After Action
Reports, Lessons Learned
And Other Military History Records
These records are held in the National Archives Administration, in the Modern Military Records (NWCTM), Textual Archives Services Division.
There are now two ways to
obtain COAARs and other Unit history records.
1) You can utilize an online request VA website to initiate the request then follow the steps to provide a signature to validate the veteran's request.
That website, called "eVetRecs" is ->HERE
2) Although now a archaic method of obtaining records, you can still do it the old way by completing a National Archives and Records Administration form SF-180. Some helpful hints in completing this form are:
a) Note what kind
of document you are looking for, (ie After Action
Reports and/or Lessons Learned Reports)
b) Make sure you
provide them with the complete name of you unit, to
the company or troop level.
c) Give either a specific date or range of dates, (ie April 18-19, 1969)
so
they have a better idea of what to look for.
d) Follow the instructions at the bottom of the form. Complete all
required fields and enter N/A if a section or question does not
apply.
The more information you provide the first time you write them, the
less chance there will be for them to write you asking for
clarification,
which only delays getting the information you want.
2) Mail it to:
Textual Archives Services Division
Modern Military Records Unit
ATTN: Archives (Vietnam War)
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, Maryland 20740-6001
3) Click
here for website.
(http://archives.gov/research_room/research_topics/vietnam_conflict_operations_analysis.html)
4) If you are interested in obtaining records pertaining to several units,
or more specialized records that are too complicated to obtain using the SF-180
form, you can hire someone to do the digging for you.
Here is a NARA provided webpage of Independent Researchers authorized to make
record searches on behalf of the veteran or military unit. ->
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