Filling out Army Form 638, also known as the Recommendation for Award, is a crucial process for recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance and achievements within the Army. This form is used to recommend individuals for various awards and decorations, such as the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and others. In this article, we will guide you through the process of filling out Army Form 638, highlighting the key sections and providing tips to ensure a successful submission.
Understanding the Purpose of Army Form 638
Before diving into the process, it's essential to understand the purpose of Army Form 638. This form serves as a recommendation for an award or decoration, recognizing an individual's outstanding performance, achievements, or contributions to the Army. The form is used to provide a detailed justification for the recommended award, highlighting the individual's accomplishments and the impact they had on the unit or organization.
Section 1: Identifying Information
The first section of Army Form 638 requires identifying information about the individual being recommended for the award. This includes:
- Name and rank of the individual
- Military occupational specialty (MOS)
- Unit and organization
- Dates of service
It's crucial to ensure that this information is accurate and up-to-date, as it will be used to verify the individual's identity and service record.
Tip: Double-Check Identifying Information
Before moving on to the next section, double-check the identifying information to ensure it is accurate. A simple mistake can delay the processing of the form or even lead to rejection.
Section 2: Award Recommendation
In this section, you will need to specify the award or decoration being recommended. This includes:
- The type of award (e.g., Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal)
- The justification for the award (e.g., outstanding performance, meritorious service)
Be specific and provide clear justification for the recommended award. This section should provide a brief summary of the individual's achievements and the impact they had on the unit or organization.
Tip: Use Specific Examples
When justifying the award, use specific examples of the individual's achievements and contributions. This will help to strengthen the recommendation and provide a clear understanding of the individual's qualifications.
Section 3: Achievement or Service
In this section, you will need to provide a detailed description of the individual's achievements or service. This should include:
- A narrative of the individual's accomplishments and contributions
- Specific examples of outstanding performance or meritorious service
- The impact of the individual's achievements on the unit or organization
This section should provide a clear and concise narrative of the individual's achievements and contributions.
Tip: Use Bullet Points
When describing the individual's achievements, use bullet points to break up the narrative and make it easier to read. This will also help to highlight specific examples of outstanding performance or meritorious service.
Section 4: Recommender's Information
In this section, you will need to provide information about the recommender, including:
- Name and rank
- Unit and organization
- Signature and date
It's essential to ensure that the recommender has the authority to recommend the individual for the award.
Tip: Ensure Recommender's Authority
Before submitting the form, ensure that the recommender has the authority to recommend the individual for the award. This will help to prevent delays or rejection of the form.
Section 5: Approval and Endorsement
In this section, you will need to obtain approval and endorsement from the unit commander or other authorized personnel. This includes:
- Signature and date of the approver
- Endorsement statement
It's crucial to ensure that the approver has reviewed the form and agrees with the recommendation.
Tip: Ensure Approval and Endorsement
Before submitting the form, ensure that the approver has reviewed and endorsed the recommendation. This will help to prevent delays or rejection of the form.
Conclusion
Filling out Army Form 638 requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of the individual's achievements and contributions. By following these tips and ensuring that each section is complete and accurate, you can help to ensure a successful submission and recognition of outstanding performance and achievements within the Army.
What is the purpose of Army Form 638?
+Army Form 638 is used to recommend individuals for various awards and decorations, recognizing outstanding performance and achievements within the Army.
What information is required in Section 1 of Army Form 638?
+Section 1 requires identifying information about the individual being recommended for the award, including name, rank, MOS, unit, and organization.
What is the purpose of Section 3 of Army Form 638?
+Section 3 provides a detailed description of the individual's achievements or service, including a narrative of outstanding performance or meritorious service.