Download Da 638 Template

The DA 638 form is essential for recommending military awards. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Purpose: This form is used to nominate individuals for awards and decorations, document final actions, and maintain award case files.
• Privacy Act Compliance: Personal information is collected under the Privacy Act. Disclosure is voluntary, but omitting details may delay processing.
• Accurate Information: Ensure all personal data, such as name, rank, and service branch, is correct to avoid complications.
• Achievements Section: Use specific bullet points to highlight meritorious acts or service. Clear examples strengthen the nomination.
• Recommended Award: Clearly indicate the award being recommended in the appropriate section of the form.
• Justification: Provide a compelling justification and proposed citation to support the nomination. This section is crucial for approval.
• Signature Requirement: The recommender must sign the form, certifying eligibility for the award and correctness of the information.
• Intermediate Authority Review: The form must go through several levels of approval, with each authority required to sign off on the recommendation.
• Submission Process: After completion, submit the form to the appropriate authority for processing. Follow up to ensure it is received and reviewed.

The DA Form 638 is a crucial document used in the military to recommend individuals for awards and decorations. It serves as a formal request to recognize the achievements and service of soldiers. Alongside this form, several other documents may be required to support the nomination process and ensure that all relevant information is accurately recorded. Below is a list of other forms and documents commonly used in conjunction with the DA Form 638.

• DA Form 4187: This is the Personnel Action form used to request changes in a soldier's status, such as promotion or reassignment. It can be necessary for updating the soldier's records before an award is processed.
• Illinois Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: This document is essential for documenting the transfer of vehicle ownership and can be obtained from Legal PDF Documents.
• DA Form 1059: This form is used to document a soldier's completion of military training. It may be relevant if the training contributed to the achievements being recognized by the award.
• DA Form 4856: This is a Developmental Counseling Form that records counseling sessions. It can provide context for a soldier's performance and achievements, supporting the recommendation for an award.
• DA Form 2-1: The Personnel Qualification Record, which outlines a soldier's qualifications, assignments, and awards. This form helps verify the soldier's eligibility for the award being recommended.
• DD Form 214: This form serves as a certificate of release or discharge from active duty. It is essential for confirming a soldier's service history, especially if the award is posthumous.
• Letters of Recommendation: These letters can be written by peers, superiors, or other individuals who can attest to the soldier's achievements. They add a personal touch and further validate the recommendation.
• Supporting Documentation: This may include photographs, reports, or other materials that demonstrate the soldier's accomplishments. Such evidence can strengthen the case for the award.
• Unit Awards Documentation: If the award is for collective achievement, documentation detailing the unit's accomplishments may be necessary to provide context for the individual soldier's contributions.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the award recommendation process. They help to create a comprehensive picture of the soldier's service and achievements, ensuring that the recognition is deserved and appropriately awarded. Understanding the purpose of each form can facilitate a smoother process for those involved in military awards and decorations.

How to Write Da 638

Filling out the DA 638 form is a straightforward process. This form is essential for recommending individuals for awards and decorations. Ensure that all sections are completed accurately to avoid delays in processing.

1. Part I - Soldier Data: Fill in the soldier's name (last, first, middle initial) in the designated fields (1). Provide the date in YYYYMMDD format (3). Enter the soldier's rank (5) and Social Security Number (6). Indicate the organization (7) and branch of service (9). Specify the period of the award (11) by entering the start date (a) and end date (b). State the reason for the award (12) and whether it is an interim award (12b) or posthumous (12c).
2. Part II - Recommender Data: Enter your name (14), title/position (16), address (15), and rank (17). Sign the form (19).
3. Part III - Justification and Citation Data: Provide specific bullet examples of achievements or meritorious acts in section 20. Fill out achievements (20) and propose a citation (21) that summarizes the soldier's accomplishments.
4. Part IV - Recommendations/Approval/Disapproval: The intermediate authority must certify the eligibility of the individual for the award (22). Complete the signature (22a), date (22b), and provide any comments (22i). Repeat this process for subsequent intermediate authorities (24, 25).
5. Part V - Orders Data: Fill in the orders issuing headquarters (27a), name of orders approval authority (28a), and their title/position (28c). Sign the form (28d) and include the permanent order number (27b) and approved award (29). Finally, enter the date (30) in YYYYMMDD format.

