for high-ranking officers.
  Contrary to popular belief, the DA Form 638 is not exclusively for high-ranking officers. It is available for recommending soldiers of all ranks for awards and decorations based on their service and achievements.
• Misconception 2: Completing the DA Form 638 is a complex process.
  While the form requires attention to detail, the process is straightforward when the instructions are followed carefully. It includes sections for soldier data, recommendation data, and justification for the award.
• Misconception 3: Personal information is not protected.
  The Privacy Act Statement included in the form ensures that personal information is handled with the utmost care, adhering to privacy laws and regulations to protect individuals' information.
• Misconception 4: The DA Form 638 is only for wartime acts of valor.
  This form serves not only to recognize acts of valor during wartime but also to honor meritorious service and achievements in non-combat situations.
• Misconception 5: Recommendations can be made by anyone within the service member's chain of command.
  Recommendations typically come from direct supervisors or commanders who have firsthand knowledge of the service member's achievements, though special considerations and endorsements can expand the pool of potential recommenders.
• Misconception 6: If you don’t hear back immediately, the recommendation was not approved.
  The approval process can be lengthy, involving several layers of review and endorsement. Lack of immediate feedback does not necessarily indicate disapproval.
• Misconception 7: The form is only for Army personnel.
  While DA stands for Department of the Army, and the form is primarily used within the Army, its format and structure serve as a model for similar commendation processes in other branches of the military, albeit under different form numbers and regulations.
• Misconception 8: Electronic signatures are not acceptable on the DA Form 638.
  In today's digital age, electronic signatures are widely accepted for the DA Form 638, provided they meet the Army's security and verification standards.
• Misconception 9: Once submitted, the DA Form 638 cannot be revised.
  If new information or corrections are necessary, the form can be revised and resubmitted through the appropriate channels, ensuring the most accurate and up-to-date information is considered.
• Misconception 10: Posthumous awards are not possible through the DA Form 638.
  The form does allow for posthumous award recommendations, ensuring that fallen soldiers can be duly honored for their sacrifices and service.

Dispelling these misconceptions about the DA Form 638 is important for the accurate and fair recognition of military personnel's achievements and sacrifices. Understanding the purpose, process, and protections associated with the form ensures that commendations are appropriately awarded and cherished.

Filling out the DA Form 638, which is the Recommendation for Award, involves understanding specific guidelines and requirements outlined in Army Regulation 600-8-22. This form is used to recommend individuals for military awards, recognizing their valor, heroism, or service. Below are key takeaways about filling out and utilizing this form effectively.

• The form serves multiple purposes, such as considering nominations for awards, recording final actions on those nominations, and maintaining individual award case files.
• It is guided by Army Regulation 600-8-22 and requires inputs such as the nominee’s personal information, award recommendation details, achievement descriptions, and approval authorities’ endorsements.
• Part I of the DA Form 638 requires the nominee’s personal and service information, including name, rank, social security number (SSN), branch of service, and period of the award.
• Reason for the award, proposed presentation date, and whether the award is posthumous or an interim award are crucial fields in understanding the context and urgency of the award recommendation.
• In Part III, justifications for the award must be clearly articulated, utilizing bullet points to detail specific achievements or meritorious acts.
• Recommendations, approvals, or disapprovals of the award by intermediate and final approval authorities are detailed in Part IV, indicating the procedural hierarchy and decision-making process.
• Personal information provided on DA Form 638 is subject to privacy regulations, and although voluntary, missing details can hinder the award process.

Completion and submission of the DA Form 638 require careful attention to the nominee’s achievements and the specific criteria for the recommended award. Accurate and thorough documentation ensures deserved recognition and honors within the military community.