DA Form 638. Recommendation for Award
DA Form 638, also known as the Recommendation for Award, is used by the US Army to recommend and approve awards for military personnel. The main purpose of this form is to recognize and reward outstanding performance, achievements, and contributions of military personnel.
This form consists of several parts, including the Recommending Official Information, Recommended Individual Information, and Justification for Award. The important fields of this form include the name, rank, and unit of the recommended individual, as well as the type of award being recommended and the justification for the award.
The parties involved in this form include the recommending official, the recommended individual, and the approving authority. It is important to consider the accuracy and completeness of the information provided when compiling this form, as any errors or omissions can result in delays or denials of the award.
When compiling this form, the recommending official will need to provide detailed information about the recommended individual's performance, achievements, and contributions, as well as the type of award being recommended. Additionally, they may need to attach supporting documentation, such as performance evaluations or letters of recommendation.
Application examples of this form include recommending an individual for a military decoration, such as the Bronze Star or the Purple Heart, or for a service medal or ribbon. This form is also used to recommend individuals for non-combat awards, such as the Army Commendation Medal or the Army Achievement Medal.
The benefits of this form include recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance, achievements, and contributions of military personnel, which can boost morale and motivation. However, the challenges and risks of this form include the potential for bias or favoritism in the recommendation process, as well as the potential for errors or inaccuracies in the information provided.
Related forms may include DA Form 1059, which is used to document academic achievements and qualifications, and DA Form 4187, which is used to request personnel actions. An alternative form may include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Recommendation Form.
Compiling this form accurately and submitting it in a timely manner can have a positive impact on the future of the recommended individual, as it can enhance their professional reputation and career prospects. This form is typically submitted through the chain of command and is stored in the individual's personnel file.
In summary, DA Form 638 is a critical form used by the US Army to recommend and approve awards for military personnel. This form requires detailed and accurate information and is important for recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance, achievements, and contributions of military personnel.