What is the purpose of DA Form 638?

The DA Form 638 serves a specific function as a form used for submitting an award recommendation. Its primary purpose is to formally recommend individuals for awards, such as medals or decorations, based on their accomplishments and contributions to their unit or the Army as a whole. The form provides a structured method for the proposer to detail the achievements and service of the individual being nominated.

This process ensures that the contributions of Army personnel are recognized appropriately and that the awards system maintains a level of standardization and formality. Each section of the DA Form 638 guides the submitter in articulating the specifics of the nominee's achievements, fostering clarity and support for the recommendation being made.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different purposes and functions within military administrative processes. Requesting training funds relates to budgeting and resource allocation, documenting unit assignments focuses on personnel records or unit management, and filing a safety incident report concerns operational safety procedures. Each of these aspects is vital in its context but does not align with the specific aim that the DA Form 638 fulfills in regards to award nominations.