Understanding the DA Form 638 can sometimes be challenging due to common misconceptions. Here are eight of those misconceptions explained clearly:

1. Only high-ranking officials can submit the DA Form 638. This is not true. Any service member can be nominated for an award, regardless of rank. The form is designed to recognize achievements across all levels.
2. The form is only for valor or heroism awards. While the DA Form 638 is used for valor awards, it is also applicable for various other achievements and decorations. It can recognize service, contributions, and other accomplishments.
3. Filling out the form is a lengthy process. Many people think that completing the DA Form 638 takes a lot of time. In reality, with the right information at hand, it can be filled out relatively quickly.
4. Once submitted, the award is guaranteed. Submitting the form does not automatically mean the award will be granted. The nomination is reviewed and must be approved by the appropriate authorities.
5. Personal information on the form is not important. In fact, providing accurate personal information is crucial. Missing or incorrect details can lead to delays in processing the application.
6. The DA Form 638 is only for current service members. This is a misconception. The form can also be used for posthumous awards, recognizing the service of individuals who have passed away.
7. There is a specific format for justifying achievements. While there are guidelines, there is no strict format for detailing achievements. Specific examples are encouraged, but creativity in presentation is allowed.
8. The DA Form 638 can only be submitted through official channels. While it is typically submitted through military channels, there are instances where it can be sent directly to award-granting organizations, depending on the award type.

By understanding these misconceptions, you can better navigate the process of using the DA Form 638 and ensure that deserving service members receive the recognition they deserve.

The DA Form 1256, known as the "Certificate of Achievement," serves a similar purpose to the DA 638 form in that it recognizes individual accomplishments. This form is often used to document achievements that may not warrant a formal award but still deserve acknowledgment. Like the DA 638, it requires specific information about the individual and the achievements being recognized, ensuring that all relevant details are captured for proper record-keeping.

The DA Form 1059, or the "Service School Academic Evaluation Report," is another document that shares similarities with the DA 638. It is used to evaluate soldiers who have completed military education courses. Both forms emphasize the importance of documenting performance and achievements, though the DA 1059 focuses more on educational accomplishments rather than awards. Each form plays a critical role in maintaining a soldier's official records.

The DA Form 214, titled "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is crucial for documenting a soldier's service and honors upon discharge. While the DA 638 is used for recommending awards during service, the DA 214 consolidates all awards and decorations received throughout a soldier's career. Both forms highlight the significance of recognizing military service, albeit at different stages of a soldier's journey.

Understanding the nuances of military documentation is essential, particularly when considering various forms like the DA Form 638, which is instrumental in recognizing service members' achievements. In this context, it is also beneficial to refer to comprehensive templates for formal documentation, such as the https://nytemplates.com/blank-articles-of-incorporation-template, which serve to streamline the incorporation process for businesses, much like how military forms facilitate recognition and accountability.

The DA Form 2406, known as the "Operations Report," captures details about unit operations and performance. Similar to the DA 638, it documents achievements but focuses more on collective efforts rather than individual recognition. Both forms are essential for maintaining accurate records, with the DA 2406 providing a broader view of operational success and the DA 638 honing in on individual accomplishments.

The DA Form 7500, or the "Army Awards and Decorations Computer Assisted Retrieval System (ADARS) Award Recommendation," is another document related to the DA 638. This form is used to recommend awards electronically, streamlining the process for submitting award nominations. Like the DA 638, it requires detailed justification for the recommended award, ensuring that the criteria for recognition are met.

The DA Form 4980-14, also known as the "Army Achievement Medal Certificate," is issued to recognize specific achievements. While the DA 638 recommends an award, the DA 4980-14 formally presents it to the recipient. Both documents work together to ensure that achievements are recognized and recorded properly within the military system.

The DA Form 638-1, now replaced by the DA 638, was previously used for award recommendations. It served a similar purpose in documenting meritorious acts and service. The transition from DA 638-1 to DA 638 indicates an effort to streamline the process and improve clarity in award nominations while maintaining the essential components of justification and approval.

The DA Form 4187, or "Personnel Action," is utilized for various personnel actions, including awards. While it does not focus solely on awards like the DA 638, it can be used to initiate award recommendations as part of broader personnel management. Both forms are integral to the process of recognizing achievements and maintaining accurate personnel records.