Request Military Records

Most federal, state and local veterans’ benefits require proof of military service through an official discharge document, often called a DD-214 or one of its predecessors.  You may request a free copy of your military service record through the National Archives at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/.

What do they hold?

  • Official Military Personnel Folders (OMPF) including the Service Treatment Record (includes outpatient, dental and mental health treatment).
  • Clinical (hospital inpatient) records created for military personnel while on active duty.
  • Medical treatment records for military retirees, dependents, and others created at military medical treatment facilities (includes inpatient, outpatient, dental, and mental health treatment).

What records are there?

U.S. Air Force 1947-2004

  • Records from 1947-1963 (Hubbard –Z) were impacted by 1973 fire

U.S. Army 1912-2002

  • Records from 1912-1959 were impacted by 1973 fire

U.S. Coast Guard 1898-2008

U.S. Marine Corps 1905-1998

U.S. Navy 1886-1994

Records Not at National Personnel Records Center (NPRC):

  • With milConnect, Department of Defense affiliates and beneficiaries manage their benefits and records through a convenient self-service portal. Integrated applications give them secure access to many of their personal and personnel records held in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). The milConnect Frequently Asked Questions provide the most up-to-date policies, procedures and resources for making the most of their entitlements and benefits.
  • Records of soldiers currently on active duty and records of veterans who have separated but still have reserve status remain with military services.
  • Pay records are held by Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
  • The individual branches and/or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may hold other, more recent archival materials. Visit https://www.archives.gov/st-louis for details.

Customer Service Line:
(314) 801-0800