Use Online Services to Get Military Service Records

To request military service records online, go to the National Archives website. This website provides all of the forms and information needed to request a person’s service record. You can file electronically using the eVetRecs system. This is the best way as it means the archivist will not have to transfer your written request to the electronic system and it provides less room for human error if the request have to be manually entered.

Before starting the online application, get the information needed to complete the form. A major piece of information requested on the form is the complete name used by the person during the time of service. This includes the person’s first, middle and last name. People may change the spelling of their name over time. For example, “Browne” may have been changed to “Brown”. Make sure the name submitted on the form is spelled the same way the person spelled it back then or how it is listed on the birth certificate if you have one. Other information needed include 1) their social security number, 3) date and place of birth and 4) places served during active duty (e.g. Korea, Japan, Hawaii, etc.). You may not have all of the details if you’re searching for on a parent or someone you didn’t know well, but make sure you give as much and all the information you have to help the archivist locate the records.

Request any other documents you want or need. Depending on your reason for requesting the Certificate of Separation, you might want other service records as well. List these in section 2 of the form. If you don’t know what they are, state “any and all records available for Cpt. John Doe”. Of course, "Cpt. John Doe" becomes the name of the person whose records you are requesting.

Give the reason you are requesting the documents. Section 3 of the form request an explanation for your wanting this information; however it is strictly voluntary. Most times, this information is given to next-of-kin or a legally appointed person. A separate section identifies how public information can be accessed. Giving an explanation helps the archivist get the information you need.

Personally, I found this to be true. As my father died when I was a child, obtaining his military records was my way of learning more about him. Because of this explanation, the archivists sent me pictures and other information that they felt would be helpful in my quest. Additionally, they sent me free replacement medals for my father’s years of service.

For additional information, go to National Archives Visitor Services Information at  http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/public/visitors-services.html .

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