Official Da 638 Form in PDF

Official Da 638 Form in PDF

The DA Form 638 is a crucial document used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations. It serves to record nominations, justify the award, and maintain case files for each recipient. This form is essential for honoring the achievements and service of military personnel, ensuring that their contributions are recognized appropriately.

Open Da 638 Online

The DA Form 638 serves as a vital tool within the U.S. Army for recommending individuals for awards and decorations. This form is used to document nominations, track the final actions taken, and maintain individual case files related to military honors. It is essential for recognizing acts of valor, heroism, and other meritorious service, particularly for awards that exceed the Meritorious Service Medal. The form is structured to collect specific information about the nominee, including their name, rank, organization, and the reason for the award. Additionally, it requires detailed justification and citation data, allowing recommenders to highlight significant achievements through bullet points. Privacy considerations are paramount, as the form includes a Privacy Act Statement, ensuring that personal information is handled with care. The completion of the DA Form 638 is not only a procedural necessity but also a means to honor the dedication and sacrifice of service members. The process culminates in a series of approvals, where intermediate authorities review the nominations before they reach the final approval stage. Understanding the intricacies of this form is crucial for those involved in the awards process, as it plays a significant role in recognizing the contributions of military personnel.

Key takeaways

  • Understand the Purpose: The DA 638 form is used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations. It is crucial for recognizing achievements and maintaining award case files.

  • Complete Personal Information: Fill out the soldier's name, rank, organization, and service branch accurately. This information is essential for processing the award correctly.

  • Detail Achievements: In the justification section, provide specific examples of the soldier's meritorious acts or service. Clear and concise descriptions will strengthen the nomination.

  • Privacy Matters: Remember that providing personal information is voluntary, but omitting it may delay the processing of the application. Ensure all required details are included.

  • Follow the Approval Process: After filling out the form, it must go through various levels of approval. Each authority must sign off, confirming eligibility and correctness of the information provided.

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Fact Description
Purpose The DA Form 638 is used to consider individual nominations for awards and decorations, record final actions, and maintain individual award case files.
Governing Laws This form is governed by 10 U.S.C. Chapters 57 and 357, Army Regulation 600-8-22, and E.O. 9397 (SSN), as amended.
Privacy Act Disclosure of personally identifiable information is voluntary; however, not providing this information may delay processing of the application.
Version Information The current version of the DA Form 638 is dated June 2017, and it replaces previous editions which are now considered obsolete.

Documents used along the form

The DA Form 638 is an essential document used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations. However, several other forms and documents often accompany this form to ensure a comprehensive and accurate submission. Understanding these documents is crucial for anyone involved in the awards process, as they provide the necessary context and information for a successful nomination.

  • DA Form 2442: This form is used for the request and justification of a military decoration. It helps in detailing the accomplishments of the service member and provides a structured format for the recommendation.
  • DA Form 1059: This form is utilized to document a soldier's completion of an Army training course. It can be relevant in award nominations to highlight additional qualifications and achievements that may support the recommendation.
  • NYCERS F170 Form: This critical document allows Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to elect participation in the 25-Year Retirement Program, ensuring they are aware of eligibility conditions and requirements. For more information, you can refer to All New York Forms.
  • DA Form 7000: This document is a financial liability investigation of property loss. While not directly related to awards, it may be necessary if the individual’s conduct is called into question during the awards process.
  • DA Form 702: This is a record of individual training and performance, which can be important for substantiating the eligibility of a soldier for an award based on their training achievements.
  • DA Form 638-1: This is a previous version of the DA Form 638. Although it has been replaced, it may still be encountered in certain contexts and should be understood for historical reference.
  • DA Form 4187: This form is used for personnel actions, including changes in status or duty assignments. It can be relevant if the award nomination is linked to a change in the soldier’s responsibilities.
  • DD Form 214: This document serves as a certificate of release or discharge from active duty. It provides a summary of a service member’s military service and can support award nominations by confirming eligibility.
  • DA Form 7500: This form records the achievements of soldiers and can be used to highlight specific actions that warrant an award recommendation, ensuring that accomplishments are documented and considered.
  • DA Form 201: This is the Army personnel record jacket. It contains the soldier’s entire service record, which can be crucial for reviewing past awards and performance when considering new nominations.
  • DA Form 1610: This form is used for travel requests and authorizations. While it may not seem directly related to awards, travel for training or missions can sometimes be a factor in award considerations.

In conclusion, familiarity with these additional forms and documents enhances the understanding of the award recommendation process. Each plays a distinct role in ensuring that the DA Form 638 is supported with the necessary information and context, ultimately leading to a fair and thorough evaluation of the service member's achievements.