Fillable Form DA 638 (2016)

What is Form DA-638?

Form DA-638, Recommendation for Award, is a US Army form, also used by other branches of the military, in order to recommend a soldier to receive an award. If a higher ranking soldier wishes to recommend multiple soldiers for various awards, a separate process for recommendation using this form must be followed for each. The form must be sent to a particular office of military affairs for review as part of the evaluation process, which will often include obtaining sworn statements from a military member (or members) that certify the soldier's worthiness for an award, obtaining a detailed account of each statement and situation, and so on.

Army Awards are given to soldiers not only to acknowledge exceptional service within the military, but also to confer particular benefits to them, such as promotions, pay raises, and other on-the-job benefits. Being granted an award or medal can also be a great inclusion for a person’s resume or employment profile, as it tells potential employers that their prospective employee has been acknowledged for their work ethic, as well as serving as an indicator of their past accomplishments.

How do I fill out Form DA-638?

A fillable template for the DA Form 638 can be found here.

To and From

Enter the office and the name of the representative or officer that this recommendation is being sent to, and the office and name of the officer that is making the recommendation.

Date

Enter the date that this recommendation was made.

Part I - Soldier Data

Name

Enter the full name of the soldier being recommended for an award.

Rank

Enter the soldier’s rank.

DOD ID/SSN

Enter the Department of Defense ID and/or Social Security Number of the soldier.

Organization

Enter the organization that the soldier is part of.

Previous Awards

Enter any other awards the soldier has been granted previously.

Branch of Service

Enter the soldier’s branch of service.

Recommended Award

Enter the award that the soldier is being recommended for.

Period of Award

Enter the start and end dates of the period that the award is being granted for.

Reason for Award

Enter the following information about the reason for why the soldier is being given the award.

1. Indicate Reason
2. Interim Award (Yes or No)
   1. If you mark “Yes”, state the award that was given.
3. Posthumous (Yes or No)
4. Proposed Presentation Date

Part II - Recommender Data

Name

Enter the full name of the recommender.

Title/Position

Enter the title or position of the recommender.

Rank

Enter the recommender’s rank.

Relationship of Awardee

Enter the recommender’s relationship to the awardee.

Address

Enter the recommender’s address.

Signature

Have the recommender sign the form in the space provided.

Part III - Justification and Citation Data

Achievements

Enter a description of each achievement that the soldier has that has led to their recommendation for an award.

Proposed Citation

Enter the proposed citations that provide proof of the achievements made by the soldier. It may help to organize each separate citation in bullet form so that the recommending military member can clearly and easily make their case for the soldier as necessary.

Name

Enter the soldier’s full name.

DOD ID/SSN

Enter the soldier’s DOD ID or SSN.

Part IV - Recommendations/Approval/Disapproval

Certification and Signature

Have the recommending person sign the form in the space provided.

Intermediate Authority

For each intermediate authority that manages this form, as well as the approval authority that this form is sent to, enter the following information:

• To (office or person receiving this form)
• From (office or person that sent this form)
• Date
• Recommendation (Mark only one of the boxes provided)
  • Approval
  • Disapproval
  • Upgrade To (specify)
  • Downgrade To (specify)
• Name of Authority
• Rank of Authority
• Title/Position of Authority
• Signature
• Comments

Part V - Orders Data

Orders Issuing HQ and Order Number

Enter the headquarters that issued the orders, and the permanent order number.

Orders Approval Authority, Rank, and Title/Position

Enter the name of the approval authority that managed the orders, and their rank and title/position.

Signature and Date

Have the approval authority sign the form in the space provided, then enter the date verifying the individual signed.

Distribution

Enter the distribution of the orders in the space provided.

Name

Enter the soldier’s full name.

DOD ID/SSN

Enter the soldier’s DOD ID or SSN.

Addendum - Intermediate Authority

If there are any more intermediate authorities associated with this form, enter the following information for each:

• To (office or person receiving this form)
• From (office or person that sent this form)
• Date
• Recommendation (Mark only one of the boxes provided)
  • Approval
  • Disapproval
  • Upgrade To (specify)
  • Downgrade To (specify)
• Name of Authority
• Rank of Authority
• Title/Position of Authority
• Signature
• Comments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of military awards and decorations?

Military awards and decorations recognize and honor the bravery, service, and achievements of military personnel. They serve to boost morale and motivate continued excellence.

Who is eligible to receive military awards in the U.S. Army?

Active duty soldiers, reservists, and members of the National Guard are eligible for military awards. Eligibility extends to those who meet the criteria for specific awards based on their actions or service.

How does the award recommendation process begin in the Army?

The process begins with a superior or peer recognizing a soldier's noteworthy actions or service. This person then initiates a recommendation using Form DA-638.

What are some common types of military awards in the U.S. Army?

Common awards include the Medal of Honor, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. Each has specific criteria based on the level of achievement or valor.

How long does it typically take for an award recommendation to be processed?

The processing time can vary but generally takes several weeks to months. It depends on the award type and the thoroughness of the recommendation package.

What is the role of the awards board in the Army?

The awards board reviews recommendations to ensure they meet the criteria and standards for the award. They provide an objective evaluation and make recommendations for approval or disapproval.

What happens if an award recommendation is disapproved?

If disapproved, the recommendation can be appealed or resubmitted with additional justification. Disapproval ensures that only deserving actions are recognized.

Can a soldier be nominated for more than one award at a time?

Yes, a soldier can be nominated for multiple awards simultaneously if they meet the criteria for each. Each recommendation is processed and evaluated separately.

What documentation is typically required to support an award recommendation?

Documentation may include witness statements, after-action reports, and other evidence of the soldier's achievements. Supporting documents strengthen the recommendation and provide necessary proof.

What is the significance of the Medal of Honor?

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award in the United States, given for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. It represents the utmost recognition of bravery and sacrifice.

How do commendation medals differ from achievement medals?

Commendation medals recognize sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service, while achievement medals are for specific, singular achievements. Both acknowledge notable contributions but vary in scope and duration of the actions recognized.

Can a soldier receive an award posthumously?

Yes, awards can be given posthumously to honor the bravery or service of soldiers who have died. These awards are typically presented to the soldier's next of kin.

What is an award citation?

An award citation is a brief statement summarizing the soldier's actions or service that justify the award. It is read during the presentation ceremony and included in official records.

How does an award impact a soldier's career?

Receiving an award can enhance a soldier's career by improving their reputation and increasing their chances for promotions and other opportunities. It reflects positively on their service record.

What role do superior officers play in the award recommendation process?

Superior officers review and endorse award recommendations, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria. Their endorsements are critical for the recommendation to proceed up the chain of command.