How to Find Someone in the Military
"Name, rank and serial number" is the mantra of the military. Having the vital statistics of a service member is the key to a successful search. These tips will guide you through the labyrinth of procedures required to find a member of the armed forces.
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Instructions
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Gather all the identifying information about the military person and keep it handy. Know the full name (including middle name/initial), rank, Social Security number, date of birth and current duty assignment. You will need to call the correct branch of service (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard) to start your search.
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Call the Red Cross in an emergency situation. The Red Cross will verify the emergency (death, serious illness of family member, or birth) and locate the service member no matter where he is in the world. If an emergency leave is granted by a commanding officer, and financial assistance is needed, the Red Cross will help pay for emergency travel expenses.
Family members who live in the same household with an active-duty service member can call the Red Cross at (877) 272-7337. Other relatives trying to reach active duty personnel, National Guard members, reservists and civilian employees stationed overseas should contact a local Red Cross office (in an emergency). To find one, look in the telephone book or use the link below to the chapter locator. -
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If you know where the service member is stationed, call the military facility and ask for the Base Locator. They will give you the written address of the person you are looking for. Many bases, camps, air stations and posts also have a Red Cross chapter that can help.
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Write a letter to the world locator of the appropriate branch of service. Getting an answer can take more than a month. This service is free for family members, but everyone else must send a $3.50 money order (non-refundable), payable to the U.S. Treasurer, to process the request. The addresses are listed in "Tips" below.
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Log on to one of the social networking sites catering to active-duty personnel. There are several free websites available, such as MilPlace; many also help to locate veterans and retirees.
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Tips & Warnings
Army: (active personnel only) Commander, U.S. Army Enlisted Records & Evaluation Center, Attn: Locator, 8899 E. 56th St., Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, 46249-5301(866-771-6357). Navy: (active duty and separations of less than a year) World Wide Locator, Bureau of Naval Personnel, PERS 312F, 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, Tennessee 38055-3120. (901-874-3388). Marines: Commandant of the Marine Corps, Headquarters, USMC, Code MMSB-10, Quantico, Virginia 22134-5030 Air Force HQ AFMPC/RMIQL, 550 C St, West, Suite 50, Randolph AFB, Texas 78150-4752
Travel expenses advanced by the Red Cross may have to be repaid. If the service member has to travel on a commercial flight, this rate will be at a premium rate. Stay away from social networking websites that charge a fee to join.
