Blank Da 638 Form

• Misconception 1: The DA 638 form is only for military personnel.

This form is primarily designed for military personnel, but it can also be used for civilians who are eligible for certain awards. Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential.

• Misconception 2: You must submit the DA 638 form for every award.

Not all awards require a DA 638 form. Some awards may have different submission processes or forms, depending on the specific regulations governing them.

• Misconception 3: The form guarantees an award will be granted.

Submitting a DA 638 form does not guarantee that the award will be approved. The approval process involves multiple levels of review and is based on merit and eligibility.

• Misconception 4: The DA 638 form can be filled out by anyone.

Only authorized personnel can fill out and submit the DA 638 form. Typically, this includes the individual being nominated or their immediate supervisor.

• Misconception 5: There is no deadline for submitting the DA 638 form.

Each award has specific deadlines for submission. Missing these deadlines can result in disqualification from receiving the award.

• Misconception 6: The information on the form is not confidential.

The DA 638 form contains personally identifiable information. This information is protected under the Privacy Act, and proper care must be taken to ensure its confidentiality.

• Misconception 7: You can use any format to justify the award on the form.

The justification section of the DA 638 form requires specific bullet examples of achievements. Failing to follow this format can lead to rejection of the nomination.

• Misconception 8: Once submitted, the form cannot be modified.

While it is best to ensure accuracy before submission, corrections can be made if necessary. However, it’s important to follow the proper channels to make any changes.

When filling out the DA Form 638, it’s important to ensure accuracy and clarity. Here are some key dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

• Do double-check all personal information for accuracy, including names, ranks, and Social Security Numbers.
• Do provide specific examples of achievements in the justification section to support the award nomination.
• Do ensure that all required signatures are obtained before submitting the form.
• Do follow the guidelines outlined in AR 600-8-22 regarding eligibility and documentation.

• Don’t leave any sections blank; incomplete forms can lead to delays in processing.
• Don’t use vague language when describing achievements; specificity is key.
• Don’t forget to indicate if the award is for posthumous or interim recognition, as this affects processing.
• Don’t submit the form without reviewing it for spelling and grammatical errors, which can undermine professionalism.

When filling out the DA 638 form, it's crucial to ensure accuracy and completeness. Here are five key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Provide Accurate Personal Information: Include the nominee's full name, rank, organization, and service branch. This information is essential for proper identification and processing.
• Detail the Reason for the Award: Clearly specify the reason for the award in section 12. This helps reviewers understand the significance of the nominee's achievements.
• Use Specific Examples: In the justification section, provide detailed bullet points outlining the nominee's meritorious acts or service. Specific examples strengthen the nomination and highlight the individual's contributions.
• Understand Privacy Considerations: Be aware that the information provided may be disclosed to public and private organizations. While disclosure is voluntary, omitting personal details could delay the award processing.
• Follow the Approval Process: Ensure that all necessary signatures are obtained in the approval section. This includes signatures from intermediate authorities and the final approving authority to validate the nomination.

Completing the DA 638 form accurately and thoroughly is vital for recognizing the contributions of deserving individuals. Timely submission can expedite the award process, so it’s important to act promptly.

The DA Form 1059 is used to document the completion of military training and education. Similar to the DA Form 638, it serves as a formal record that can impact a service member's career. Both forms require detailed information about the individual, including their name, rank, and service details. Just as the DA Form 638 outlines achievements for awards, the DA Form 1059 highlights the skills and competencies gained during training, making it essential for career advancement and evaluations.

The DA Form 4187 is a request for personnel action. Like the DA Form 638, it is a critical document that facilitates changes in a soldier's status, such as promotions or transfers. Both forms require signatures from various authorities to validate the request. While the DA Form 638 focuses on recognizing achievements through awards, the DA Form 4187 is about administrative actions, making it essential for managing personnel records and career progression.

The DA Form 2-1 is a personnel qualification record that provides a comprehensive view of a soldier's career. Similar to the DA Form 638, it contains vital information about the individual, including awards received and training completed. While the DA Form 638 is specifically for award nominations, the DA Form 2-1 serves as an ongoing record that tracks a service member's entire career, making it a crucial document for evaluations and promotions.

