Military Records
By Gerald Whitcombe, military records archivist · Updated 4 June 2026
Military records document a person's service history, from enlistment through discharge, and researching them is often the first step for veterans seeking benefits, families building a genealogy record, or historians verifying service. This guide explains what military records exist, where they are held, and how to begin a military records search using the National Archives and the National Personnel Records Center.
What Are Military Records
Military records are official documents created and kept by the armed forces to track a service member's career. They typically include the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), which covers enlistment, training, assignments, promotions, awards, and discharge (DD Form 214). Related record types include medical and health records, unit histories, muster rolls, and pension or bounty land files for veterans of earlier conflicts.
- Service records: dates of service, rank, unit assignments
- Discharge papers (DD Form 214 for modern veterans)
- Medical and dental records tied to a period of service
- Award and decoration citations
Where Military Records Are Held
Most 20th and 21st century military records are managed by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, which is part of the National Archives and Records Administration. The National Archives itself holds older records, including many from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War I, along with records that NPRC has transferred into permanent archival custody after several decades. Searching national archives military holdings is often necessary for records more than 62 years old.
Who Can Request Military Records
Access rules depend on whether the veteran is living and who is making the request.
- The veteran themselves can request their own complete record
- The next of kin of a deceased veteran can request records with proof of death and relationship
- Third parties may request limited information releasable under the Freedom of Information Act
- Older records held by the National Archives are generally open to public genealogical research
Because of privacy protections, the amount of information released to someone other than the veteran or next of kin is more limited.
How to Find Military Records: Getting Started
The standard way to begin a military records search is by submitting a request to the NPRC. Veterans, next of kin, and authorized researchers can use the online eVetRecs system or complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180) and mail or fax it in. Before requesting, gather as much identifying information as possible.
- Full name used during service
- Branch of service and approximate dates of service
- Service or Social Security number, if known
- Place of birth and date of birth
Accurate identifying details speed up processing and reduce the chance of a records mismatch.
The 1973 NPRC Fire and What It Means for Your Search
A major fire at the National Personnel Records Center in 1973 destroyed a large portion of Army personnel records for those discharged between 1912 and 1960, and Air Force personnel records for those discharged between 1947 and 1964. If your service records search falls within these windows, the original file may be incomplete or lost. In these cases, NPRC staff use alternate sources, such as pay records, unit rosters, and state or organizational records, to help reconstruct service history.
Common Uses for Military Records
People request military records for several practical reasons.
- Applying for VA benefits, healthcare, or a military funeral honors
- Proving service for employment, licensing, or veteran preference programs
- Genealogical research to document a family member's service
- Historical research and confirming unit or campaign participation
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Frequently asked questions
How do I request my own military records?
Veterans can use the NPRC's eVetRecs online system or submit a completed SF-180 form by mail or fax, providing full name, branch, and approximate dates of service to help locate the correct file.
Can I access a deceased relative's military records?
Yes, next of kin can request a deceased veteran's records by submitting proof of death and documentation of the family relationship along with the request form to the National Personnel Records Center.
How long does a military records search take?
Processing time varies widely depending on record age, completeness, and request volume, ranging from a few weeks for straightforward requests to several months when records must be reconstructed from alternate sources.