How To Discover Whether A Family Member Is Serving In The Military?

4.5 rating based on 59 ratings

The National Archives holds military service records from the Revolutionary War to 1912, as well as those from WWI-present. To request a copy of your DD214 and other military service records, you can start your records request online for recent military service. Veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of their DD214, Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), Replacement Medals, and Medical and Health Records.

One of the most practical methods to obtain military service records is through public resources, such as the National Archives’ eVetRecs tool. Most veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) and other military service records. You can also request military service records online using the National Archives’ eVetRecs tool by selecting Make a new.

To find out someone’s military history, you can ask your relatives first, take a hint, search your attic, browse record sets, and request military service records online, by mail, or by fax. There are various methods to obtain a family member’s military service records, including contacting the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), state archives, online databases, and SCRA.

In summary, the National Archives offers various ways to obtain military service records, including contacting the NPRC, state archives, online databases, and SCRA. By following these steps, you can access information about your ancestor’s military service and access benefits and genealogy research.

Useful Articles on the Topic
ArticleDescriptionSite
Request Military Service RecordsPlease provide: the name, address and phone number of the requester, and; the veteran’s branch of service to aid us to finding your request in …archives.gov
Request Your Military Service Records (including DD214)You can request your military service records online using the National Archives’ eVetRecs tool. When you get to eVetRecs, select Make a new …va.gov
Where can I view my father’s military records?Please complete a GSA Standard Form 180 and mail it to NARA’s National Personnel Records Center, (Military Personnel Records), 1 Archives Drive, …historyhub.history.gov

📹 How to Verify Someone’s Military Service

Approximately 200000 service members transition to civilian life each year. How do you know if that patriotic service member is a …


How Do I Get Access To Military Records
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do I Get Access To Military Records?

Accessing military records is key for veterans benefits, ancestry research, and more. Individuals can request their own service records or those of their next of kin (spouse, parent, child, or sibling). Requests can be submitted through the National Archives in various ways: in person at the NPRC, contacting a state or county Veterans agency, or hiring an independent researcher. Veterans and their kin can obtain free copies of DD 214 and other military records, including Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF) and medical records.

It is also possible to verify and manage VA records online, including obtaining Veteran ID Cards and payment history. For adjustments to records, state offices must be contacted. Additionally, access to pre-1917 records can be initiated via Form NATF 86. To start a new request, visit the National Archives' military service records page or use the Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System available on milConnect for scanned document requests.

What Are Military Personnel Records
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What Are Military Personnel Records?

Military personnel records encompass DD 214s/Separation Documents, service personnel records from the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), and medical records. These records are essential for verifying military service and aiding genealogical research. The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) houses millions of records for discharged and deceased veterans from the 20th century. Veterans and their immediate family can request free copies of DD 214 and other service documents, which are vital for accessing veterans benefits.

If records are lost or unavailable online, guidance can be sought on recovery steps. Each veteran has an OMPF, which contains detailed career information, accessible under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The OMPF serves as an administrative record documenting service history and includes details on training, performance, awards, and assignments. NPRC's extensive collection includes approximately 100 million records, predominantly paper-based. The AMHRR is significant for authenticating a veteran's service and is crucial for obtaining VA benefits. Requests for service records can be made through the National Archives.

Is EVetRecs Legit
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is EVetRecs Legit?

eVetRecs is a web service associated with the National Archives that facilitates the request of military service records. It's operational 24/7 except for maintenance. However, many users report that it can be problematic, incompatible with certain browsers, and not user-friendly, particularly for those using older systems like Windows XP. There are scams targeting veterans, often charging fees for records that should be free; eVetRecs allows for free access to military records but isn't the only method.

Some veterans have encountered issues with eVetRecs, experiencing long delays in responses—some report having submitted requests over a year ago with no updates. The NPRC has issued notices clarifying that eVetRecs is an authentic method for requesting records, despite complaints about its efficiency. For expedited requests, services like Aardvark Research Group can be used, but they charge fees. It's recommended that veterans submit requests electronically whenever possible or use Standard Form 180 if unable to do so online. Many look to obtain medical or dental records from active duty, alongside documentation like DD214. Users are encouraged to provide thorough information in their requests to improve processing speed.

