Fill Out a Valid Da 638 Form

1. Incomplete Personal Information: Failing to fill out all required fields such as name, rank, and Social Security Number (SSN) can lead to processing delays. Ensure that every section is completed accurately.

2. Incorrect Dates: Entering the wrong dates for the award period or the date of the application can cause confusion. Double-check all dates for accuracy before submission.

3. Vague Justifications: Providing unclear or general descriptions in the justification section may weaken the nomination. Use specific examples of achievements and contributions to strengthen the case.

4. Missing Required Signatures: Not obtaining the necessary signatures from recommending authorities can result in automatic disapproval. Ensure all required parties sign the form before submission.

5. Neglecting to Indicate Interim Awards: Failing to mark whether the award is interim or posthumous can lead to misclassification. Be clear about the nature of the award.

6. Ignoring Privacy Act Statement: Not understanding or acknowledging the Privacy Act Statement can lead to improper handling of personal information. Familiarize yourself with the privacy implications of the form.

7. Submitting Without Review: Sending the form without a thorough review can result in overlooked errors. Always have someone else review the form for clarity and accuracy.

8. Failure to Follow Submission Guidelines: Not adhering to specific submission instructions can delay processing. Check the latest guidelines for submitting the DA 638 form to ensure compliance.

The DA Form 638 is an essential document used for recommending awards within the military. However, it is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that help streamline the process of recognition and ensure that all necessary information is accurately recorded. Below is a list of commonly used documents that work in conjunction with the DA Form 638.

• DA Form 4187: This is a personnel action request form. It is used to initiate various personnel actions, including awards and decorations, ensuring that all required changes to a service member's record are documented.
• DA Form 1059: This form is utilized to document academic achievements and completion of military training courses. It can support award nominations by highlighting a soldier's educational accomplishments.
• DA Form 2-1: Known as the Personnel Qualification Record, this form provides a comprehensive overview of a soldier's qualifications, assignments, and awards. It serves as a reference for verifying eligibility for awards.
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• DA Form 7000: This is the Army’s financial liability investigation of property loss form. It may be required if the award is related to a soldier's actions in the context of property management or loss.
• DA Form 1610: This travel request form is often necessary when a service member is required to travel for the purpose of receiving an award or attending a ceremony.
• DA Form 2823: This is a sworn statement form that may be used to gather eyewitness accounts of the actions that warrant an award, providing additional evidence for the nomination.
• DA Form 31: The leave request form is relevant if a soldier needs to take leave to attend an awards ceremony or related event, ensuring that their absence is properly documented and approved.
• AR 600-8-22: This regulation outlines the policies and procedures for military awards. It serves as a critical reference for understanding the criteria and processes involved in award nominations.
• Memorandum for Record: This document can be used to summarize discussions or decisions related to the award process, providing a clear account of the rationale behind nominations or approvals.
• Performance Evaluations: These evaluations provide insight into a soldier's performance and can support the justification for an award by detailing their contributions and achievements.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the award process, ensuring that service members are recognized appropriately for their accomplishments. By understanding and utilizing these forms, the nomination process can be more efficient and thorough, ultimately leading to fair and deserving recognitions.

The DA Form 1256, known as the "Recommendation for Award of the Army Achievement Medal," serves a similar purpose to the DA 638 form. Both documents are used to nominate individuals for military awards, focusing on recognizing achievements and meritorious service. The DA Form 1256 is specifically tailored for the Army Achievement Medal, which is awarded for sustained superior service or achievements that do not meet the criteria for higher awards. Like the DA 638, it requires detailed justification and specific examples of the nominee's accomplishments, ensuring that the reasons for the award are well documented and supported.

Another document that parallels the DA 638 is the DA Form 703, which is utilized for the "Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard." While the primary focus of the DA Form 703 is to record physical fitness test results, it shares the DA 638's emphasis on documentation and evaluation. Both forms require personal information about the service member, as well as signatures from authorized personnel. The DA Form 703, however, is specifically aimed at assessing a soldier's physical readiness rather than recognizing achievements or service, but both contribute to the overall assessment of a soldier's performance and eligibility for awards.

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The DA Form 4187, or "Personnel Action," is another document that shares similarities with the DA 638. This form is used for various personnel actions, including award recommendations, and serves as a formal request for changes in a soldier's status. Like the DA 638, the DA Form 4187 requires detailed information about the individual and the action being requested. Both forms necessitate approval from higher authorities, ensuring that any changes or awards are thoroughly vetted and justified. The DA Form 4187, however, encompasses a broader range of personnel actions beyond just awards.

Lastly, the DA Form 1610, known as the "Request for Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel," also has some commonalities with the DA 638. While its primary function is to facilitate travel for official duties, it includes sections for justifying the need for travel and documenting the purpose of the trip. Both forms require detailed descriptions and justifications, ensuring that all actions taken are well-supported. However, the DA Form 1610 is more focused on travel logistics and expenses, whereas the DA 638 is concentrated on recognizing individual achievements and service within the military context.

When filling out the DA 638 form, it’s important to ensure accuracy and clarity. Here are seven things to keep in mind:

• Do provide complete and accurate information in all sections of the form.
• Don’t leave any required fields blank, as this may delay processing.
• Do use specific examples to justify the award in the achievements section.
• Don’t include irrelevant information that does not pertain to the award being recommended.
• Do ensure that all signatures are obtained before submission.
• Don’t submit the form without double-checking for errors or omissions.
• Do maintain a copy of the completed form for your records.

• Understanding the Purpose: The DA 638 form is primarily used to recommend individuals for military awards and decorations. It helps document achievements and ensures that nominations are properly considered.
• Privacy Considerations: Personal information provided on the form is protected under the Privacy Act. While disclosure is voluntary, not providing certain details may delay the processing of the award.
• Completing the Form: Accurate and complete information is crucial. Sections include soldier data, reason for the award, and specific achievements. Each section must be filled out carefully to avoid errors.
• Justification is Key: Part III of the form requires detailed descriptions of achievements. Specific examples of meritorious acts or service should be included to strengthen the nomination.
• Approval Process: The form must be reviewed and approved by various authorities. Each signatory must certify eligibility and correctness of the information before it can proceed through the approval chain.