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The DA Form 638 is a crucial document used within the U.S. Army to recommend individuals for various awards and decorations. It serves multiple purposes, including the consideration of nominations, recording final actions, and maintaining individual award case files. This form is governed by Army Regulation 600-8-22, which outlines the criteria and procedures for military awards. It is important to note that specific instructions apply for valor, heroism, and wartime awards, as well as for any awards higher than the Meritorious Service Medal. The form also includes a Privacy Act Statement, ensuring that personal information is handled in compliance with federal regulations. Information collected on the form may be disclosed to public and private organizations, including media outlets, that recognize or publicize awards. Completing the DA Form 638 requires detailed information about the nominee, including their name, rank, organization, and the specific reasons for the award. Additionally, it mandates a justification section where recommenders must provide concrete examples of the nominee's achievements. The process culminates in a series of approvals and recommendations by various authorities, ensuring a thorough review before any award is granted.

Similar forms

The DA Form 638 is an important document used within the U.S. Army for recommending awards and decorations. Several other forms serve similar purposes in recognizing achievements and maintaining records of military honors. Below are nine documents that share similarities with the DA Form 638:

  • DA Form 4187 - This form is used for personnel actions, including requests for awards. Like the DA Form 638, it facilitates the recognition of service and achievements, though it focuses more on administrative changes.
  • DA Form 1041 - This form is utilized for documenting training and experience, which can be a basis for awards. It parallels the DA Form 638 in that it collects information that may support award nominations.
  • DA Form 1256 - This document is specifically for recommending awards for civilian employees. Similar to the DA Form 638, it outlines the achievements of the individual and serves to justify the award recommendation.
  • Ohio IT AR Form: This important document plays a crucial role for taxpayers aiming to secure state income tax refunds. After filing their tax returns using Ohio IT 1040 or SD 100, individuals must complete this form to detail their tax obligations and sought refunds, ensuring a thorough claim. For further information on essential documentation, visit All Ohio Forms.

  • DA Form 2406 - This is a counseling form that can be used to document performance and achievements. It resembles the DA Form 638 by recording noteworthy actions that may lead to award considerations.
  • DA Form 638-1 - This is the predecessor to the DA Form 638 and serves a similar purpose. It was used for the same award recommendations before being replaced, highlighting the continuity in documenting service excellence.
  • DA Form 7000 - This form is for documenting service member evaluations, which can influence award nominations. It aligns with the DA Form 638 by emphasizing the importance of performance in award considerations.
  • DA Form 250 - This form is used for documenting accomplishments in a specific area of service. Like the DA Form 638, it provides a structured way to present information that supports an award recommendation.
  • DA Form 2-1 - This form serves as the personnel record for soldiers. It contains information relevant to awards and achievements, similar to how the DA Form 638 compiles relevant data for award nominations.
  • DA Form 15-6 - This investigative form can be used to document incidents that may impact a soldier's eligibility for awards. It shares a common goal with the DA Form 638 by ensuring that all relevant information is considered when recommending awards.

Document Example

Form Specs

Fact Name Description
Form Purpose The DA Form 638 is used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations.
Governing Laws This form is governed by 10 U.S.C. Chapters 57 and 357, and Army Regulation 600-8-22.
Privacy Act Statement The form includes a Privacy Act Statement to inform individuals about the handling of their personal information.
Disclosure Information Disclosure of personal information is voluntary but may delay processing if not provided.
Version Information The current version of the form is DA Form 638, dated June 2017, which replaces previous editions.

Crucial Questions on This Form

What is the purpose of the DA Form 638?

The DA Form 638 is used to recommend individuals for awards and decorations in the U.S. Army. It serves multiple purposes, including considering nominations, recording final actions, and maintaining individual award case files. The form ensures that the nomination process is organized and that the achievements of soldiers are documented appropriately.

Who can fill out the DA Form 638?

The form can be filled out by any individual who is recommending a soldier for an award. This includes peers, superiors, or anyone with knowledge of the soldier's achievements. The recommender must provide accurate information about the soldier, including their rank, organization, and specific reasons for the award.

What information is required on the DA Form 638?

The form requires various pieces of information, including:

  1. Name of the soldier (Last, First, Middle Initial)
  2. Rank and organization
  3. Branch of service
  4. Reason for the award
  5. Previous awards received by the soldier
  6. Period of service for the award
  7. Achievements that justify the award

Providing complete and accurate information is essential for the processing of the award recommendation.

The DA Form 638 can be used to recommend various types of awards, including:

  • Medals for valor or heroism
  • Service medals
  • Commendation medals
  • Meritorious service awards

For awards higher than the Meritorious Service Medal (M8M), special instructions must be followed as outlined in Chapter 3 of AR 600-8-22.

What happens if I do not provide identifying information on the DA Form 638?

While disclosing personally identifiable information is voluntary, failing to provide it may delay the processing of the application. It's important to complete all required fields accurately to avoid any unnecessary holdups in the award recommendation process.

Can the DA Form 638 be used for posthumous awards?

Yes, the DA Form 638 can be used to recommend posthumous awards. The form includes a specific section where the recommender can indicate if the award is intended to be posthumous. This is crucial for ensuring that the award is processed correctly and presented to the appropriate parties.

Documents used along the form

The DA Form 638 is a crucial document used to recommend individuals for military awards. When submitting this form, there are several other forms and documents that may accompany it to ensure a comprehensive review and approval process. Below are four commonly used documents that often accompany the DA Form 638.

  • DA Form 7656: This form is used for the recommendation of a Meritorious Service Medal. It details the achievements and service of the individual being nominated, providing a thorough justification for the award.
  • DA Form 1041: This document is the Army's application for a Certificate of Achievement. It serves to recognize outstanding performance or achievement and requires specific details about the individual's contributions.
  • DA Form 4980-14: Known as the Army Commendation Medal Certificate, this form is issued once an award is approved. It serves as a formal recognition of the award granted and includes pertinent details about the recipient and the award.
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  • DA Form 638-1: This is a predecessor to the DA Form 638 and may still be referenced in certain cases. It contains similar information but may not be as widely used as the current form.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the awards process, ensuring that all necessary information is provided to support the nomination. Having these forms ready can help streamline the approval process and facilitate recognition for deserving service members.

Misconceptions

Understanding the DA 638 form can be challenging, and several misconceptions often arise. Here are four common misunderstandings about this important document:

  • Misconception 1: The DA 638 form is only for valor or heroism awards.
  • This is not entirely accurate. While the DA 638 form is indeed used for valor and heroism awards, it also serves as a means to nominate individuals for various types of military awards and decorations. It can be used for recognizing service achievements, not just acts of bravery.

  • Misconception 2: Completing the form is optional.
  • Some may believe that filling out the DA 638 form is optional, but this is misleading. To formally recommend someone for an award, the form must be completed and submitted. Without it, the nomination process cannot proceed.

  • Misconception 3: The form guarantees that an award will be granted.
  • Submitting a DA 638 form does not guarantee that the award will be approved. The form initiates the review process, but approval depends on the evaluation of the nomination by various authorities. Each case is assessed on its own merits.

  • Misconception 4: Personal information on the form is not important.
  • This is a critical error in understanding. Accurate personal information is essential for the processing of the award. Missing or incorrect details can lead to delays or even disqualification of the nomination. Therefore, attention to detail is crucial.