Is A Person'S Military Record Public
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is A Person'S Military Record Public?

The National Archives makes military personnel records publicly accessible 62 years after a veteran's discharge. To obtain the full military service records of a veteran discharged within the last 62 years, you need authorization from their next of kin. Without this consent, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) can only provide limited information to the general public. Military records include Separation Documents (like the DD 214), service personnel records, and some medical records, but recent records are not available online.

Veterans and their authorized family members can request free copies of their service records. While military personnel records typically become public after 62 years, certain documents may have been destroyed in the 1973 fire at the NPRC. The Privacy Act safeguards the personal information of service members, while federal agencies are required to make records available unless they are exempt. To request records, individuals can do so online or through other specified channels. Ultimately, the degree of public access to military records hinges on the discharge date of the veteran’s service.

How To Find Family Members Who Fought In WWII For Free
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How To Find Family Members Who Fought In WWII For Free?

Free access to the U. S. Rosters of World War II Dead, 1939-1945, is available at the FamilySearch Library, listing names, states, ranks, service details, plots, and burial dates. If you are unsure of family members who served during WWII, consider consulting relatives or researching your family tree for those of draft registration age. Focus on men born approximately between 1877 and 1927. WWII involved over 100 million soldiers, including 16 million Americans.

The National Archives holds records of WWII Dead interred in America. Though incomplete, these records cover many U. S. Army enlistments. Investigate the lives of U. S. military personnel during WWII using resources from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). To locate individual service details, start by asking relatives and exploring the Veterans Administration website. Utilize online databases for draft and POW records.

Collect information from mementoes, medals, and letters to uncover family histories tied to the war. For obtaining military personnel files, complete a GSA Standard Form 180 and mail it to NARA's National Personnel Records Center.

Where Are Military Records Stored
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Where Are Military Records Stored?

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the official storage for Federal military service records, with specific repositories based on the time period. Military records from the Revolutionary War to 1912 are kept at NARA in Washington, D. C. Records from World War I to the present are housed at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. The NPRC, a branch of NARA, contains over 56 million military and medical records related to veterans who are retired, discharged, or deceased.

Veterans or next-of-kin can request military personnel records online through the eVetRecs system for information such as discharge character, duty stations, and other crucial details. Medical records for Air Force veterans prior to June 1994 are permanently stored at NARA, while the medical history for Airmen is also maintained based on their service branch.

For records prior to October 1, 2002, military personnel files, including medical records, can be requested by mailing or faxing a signed request to the NPRC. The NPRC serves as the main repository for military personnel records for various branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. The NPRC is located at 1 Archives Drive in Spanish Lake, Missouri, and services can be accessed via fax or mail.

Can You Get A Family Member'S Military Records
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Can You Get A Family Member'S Military Records?

Without the veteran's or next-of-kin's consent, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) can only disclose limited information from the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) to the public. Veterans and their next of kin (spouse, parent, child, or sibling) can request service records through three methods: online for recent military service, by printing and completing Form SF 180, or by directing specific inquiries to appropriate records offices.

Free copies of the DD Form 214 and other military records are available for veterans and their families, which can aid in securing veteran benefits and conducting ancestry research. To replace a lost service record, you should know what information you are entitled to access. Generally, complete service records are available to former service members or their next of kin if deceased. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act govern public access while protecting individual rights.

To begin a request, visit the National Archives Request Military Service Records page. Resources like Fold3® provide additional access to military records, including personal stories and documents of veterans. Family members deemed immediate relatives can also request records from the National Archives.

How Do I Get A New Military Record
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do I Get A New Military Record?

To submit a new military records search, the preferred method is online through the National Archives. However, requests can also be made via mail or fax. It is important to know that the Veterans Service Records department does not provide recent military and medical records online. Eligible individuals, including veterans, next-of-kin, or authorized representatives, can request military service records online, by mail, fax, or by visiting the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in person.

Veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of their DD 214 and other military records like the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) and medical records. The National Archives preserves federal military records from the Revolutionary War to 1912. Requests for service records can be made on the National Archives website, where veterans also have access to their VA records and documents. The online eVetRecs tool allows veterans to request military records, including DD Form 214.

