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How to order US military service records
by Luke Sprague

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“Even as a veteran, I was having a difficult time understanding how to order military records.”
So, I created this really simple guide to help everyone order military service records from the United States government.
Join the discussion at #getmilitaryrecords 2
Luke Sprague
@HistoryMint
Historian at
HistoryMint

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“WHATare a certificate of service, DD214, military service record, AGO Form 55, 201 file, or discharge papers?”
These document ONE PERSON’s term of service.
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“WHYare military service records valuable to family historians and historical researchers?”
BECAUSE, they are a valuablesource of information: job, age, medals, awards, marital status, rank, pay, dates of service, ship names, and unit names…to list a few.
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“Yes, then turn to the next page.”
“Was the person’s military service priorto 1917?”
“Okay, I am ready to order records, how do I do it?”
“No, then SKIP the next page.”
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Ordering Pre-1917military service records:
▪Use this for ordering service records from the Civil War, the Mexican-War, or Revolutionary War.
▪These are called a Completed Military Service File (NATF-86), delivered in either paper or digital format, costs $30, and ships in 60 to 90 days.
1.Go to the http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/pre-ww-1- records.html#nwctb-listand look above for the “Military Service Records” subheading with the shopping cart titled “Order Online.”
2.Click on the “Order Online” site and create a login. You may have to log back in.
3.Complete the veteran’s identification and service description as completely as you are able. You will see a number of examples once you login.
4.Pay and submit the order
>>SKIPahead to page 12, unless you want to see a post-1917 example
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“Their service was 1917 or later.”
“Okay, did the person who served in the military leave the service in 1952 or earlier?” [62 years priorto today]
Example 1: “Yes, he served during World War 2 and was discharged in 1945.” TURN TO THE NEXT PAGE.
Example 2: “No, she served during Vietnam and got out in 1969.” SKIP THE NEXT PAGE.
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Example 1: “Yes, he served during World War 2 and was discharged in 1945.”
▪IF 62 years or greater since discharge from the military, THEN these papers are called an archivalOfficial Military Personnel File (OMPF) andthey are open to the public.
▪You may receive a copy for between $25-70 and will be notified by the National Archives prior to being charged.
▪Go here to download an SF-180 in PDFformat: http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf
▪READ the instructions on the form, FILL it out as completely as able, CAREFULLY read on page 2 “Location of Military Records” on where to send it, and MAIL it.
▪May take up to 90 days to fill the request
>>SKIP ahead to page 12, unless you want to see an example from 1969
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Example 2: “No, she served during Vietnam and got out in 1969.”
▪These arenon-archivalFederal Records, given a discharge date of 1952 or later.
▪These records are active and restrictedto access by the public. The restrictions do not apply to the following persons:
1.The veteran, him or herself, can apply online for free at eVetRecs: https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html
2.A deceasedveteran’s next of kincan, can apply online for free at eVetRecs: https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html
3.The veteran’s authorized representative may submit a manual form SF-180found here in PDF format: http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf Send it in along with a copy of an authorization letter, asignature, and make sure to mail it to the address identified by page 2 of the SF-180.
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“You can file a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)”
“But, what if I am not the veteran, next of kin, or their authorized representative?”
•This website outlines military service information available to the requester without veteran’s or next of kin authorization: http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military- personnel/foia-info.html#foia-opfscroll UPon the page to see this information
•It is a more limited record, but still provides lots of information.
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Submitting a FOIA request:
▪Submit your FOIA letter (See an example here). Include the veteran’s name, military service number, branch of service, and dates of service. Sign the letter and mail to:
National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) Military Personnel Records1 Archives DriveSt. Louis, MO 63138
▪You should receive NPRC’s decision to respond to your FOIA Request within 20 working days, but the actual receipt of records may take up to six months.
▪You may charged for processing the request
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Priorto starting, get the veteran’s:
1.Full name at time of service, first, last, including middle name or initial if possible
2.Social security number and their military service number (if available)
3.Branch of service, i.e.: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard
4.Date and place of birth
5.Dates of service and rank
6.Duty station, ship name, and/or unit name
7.Place of entry into the military or hometown
**Please note, it is not the end of the world if you do not have all this information, but more information is better in this case.
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Things to keep in mind:
▪Read about the fire of 1973 priorto requesting personnel records, see: http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/fire-1973.htmlDo not be discouraged though as some of these records have been reconstructed from other sources.
▪There can be errors on the discharge papers and they are not always completely accurate. Keep that in mind.
▪The turn around on some of the documents can range take from 60 days to 6 months.
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Source:
National Archives, Veterans Service Records. http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ Accessed October 24, 2014.
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▪Join the discussion at #getmilitaryrecords
-OR-
▪Comment on this in the HistoryMint Blog
For your military records, family, and historical research needs please see:
Luke Sprague,
luke@historymint.com
(208) 301-3528
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