Military Data Resource
By Gerald Whitcombe, military records archivist · Updated 4 June 2026
Welcome to Military Data Resource — practical guides to researching US military records and history, for families, historians and the curious.
Our guides
Start with the overview of military records, or choose a topic:
Where to begin
Most research starts with a name and a war. From there, records like the DD-214 and WWII files help fill in a service story.
Frequently asked questions
Is Military Data Resource official?
No — it is an independent educational resource. Official records come from the National Archives and NPRC.
Is it free?
Yes, all our guides are free to read.