Military records are official documents created and maintained by the United States armed forces. They include personnel records, discharge papers (DD-214), service records, medical records, and more. These records document a veteran's military service history and are essential for obtaining benefits, employment verification, and genealogy research.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) through the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, is the primary repository for military personnel, health, and medical records for veterans who have separated from the military.
Types of Military Records
Common military records include: DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge), service records, medical and dental records, pension files, and unit records. For veterans and next-of-kin, many of these records can be requested online through official channels.
Requesting Your Military Records
Veterans, next of kin of deceased veterans, and authorized representatives can request military service records online through the National Archives milConnect portal or by submitting Standard Form 180. Processing times vary based on record type and era of service.
Official Military Record Sources
- National Archives - Veteran Records
- milConnect (DoD Self-Service)
- WWII Army Enlistment Records
- Civil War Military Records
- WWI Draft Registration Cards
- Fold3 Military Records (Historical)
- VA Benefits Administration
- VA National Cemetery Administration
- VA Grave Locator
- Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF)
- FamilySearch US Military Records
- Defense Manpower Data Center