There are many ways in which you can find military records.Specific veteran records will only be released to the veteran or their next of kin, because limited military records are public.
Step 1: You can find general information on an online site.
If you want to find out if a person served in the military, you can find this information online.You can do an online search for military records.If you want to research military veterans, you could go to the archives.gov or ancestry.com.
Step 2: If you need specific records, gather the veteran's personal information.
To access a specific veteran's records, you need to know their full name, service number, and branch of service.
Step 3: The National Personnel Records Center is where you can request specific records.
If you want to view the records of a specific military veteran, you can submit a request to the National Personnel Records Center.You will get copies of the personnel records for the veteran.You can either send the request online, via fax or mail, depending on your relation to the veteran.
Step 4: If you are not the next of kin, you will receive limited information.
If you are not the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the veteran in question, you will not be able to see their full military record.Basic information will be provided, such as the veteran's name, assignments, and service awards.
Step 5: If you are a veteran or next of kin, you can order the records online.
If you are a military veteran and want to view your own records, you can use the eVetRecs system.If you want to submit your request online, you need to fill in the required information.
Step 6: If you are not a veteran or next of kin, fill out the Standard Form 180.
If you want records for a person that you are not related to, you need to fill out Standard Form 180 and submit it to the National Personnel Records Center.Drop by a VA office to pick up the form, or you can download a PDF from the archives.gov.You can fill out the form, fax it or send it to the National Personnel Records Center.Louis, Missouri 63138.
Step 7: You can request the records by writing a letter.
You can request the records in a letter if you can't access Standard Form 180.You should include your name, your relation to the veteran, and the reason you are requesting the records.Provide the veteran's full name, date and place of birth, service number, social security number and branch of service.You can fax the letter or send it to the National Personnel Records Center.Louis, Missouri 63138
Step 8: You can see the original record at the National Archives.
If you want to see an original record, you can go to the National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri.You have to make an appointment for the specific research room where the records are located.You can schedule an appointment if the records are from before 1956.You can schedule an appointment if the records are from after 1956.
Step 9: There is a fee for archival records.
If you are a veteran or next of kin, you won't have to pay to access military records.You will have to pay a fee to get copies of the records you want to view.The fee is for 5 pages or less.There is a fee for more than 5 pages.
Step 10: The records will be received within six months.
The National Personnel Records Center can respond to requests for separation records within 10 days.You can send a follow-up request if you haven't heard back within 90 days.Some requests, such as those for archives, can take up to 6 months to complete.