The DA Form 67-9 is the officer evaluation report used to assess the performance of officers. Like the DA Form 638, it requires detailed justification and examples of achievements. Both documents are essential for career progression, as they influence promotions and assignments. However, while the DA Form 638 focuses on awards, the DA Form 67-9 evaluates overall performance, making it a broader assessment of an officer's capabilities.

The DA Form 2823 is a sworn statement form used to document personal accounts of incidents. Similar to the DA Form 638, it requires accurate and detailed information from the individual. Both forms play a role in official military documentation, but the DA Form 2823 is often used in investigations or legal matters, whereas the DA Form 638 is focused on recognizing achievements and contributions to military service.

The DA Form 4856 is a development counseling form used to guide soldiers in their professional growth. Like the DA Form 638, it involves discussions about accomplishments and future goals. Both documents aim to support service members in their careers, but the DA Form 4856 is more focused on ongoing development, while the DA Form 638 is specifically for acknowledging past achievements through awards.

The DA Form 7510 is used for the request for an award of a military decoration. It shares similarities with the DA Form 638 in that both are used to recommend individuals for recognition. Each form requires specific details about the service member's achievements and the rationale for the award. While the DA Form 638 is a more comprehensive recommendation form, the DA Form 7510 is a more straightforward request specifically for decorations.

The DA Form 31 is a request for leave form. Although it serves a different purpose, it shares the need for detailed information about the individual. Both forms require approvals from various levels of command, emphasizing the importance of documentation in military processes. While the DA Form 638 recognizes achievements, the DA Form 31 is essential for managing personnel availability and ensuring operational readiness.

The DA Form 160 is a medical evaluation form that documents a soldier's health status. Similar to the DA Form 638, it requires detailed information about the individual, including their service history. Both forms are crucial for maintaining accurate records, but the DA Form 160 focuses on health and fitness, whereas the DA Form 638 is dedicated to recognizing accomplishments and contributions to military service.

The DA Form 2404 is a equipment inspection and maintenance form. While it may seem unrelated, it shares the need for precise documentation and accountability. Like the DA Form 638, it requires signatures and can impact operational readiness. Both forms highlight the importance of maintaining accurate records in the military, ensuring that personnel and equipment are properly recognized and managed.

The DA Form 638 is a crucial document used for recommending individuals for military awards and decorations. Alongside this form, several other documents often play important roles in the awards process. Each of these forms serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall evaluation and recognition of service members' achievements. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that accompany the DA Form 638.

• DA Form 1043: This form is used to recommend an individual for an award based on their performance or achievements. It includes sections for detailing the specific actions that merit recognition.
• DA Form 4980-14: Known as the "Army Commendation Medal Certificate," this document is issued to formally recognize the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal. It includes the recipient's name and details of the award.
• DA Form 4980-18: This is the "Army Achievement Medal Certificate," which serves a similar purpose as the DA Form 4980-14 but is specific to the Army Achievement Medal. It acknowledges outstanding service or achievement.
• DA Form 7000: The "Request for Leave" form is often submitted alongside award recommendations to ensure that the individual is available for the award presentation and any related ceremonies.
• DA Form 1059: This form is used to document the completion of military training and education. It may be relevant in the context of awards related to educational achievements.
• DA Form 638-1: This is a predecessor to the DA Form 638 and may still be referenced in some cases. It contains similar information but is less commonly used as the newer form has replaced it.
• DA Form 2823: This is a sworn statement form used to collect firsthand accounts of events or actions that support the award recommendation. It can provide additional context and evidence for the nomination.
• DA Form 4140: This form is used for the management of awards and decorations. It helps track the status of awards and ensures proper documentation is maintained throughout the process.
• DA Form 15-6: The "Investigation Report" form may be utilized if there are any incidents or circumstances surrounding the award that require further investigation. This ensures transparency and thoroughness in the evaluation process.

These forms and documents work together to create a comprehensive picture of a service member's qualifications for an award. Each plays a vital role in ensuring that the recognition process is thorough, fair, and respectful of the contributions made by military personnel.