Are US military records public?

Military personnel records are open to the public 62 years after they leave the military. Records of any veteran who separated from the military 62 (or more) years ago can be ordered by anyone for a copying fee (detailed below under “cost”). See Access to Military Records by the General Public for more details.

How do I find out if my grandfather was in the military?

You can request your military records in any of these ways:

1. Mail or fax a Request Pertaining to Military Records (Standard Form SF 180) to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
2. Write a letter to the NPRC.
3. Visit the NPRC in person.
4. Contact your state or county Veterans agency.
5. Hire an independent researcher.

How can I verify if someone was in the military?

Jump To A Military Verification Service

1. #1 – DFAS.
2. #2 – Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) Request.
3. #3 – National Personnel Records Center.
4. #4 – DD 214 or Military ID Card.
5. #5 – Commendation Medal Search.
6. #6 – Online Military Background Check.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you find out why someone was discharged from the military?

Discharge status ranges from honorable – this covers most veterans – to bad conduct and dishonorable discharges, which can indicate serious problems. The simplest way to find out discharge status is to ask a prospective employee for their military discharge records.

What questions to ask a military guy to see if he’s real?

Military Voices Initiative: Great Questions

• When were you drafted or when did you enlist?
• What do you remember about the day you enlisted?
• How did you tell your family and friends that you were joining the military?
• If you enlisted, what were some of the reasons that you joined the military?

Can you find out if someone was honorably discharged?

Are you still a veteran if you were dishonorably discharged?

Dishonorable discharge makes a veteran ineligible for all VA benefits. A character of service determination remains on your military record unless a discharge review board modifies the character. However, this board may only modify, correct, or change characters of service not imposed by a court-martial.

How do you find military records?

There are two main methods of obtaining military service records. The National Archives keeps records of veterans’ military service, such as the DD Form 214, in addition to other documentation such as medical records. In most cases, obtaining these records is free for veterans, next-of-kin and legal representatives.

Where can I find old military records?

Older military personnel records, generally prior to WWI depending on the service branch (see Records Location Table), are on file at the National Archives and Records Administration, Old Military and Civil Records Branch (NWCTB), Washington, DC 20408.

How can I access my military records online?

Accessing Military Records Online. Go to archives.org. Click on “Veteran’s Service Records.”. Click on “Request records online with eVetRecs.”. Click on the link that allows you to access the eVetRec system online.

Where can you find veterans records?

Most veteran’s records are stored at the National Archives and Records Administration’s National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR OR NPRC), St. Louis, Missouri. This includes records of veterans who are completely discharged (with no remaining reserve commitment), or who are retired or have died.