How to Retrieve an Original Military Enlistment Record
Military service records are essential in order for veterans and eligible next-of-kin to obtain educational, medical, burial or employment preference benefits. They are also an invaluable tool in researching family history. While some companies charge for providing assistance in obtaining this information, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) of the United States National Archives and Records Administration will usually provide this information free. Additionally, some information is available to the general public who are otherwise not the veteran or next-of-kin in question.
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Things You'll Need
- Veteran's Name while in service
- Dates of service
- Service Number
- Social Security Number
- Branch of Service
- Date and Place of Birth
Instructions
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Request copies electronically from the United States National Archives through the eVetRecs system. These copies may be requested by veterans or next-of-kin of deceased veterans.Next-of-kin is defined as the unremarried widow or widower, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, or father of a deceased veteran. Required information includes veteran's name while in service, dates of service, service number, social security number, branch of service, date of birth and place of birth.
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Obtain copies via mail from the National Archives by completing and submitting SF 180. This form is available online from the National Archives or may be requested to be sent by mail. The completed SF 180 must be mailed to:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 -
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Mail the signature of the veteran or next-of-kin within 20 days of filing the request regardless of whether the request was made through mail or electronically to the National Archives in order to complete the application. Next-of-kin must also provide proof of the veteran's death. This information may be faxed instead of mailed to the National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-0800.
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Pay any fee associated with your request. Most records are provided for free but a cost may be involved with certain records requests. The NPRC will notify you of any fees.
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Check on the status of the request while it is being processed by email through the NPRC Customer Service Center at mpr.status@nara.gov or by phone at 314-801-0800. The request is usually processed within ten days.
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