Retrieve Military Records

Military records dating back more than 62 years are made publicly available under the Freedom of Information Act (though some information may still be kept private).  You can usually obtain official copies of military records for free by following these steps:

STEP 1: Download this form. Click Here.

STEP 2: Fill out the application. The application is broken into three sections:

Section I: Information about the veteran. The more information you have, the more likely you are to get your records.

Section II: Information requested. If you're looking for a specific reason, choose the data you're looking for. Otherwise, it is best to request "All Documents In Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)"

Section III: Information about you. Select the option that best describes your relationship to the veteran and provide your mailing information.

STEP 3: Find the proper mailing address using the table on page 3, then print & mail in the completed form.

Delivery:

The more complete your request form, the faster you'll receive your records. Nine out of ten record requests are processed within 10 days, but due to a 1973 fire at the National Archives, requests for the lost data may take as long as 6 months to be filled.

Other Useful Military Records Resources Include:

National Archives and Records Administration - The NARA provides an introductory guide on gathering military records for genealogy research purposes.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - An agency of the federal government, the Department of Veteran Affairs is in charge of tending to the well-being of all U.S. veterans.

National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis - A repository that stores millions of military personnel records for 20th century discharged and deceased veterans.