Obtaining Copies of Your Military Records
DD-214, Report of Separation. This is the most important piece of paper you can have in regards to proving you were in the military. If you do not have a copy of your DD-214, complete Form SF180 * and mail it to:
National Personnel
Records Center
(Military Personnel Records)
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
See the National Archives & Records Administration information below, especially the side note "Order Processing Time".
The Veteran Service Organization you have selected to help you with your claim should have this form available for you to complete. Otherwise, click on one of the options below.
Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) This set of documents contains your entire military folder that is on file at the National Personnel Records Center. Your Record of Induction, Record of Assignments (Units you were with from Basic Training through the end of your military career), Record of training you received and the scores of tests such as rifle qualifying, a record of the awards and medals you received, your health records, Discharge Papers and DD-214.
Where to get Form SF-180 parts A&B:
The best place to get the two part Form SF180 A&B is from the VA or your Veteran Service Representative. They will be the right size and more legible than printing through the options below.
The following information is taken from the website of the National Archives website
Today we must continue to receive requests, dated and with a handwritten signature, either by mail or by fax only. This is because Federal law [5 USC 552a(b)] requires that all requests for records and information be submitted in writing. Each request must be signed and dated. FOR THIS REASON, NO REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE INTERNET AT THIS TIME.
With access to a printer and the Adobe Acrobat Reader software available below, you may download and print a copy of the Standard Form 180 - Request Pertaining to Military Records. The front and back of the form are separate files which must be downloaded separately. NOTE: Please download both sides of the form as the back of the form contains important mailing addresses and instructions.
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The Standard Form 180 is formatted for
legal size paper (8.5" x 14"). Please print that way if your printer
can accommodate that. If your printer can only print on letter size
paper (8.5" x 11"), select "shrink to fit"
when the Adobe Acrobat Reader "Print"
dialog box appears.
If you don't have access to a printer, or are unable to download the SF 180, you may still submit a request for military records. Please read the two options below, and choose the one best suited to your needs: |
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NOTE: You must call the system from a fax machine (using the handset) in order to receive documents. Voice instructions will guide you. There is no charge for this service except for any long distance telephone charges you may incur. The phone number to access the fax-on-demand system is as follows: 301-713-6905.
The SF 180 may be photocopied as needed. Please submit a separate request (either SF 180 or letter) for each individual whose records are being requested. You may submit more than one request per envelope or fax. Our mailing address is:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
Our fax request number is 314-538-4175. The Center will respond in writing by U.S. Mail.
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