Military Records Searching U.S.A

An individual�s military records contain a vast wealth of information on them. The reasons for locating military records often include a genealogical search or a search for historical facts. Military records typically include the individual�s full name, dates of service, training assignments, duty assignments including dates and locations, awards, promotions, disciplinary actions, medical records, and discharge or separation.

Searching for military records is a relatively straightforward task. The method in which you go about locating and acquiring the military records that you are looking for depends upon your relationship to the individual whose name is on the records. Service members are able to obtain their records through one of the three following methods.

All requests require the following information:
� Full name
� Social security number
� Service number
� Branch of service
� Dates of service
� Date and place of birth

A request can be sent through the postal mail for military records. Include as much information as possible to ensure that you receive the correct records. Specific questions pertaining to the request procedures can be asked at the following number: 1-314-801-0800. Please note that this is not a toll free number, nor can it be used to request the records directly.

The following address should be used for mailing your request:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Mo. 63132-5100

A written request may also be faxed to the National Personnel Records Center at the following number: 314- 801-9195.

Visiting the government website also offers the opportunity to request military records. Veterans and their next of kin may use the eVetRecs system. Next of kin includes son, daughter, mother, father, sister, brother, unmarried widow, or unmarried widower.
Visit the following link : http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/

Online Procedure:
1. Click the large red button near the bottom of the page that says �REQUEST MILITARY RECORDS.� A separate window launches.
2. Fill in your personal information or the personal information of the veteran for whom you are submitting a request on the customized request form. Specific instructions will guide you through four steps in order to complete the form.
3. According to the specific requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, all formal requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or the veteran�s next of kin. Print the signature verification form. Next, sign and date it. Steps are given for the manner in which you should proceed in the event that you do not have a printer available.
4. Fax or mail the signature verification form to the given address in order to process your request. This must be done in the first twenty days after completing the online request form or your request is cancelled.
5. Keeping a copy for your personal file is an excellent idea.

In addition to the above methods, service members and their family members can also attempt to secure military records through their local Veteran�s Administration Office, other veteran�s service organizations, the Department of Defense, or the Federal Information Center.

Members of the general public, or those who are not related to the service member as indicated in the next of kin definition, may also request copies of military records. Due to the guidelines of the Freedom of Information Act, limited information from military records will be released to members of the general public. A written request signed and dated by the service member for the release of all information may be obtained and included with the request for the records in order to receive additional information.

Only the following information will be released without written consent from the service member whose records are requested:
� The service member�s full name
� The service member�s photograph
� The service member�s service number
� The service member�s branch of service
� The service member�s dates of service,
� The service member�s rank and date of rank
� The service member�s military education
� The service member�s assignments and geographic locations,
� The service member�s awards and decorations,
� The service member�s duty status
� Any transcripts of court-martial trial,
� The service member�s place of entrance
� The service member�s place of separation.

Members of the general public may not use the eVetRecs system, but must complete a Standard Form 180, or SF-180. Several ways to obtain a Standard Form 180, or SF-180 exist.

1. A copy of the SF-180 can be downloaded at the following link:
http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/standard-form-180.html#sf
You may select to fill the form in first (be sure to download a form listed as a fillable form) or print the form out and fill it in completely. Note that this is a three-page form.
2. Contact The National Archives and Records Administration and order a faxed form.
3. Send a written request for a copy of SF_180 to the following address: The National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740-6001
4. Send a written request for a copy of SF-180 to the following address:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Mo. 63132-5100

All requests should include the following information:
� The service member�s full name
� The service member�s social security number
� The service member�s dates of service
� The service member�s date and place of birth,
� The service member�s service number
� The service member�s branch of service

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