As an Army Reservist deployed to Afghanistan, is the GWOTSM awarded through a DA 638 or memorandum?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 09:53:19 -0500

Hello all. I am an Army reservist deployed to Afghanistan. A number of us have never spent any time on active duty that would authorize us the Global War on Terror Service Medal. According to AR 600-8-22 our deployment qualifies us for this award. Approval Authority is BN Commander/LTC/O5, however since for most active duty personnel the award is automatic, my question is would this award be requested through a DA 638 or as a Memorandum for Record (as our Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal is done). I want my fellow soldiers who haven't been authorized this award before to have it and not leave it up to chance so hence I ask. Thank you!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2017 10:46 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 10:46:54 -0500

Neither a 638 or a memo is needed. The orders are sufficient, S1 can add it to your SRB based on that.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2017 10:48 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 10:48:16 -0500

The way I understand the DA 638 form is that someone in your chain has to fill out this form for you. I dont think you can recommend yourself for an award (hence the name of DA 638); however, I am not familiar with the Memorandum for Record that you have to fill out for the achievement medal. In the DA 638 there is a spot for a recommender (which probably cant be yourself). If those two are the only avenues to earn the GWOT, I would go with the memorandum them. I hope this helps SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2017 11:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 11:01:04 -0500

It is awarded on a Memorandum for Record. All you need is the verifiable service dates.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2017 11:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 11:03:42 -0500

Your chain of command should process the award and any others for you while in country. That was how our unit handled them, we were just an 11 man team so our lead NCO who was also the UA processed all our stuff and they awarded the medal right after our change of responsibility with our replacement unit.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 11 at 2017 11:26 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 11:26:57 -0500

Your deployment orders with dates of service are sufficient.
To initiate the action and make sure it occurred we used memorandums of record from Company Commanders submitted through the S1 as a forcing function. That enabled us to better track who's award had been entered into the system by the PAC clerks and ensure everyone got what they were entitled to. We did the same with Soldiers campaign medals. Little extra work on the S1 and the PAC NCOIC up front but helped keep troops stuff from falling through the cracks.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2017 12:58 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 12:58:37 -0500

It can be awarded via memorandum or 638 or noted in your DD214 upon discharge. The important things are 1) get it signed by the correct authority AND 2) get it iPERMED

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2017 6:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 18:43:58 -0500

No they're not right you can wear any badge or metal earned

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 30 at 2018 10:52 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 22:52:05 -0400

Normally it is a set of BN orders with those folks listed like an MOR.