CAN YOU LOOK UP MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS?
You can look up military service records, but how you do so will depend on many different factors. A few different processes are available, depending on the records you need. The military has an obligation to protect the privacy of service members; however, there are times in which records may be needed. Here’s everything you need to know when looking them up.
How to Look up Someone’s Military Record
The first step in looking up military records is to understand why you need them in the first place. This information isn’t always available, but you can request such records for things like a funeral.
If you are burying a Veteran in a VA national cemetery and need their records, you’ll need to call the VA’s National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 (TTY: 711).
For surviving spouses who haven’t remarried, parents, children, or siblings, the National Archives is available by fax, mail, or online.
Furthermore, you can also visit the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), get in touch with your state or county Veterans agency, or contact a professional.
For the general public, records are available for discharged Veterans who have been separated for over 62 years through the National Archives.
You can also request information for general public access if they have separated before this time frame, but you’re going to need the Veterans themselves or their next of kin to give permission.
Furthermore, if you do obtain permission and contact the National Archives, be aware that these records are only available in the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) format and the information provided is subject to your reason under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Finally, if you need your military records when separating from service or are looking up the record of someone else, the VA may be able to help. Here are some of the many VA resources available.
How to Use the National Archives
Getting military records will take having the right forms, including a copy of a DD214. This applies to active duty service members, spouses, and Veterans who are trying to prove eligibility for a VA national cemetery.
The National Archives can provide you with this information and you have a few ways to contact them:
- Submit a new request online using the eVetRecs Tool.
- Mail or fax the National Archives a Request Pertaining to Military Records (Standard Form 180). The address or fax number you’ll need is found on the first page of the form.
For Marines who served from 1998 or Coast Guardsmen who have served since 2008, you’ll need to contact the National Archives who will handle it for you, or contact your personnel command directly for information.
Emergencies and Extenuating Circumstances
If you need to look up military records during an emergency, you can also use the “Comments” section of the eVetRecs Tool or the “Purpose” section of Standard Form 180.
Calling the VA’s Customer Service Team at (314) 801-0764 or (314) 801-0800 may also help, though wait times are typically long.
Furthermore, if you’re requesting internment at the VA National Cemetery, you can call their scheduling office at (800) 535-1117, or you can contact them online.
By logging into your Premium DS Logon account through the milConnect website, the DoD may also be able to help you, in the event the military records you’re looking up is for one of the following:
- Airmen discharged after October 1
- Marines discharged after January 1, 1999
- Sailors discharged after January 1, 1995
- Soldiers discharged after October 1, 2002
Looking Up Military Records & the 1973 Fire at the National Personnel Records Center
If you’re in need of military records from between the years 1912 and 1964, you may have a few extra issues.
There was a fire in 1973 at the National Personnel Records Center causing the damage and destruction of millions of documents.
For these reasons, you may find incomplete military records or have issues retrieving them.
However, if you are looking up military records during this timeframe, it’s worth noting that there are reconstruction methods ongoing and available. Just note that this process can be time-consuming.
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