To check the status of a records request, individuals can contact the NPRC. It is important to provide the necessary information when requesting an individual’s service record. Free copies of military service records can be requested at the National Archives’ website.

How Do I Check My Veterans Service Records
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do I Check My Veterans Service Records?

The National Archives advises veterans to check their spam folders for emails from @nara. gov and to monitor the status of their requests via the Veterans Service Records homepage. The eVetRecs system allows veterans or their next of kin to request military records online. Eligibility includes military veterans and next of kin, such as spouses or siblings. Requests for military service records can be made online, by mail, or by fax, and include access to DD 214 forms, Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF), and medical records.

Veterans can manage their health and benefits online, download VA letters, and view payment histories. Records of veterans who separated 62 years ago or more are public. To start a records request, veterans must first identify themselves appropriately during the process. For assistance, they can contact the NPRC Customer Service Line. Additionally, veterans can access their current military records through the Department of National Defence, which are eventually archived at Library and Archives Canada for safekeeping. For comprehensive information on accessing the records, veterans should visit the DPRIS section online.

Can You Look Up Someone'S Military Status
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Can You Look Up Someone'S Military Status?

To verify military service online, one effective method is utilizing the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service (SCRACVS) Status Finder. This service allows users to conduct a DoD people search, confirming military status, verifying job skills, and accessing information regarding non-combatant evacuees. The National Archives provides a free database of veterans’ records, facilitating individuals in searching for both their own and others' records.

The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) serves as a central access point for military information, including records for veterans separated from service 62 years ago or more, with a specific focus on military verification services. While recent military and medical records may not be accessible online, veterans and next of kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) alongside other military service records detailing branch, rank, service dates, locations, and awards.

It’s important to note that living veterans must consent for verification. The process to acquire military records is minimal if you are a veteran. For verification, use the DMDC Military Verification service or the SCRA. Individuals can also reach out to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) for updates on records requests, and should complete a GSA Standard Form 180 to request military service records, either online, by mail, or fax. However, be aware that the NPRC can only provide limited information from the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) to the public. Copies of service records, such as the DD214, can be requested from the National Archives.

How To Find Out If A Family Member Served The Military
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How To Find Out If A Family Member Served The Military?

To request military service records for yourself or a deceased relative, start online using the eVetRecs system, which allows veterans and next of kin to create customized order forms. For recent military service records, print and fill out a Form SF 180, then mail it to the specified address. The National Archives stores federal military service records from the Revolutionary War to 1912 in Washington, D. C., while records from World War I to the present are at the National Military Records Center.

Veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of DD 214 and other service records such as the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) and medical records. If you are researching a family member's military service, you can verify their service through several channels, including DFAS and the Defense Manpower Data Center's Military Verification service. Begin your search with personal and home sources and explore state archives, online databases, and the NPRC for further assistance. Remember, DD 214 records are primarily accessible to the service members and their next of kin if the discharge occurred over 62 years ago.

How Do I Get A Copy Of My Military Medical Records
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do I Get A Copy Of My Military Medical Records?

To obtain copies of military records, including DD214 forms, inquire about any associated fees first. Contact the National Personnel Records Center for updates on your service records request. Military medical records are organized based on the service branch and service dates of veterans. To request these records, use the eVetRecs online form. Veterans can obtain free copies of their military service records, including their Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) and medical records.

Access VA records online to manage your health benefits and download essential documents, including ID cards and payment history. For health records prior to the MHS GENESIS implementation, veterans can request paper copies from military hospitals or clinics. Complete health records can be acquired by submitting a Request Pertaining to Military Records (SF 180) to the designated organization listed on the form.

To access your online military records, log into the MHS GENESIS system and select the desired records to view or print. Veterans can use the National Archives to request copies of their service documents, including DD Form 214.


📹 Military Records for Family History and Genealogy

Learn about where to find U.S. Military Records, most of which are free to search. We’ll explore Military Records for your …


Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

About me

Add comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Divorce Readiness Calculator

How emotionally prepared are you for a divorce?
Divorce is an emotional journey. Assess your readiness to face the challenges ahead.

Pin It on Pinterest

We use cookies in order to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept
Privacy Policy