What is a DA Form 638
Amelia Brooks
Updated on April 10, 2026
A fillable DA 638 form is used by the US Army. It is completed when a higher ranking soldier wishes to recommend another for an award. This form requires information about the soldier who should be considered for the award as well as information about the particular office making the recommendation.
What is the DA Form for an award?
A DA 638 is a US Army form used to recommend a soldier for an award. This form is appropriate in most cases except for recommendations for awards for heroism, valor, or wartime, which require a separate process for recommendation.
How do you recommend a soldier for an award?
Recommendations for awards for heroism or valor must contain witness statements, preferably in the form of affidavits or sworn statements. If possible recommendations should be supported by official records, maps, photographs, etc. Block 21. For an AAM, ARCOM, or MSM, enter the citation.
What does ACH stand for on DA Form 638?
RET = Retirement; SVC = Service; ACH = Achievement) NUMBER AND TYPES OF DECORATIONS APPROVED.Can a civilian recommend a soldier for an award?
The Army does not condone self-recognition; therefore, a Soldier may not recommend himself/herself for award of a decoration.
How do you fill out a DA Form 348?
DA Form 348 Instructions Enter the permit number, which is the first letter of the last name and the last four digits of the SSN. If the permit number changed due to a name change, cross the old one out and fill the new one in. Finish the section by entering the type of permit and the date the license is effective.
How many awards is a silver oak leaf cluster?
a silver oak leaf cluster for five awards), remove the second ribbon and place the appropriate number of devices on a single ribbon. Oak Leaf Clusters are not issued for the Legion of Merit awarded in degrees to foreign nationals. Five-sixteenths inch Oak Leaf Clusters joined together in series of 2, 3, and 4 clusters …
Who is the approval authority for an Arcom?
Authority to approve award of the ARCOM under wartime criteria may be delegated to Colonel level commanders. § 578.7 Peacetime criteria. Peacetime criteria, by whom award- ed. Awards for peacetime service are made by the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of the Army.Who can write an award army?
Anyone can write up an award in 30-60 minutes. Another reason to submit soldiers for an AAM is that it improves morale in your unit.
Who signs block 22 on DA Form 638?Block 22. Staff Section Admin Clerk should sign and date verifying individual is eligible for the recommended award. Block 23-25. Fill in intermediate commanders’ as appropriate.
Article first time published onWhy did I get an ACH deposit?
If you see an ACH transaction on your bank statement, it indicates that an electronic transfer of funding has been paid either to or from your bank account. Most consumers establish ACH transactions as a normal part of their monthly banking routine. … There are several benefits to using ACH debits to pay your bills.
Why did I get an ACH credit from Social Security?
The most common ACH credits are direct deposits, which can include paychecks and government benefits such as Social Security. When you elect to have your IRS or state tax refund directly deposited into your bank account, it’s an ACH credit as well because it pushes funds into your bank account.
Who can approve a Bronze Star?
2. The Bronze Star Medal and appurtenances thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, and shall be awarded under such regulations as the Secretary concerned may prescribe.
How many oak leaf clusters can you wear on an AAM?
Personnel may wear no more than four oak leaf clusters on each ribbon.
Is the Army Achievement Medal a big deal?
So yes, an ARCOM is a big deal.
Can you receive an award if you are flagged for overweight?
Can a Soldier receive an award if he is flagged for overweight? As a standard rule, Soldiers cannot be recommended for awards while flagged for Overweight. … However there is an exception or wavier for overweight Soldiers who are eligible to receive an award based on valor, heroism, or for retirement.
Can you Pcs while flagged for overweight?
Overweight flagged Soldiers who are permanently changing station (PCS) or have expiring terms of service (ETS) are not authorized to be recommended for or receive awards while they are flagged. … If the waiver is approved, it has to accompany the award recommendation once submitted.
Can a flagged Soldier retire?
Commissioned and warrant officers who have been flagged generally are authorized to submit a request for an unqualified resignation, discharge or retirement.
What's the next rank after Lieutenant Colonel?
Lieutenant colonelNon-NATO rankO-5Next higher rankColonelNext lower rankMajorEquivalent ranksCommander (United States Navy and United States Coast Guard)
Is Lieutenant Colonel higher rank than colonel?
The rank of colonel is typically above the rank of lieutenant colonel. The rank above colonel is typically called brigadier, brigade general or brigadier general. … Equivalent naval ranks may be called captain or ship-of-the-line captain.
What does a Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster mean?
Oak leaf cluster – In the Army, Air Force, and Space Force, the oak leaf cluster is worn to denote additional awards. 5. /16 inch star – In the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, the 5/16 inch star star is worn to denote additional awards.
Where can I find my da 348?
Typically the 348 is maintained by the motor pool. Odds are when you departed a unit you may have forgot to get it from the motor pool. You can check with your old motor pool otherwise you will have to take the test again, the 40 hour driving block, and be road-tested on all military vehicles.
What chapter covers night vision devices AR 600-55?
(3) Night vision devices (NVDs). When necessary, the following training for driving with NVDs must be completed and documented according to AR 600-55, chapter 8: (a) Classroom instruction, including a written test.
In what section of the DA Form 348 will the results of the physical examinations be annotated?
Results of physical examinations will be annotated in Section IV of the DA Form 348.
What army award is higher than an Arcom?
Meritorious Service MedalPrecedenceNext (higher)Defense Meritorious Service MedalNext (lower)Air Medal
How long does it take to get an AAM?
Total time for First-Time Applicants: Approximately 8 -16 months (unless tabled.)
What Army Awards are automatic?
Both the two service awards and promotion to E2 are what the army considers “automatic.” You don’t need to do anything above and beyond the normal call of duty to receive the awards or the promotion that follows.
How many points is an ARCOM worth?
The ARCOM is worth 20 promotion points. All enlisted soldiers and officers up to the rank of Colonel can receive the award. The ARCOM is higher than an Army Achievement Medal and lower than the Meritorious Service Medal.
What does 7 AAMs look like?
The ribbon consists of two thin, green stripes on each side of two thick, blue stripes. Each stripe is separated by a thin white line. While the only way to display seven AAMs when wearing the medal is to wear all seven medals, subsequent AAMs are denoted by attaching oak leaf cluster appurtenances to the ribbon.
How many points is an MSM worth?
Soldier’s Medal or higher award/decoration40Purple Heart30Defense Meritorious Service Medal25Meritorious Service Medal25Air Medal with “V” Device25
Can you receive more than one combat action badge?
A7: Yes. A Soldier can be awarded the CAB and the CMB (or CIB) for the same qualifying period, provided the criteria for each badge is met.