Is a person's military record public?

Military personnel records are open to the public 62 years after they leave the military. (To calculate this, take the current year and subtract 62.) Records of any veteran who separated from the military 62 (or more) years ago can be ordered by anyone for a copying fee (detailed below under “cost”).
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Can I look up someone's military record?

World War I - Present

You can find veterans' military service records from World War I to the present from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The NPRC houses many types of records, including Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF).
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Can civilians see military records?

Access to Records, Information for the General Public:

Without the consent of the veteran or next-of-kin, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) can only release limited information from the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) to the general public.
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Is military service public information?

FOIA and the Privacy Act

NPRC stores service records from the Department of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. As outlined on the NPRC website, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) typically grants anyone with the statutory right to view general information from executive branch agency records.
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Are dishonorable discharge records public?

The military discharges are recorded without charge and copies are issued without charge as a service to our veterans. Unlike all other records contained in the Register of Deeds Office military discharge documents are considered a public record with restricted access unless they have been on file for 50 years or more.
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Marines surprised by warm welcome, first-class airline seats during stopover in Chicago



Do you have to disclose you were in the military?

Disclosing Military Experience on a Job Application

While answering the question is not necessarily required and can be left blank, not disclosing any affiliation could potentially result in legal employment termination if the military affiliation conflicts with employment requirements.
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What do military service records show?

Military personnel records are primarily administrative records and can contain information such as:
  • enlistment/appointment.
  • duty stations and assignments.
  • training, qualifications, performance.
  • awards and medals.
  • disciplinary actions.
  • insurance.
  • emergency data.
  • administrative remarks.
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Can I view my DD214 online?

Most veterans and their next of kin can obtain FREE copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) via online access. To use the system, you must be a military veteran, next of kin of a deceased member of the military, or former member of the military.
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Can you look up military records for free?

Generally there is no charge for basic military personnel and medical record information provided to veterans, next of kin and authorized representatives from Federal (non-archival) records. Some companies advertise DD Form 214 research services and will charge a fee for obtaining copies.
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How can I find a soldier?

How to Locate U.S. Military Personnel and Veterans
  1. By phone at 1-877-272-7337.
  2. Through an online request (You'll first need to create an account.)
  3. Using its Hero Care app on your mobile device.
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How can I find my father's ww2 service record?

Visit the GOV.UK website for information about how to request a summary of a service record from the Ministry of Defence (MOD). These are available to next of kin and members of the general public on request to the MOD, provided the subject is no longer living. An administrative fee applies.
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Are DD214 public record?

The Privacy Act of 1974 limits access to a veteran's DD214 to only the service member (either past or present) or the member's legal guardian; only these persons will have access to almost any information contained in that member's own record.
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How can I find my dad's military photo?

The most likely source for images would be the Soldiers' Individual Service Records file. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is the official repository for such records.
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What does DD 214 stand for?

The Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or DD Form 214, is a document Airmen may receive at certain points in their careers such as separating from an active duty unit, completing job training, or returning home from a deployment.
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How do I get my DD-214 for free?

Get A Replacement Copy of Your DD214

You can request a FREE copy of your DD Form 214 simply by visiting the official United States Government site https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records and filling out an online form.
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Are you considered a veteran with an other than honorable discharge?

The bill applies one definition across the various benefit programs. Under the bill, a “veteran” is anyone honorably discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty in the armed forces or anyone with an OTH discharge based on the following qualifying conditions: 1.
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How can I get a copy of military discharge papers?

You or your next-of-kin can request a copy of your DD Form 214 online by going to the National Personnel Records Center website. You can mail or fax your signed and dated request to the National Archives' National Personnel Record Center (NPRC).
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How can you find out if someone is a veteran?

Another way to find out if someone is a veteran or not is to ask him or her for a copy of their DD-214. The DD Form 214, or DD-214, is a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It is provided to every service member of the U.S. Military upon discharge.
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How many years do you have to serve to be a veteran?

"Anyone who has reached 20 years of service, even if they were never activated on a [federal] order for more than 180 days outside of training, will now be considered a veteran," he said. The change in law, said Krenz, simply recognizes those who serve.
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What is a 201 file in the military?

A military personnel file (also called a 201 file in the United States Army) is a set of documents maintained by the US government for members of the United States armed forces. 201 files usually contain documents describing the member's military and civilian education history.
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Do military records show up on background checks?

It will not show on a background check through a policy agency. It will show up if you seek employment where you are asked about military service, or a job where you give access to your military record.
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Does AWOL show up on a background check?

A military warrant doesn't always show up on an employment background check since those look at convictions. But, sooner or later the AWOL status will catch up with you and the longer it takes the more serious the charge (AWOL vs Desertion). Best to clear it as soon as possible, get discharged and move on.
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Why do employers ask if you are a veteran?

This requirement is to ensure that companies doing business with the government are not discriminating against veterans or protected veterans and that they're taking active steps to recruit and hire them.
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Can grandchildren request military records?

All requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin. If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of death certificate, letter from funeral home or published obituary.
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How can you tell if someone is lying about military service?

Please use the Defense Manpower Data Center's (DMDC) Military Verification service to verify if someone is in the military. The website will tell you if the person is currently serving in the military.
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