5 Ways To Obtain Military Records Request

Obtaining military records can be a crucial step in verifying an individual's military service, accessing benefits, or conducting historical research. The process of obtaining these records can vary depending on the type of record, the individual's status, and the purpose of the request. Here are five ways to obtain military records requests.

Understanding the Types of Military Records

Before requesting military records, it's essential to understand the types of records available. The most common types of military records include:

Personnel records, which contain information about an individual's military service, including their enlistment, assignments, promotions, and discharge.
Medical records, which contain information about an individual's medical history during their military service.
Unit records, which contain information about a specific military unit's activities, operations, and personnel.
Awards and decorations records, which contain information about an individual's awards and decorations earned during their military service.

Who Can Request Military Records

Not everyone can request military records. The types of individuals who can request military records include:

The veteran themselves
The veteran's next of kin (spouse, children, parents, or siblings)
Authorized representatives of the veteran or their next of kin
Historians and researchers with a legitimate research purpose
Government agencies with a legitimate need for the records

Method 1: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the primary repository for military records. To request military records from NARA, follow these steps:

Visit the NARA website at www.archives.gov
Click on the "Research Our Records" tab and select "Military Records"
Fill out the online request form, providing as much information as possible about the veteran and the records you are seeking
Submit the request and wait for a response from NARA

Method 2: National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is a repository for military personnel records. To request military records from NPRC, follow these steps:

Visit the NPRC website at www.archives.gov/personnel
Click on the "Request Military Records" tab and select the type of record you are seeking
Fill out the online request form, providing as much information as possible about the veteran and the records you are seeking
Submit the request and wait for a response from NPRC

Required Documents

When requesting military records, you may need to provide documentation to verify your identity and relationship to the veteran. The required documents may include:

A copy of the veteran's DD Form 214 (discharge paperwork)
A copy of the veteran's identification (driver's license, passport, etc.)
A copy of your identification (driver's license, passport, etc.)
A letter of authorization from the veteran or their next of kin

Method 3: Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are organizations that provide assistance to veterans and their families. Some VSOs, such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, offer military records request services. To request military records through a VSO, follow these steps:

Contact a local VSO and ask about their military records request services
Provide the required documentation and information about the veteran and the records you are seeking
The VSO will submit the request on your behalf and follow up with you when the records are received

Method 4: Online Request Portals

There are several online request portals that allow you to request military records, including:

eVetRecs: A online request system provided by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
milConnect: A online request system provided by the Department of Defense (DoD)
Fold3: A online request system provided by Ancestry.com

To request military records through an online request portal, follow these steps:

Visit the online request portal and create an account
Fill out the online request form, providing as much information as possible about the veteran and the records you are seeking
Submit the request and wait for a response from the request portal

Method 5: Hire a Professional Researcher

If you are unable to request military records yourself, you can hire a professional researcher to do it for you. Professional researchers specialize in obtaining military records and can provide guidance and assistance throughout the process. To hire a professional researcher, follow these steps:

Search for professional researchers who specialize in military records
Contact the researcher and provide information about the veteran and the records you are seeking
The researcher will submit the request on your behalf and follow up with you when the records are received

Conclusion

Obtaining military records can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, with the right guidance and resources, you can successfully request the records you need. Remember to provide as much information as possible about the veteran and the records you are seeking, and be patient as the request is processed.

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of obtaining military records. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

What types of military records are available?

Military records include personnel records, medical records, unit records, and awards and decorations records.

Who can request military records?

The veteran themselves, their next of kin, authorized representatives, historians and researchers, and government agencies can request military records.

How long does it take to receive military records?

The time it takes to receive military records varies depending on the type of record and the request method. It can take several weeks to several months to receive the records.