AllGov has received numerous requests for practical information about how to obtain military records. The good news is that obtaining a copy of someone’s U.S. military record is now a request away from the National Archives, for veterans or their immediate family members.

 

In most cases, there is no cost to veterans or their relatives. The record request begins with the DD Form 214 (Report of Separation), which a former service member can use, as can those close to him or her, such as spouses, parents, children and siblings.

 

Online requests can be made here; requests to be made by mail or fax can use forms downloaded here.

 

The National Archives is also opening a new facility in St. Louis: the National Personnel Records Center. There, more than two million cubic feet of military and civilian employee personnel records will be housed in state-of-the-art preservation laboratories. Visitors will be able to use one of two public research rooms, as well as meeting spaces.

 

On file and available for public viewing at the new center will be the service records of baseball player Jackie Robinson (Army), singer Elvis Presley (Army), singer and musician Jimi Hendrix (Army, author Jack Kerouac (Navy), and Roots author Alex Haley (Coast Guard), among other famous individuals.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

What do Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley and George Patton have in common? (by Ed O’Keefe, Washington Post)

Start Your Military Service Record Request (DD Form 214 & SF-180) (National Archives)