Frequent Questions
Where do I Obtain Military Personnel Records?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does not maintain veterans' military service records.
The personnel records of individuals currently in the military service, in the reserve forces, and those completely separated from military service are located in different offices. A nominal fee is charged for certain types of service. In most instances service fees cannot be determined in advance. If your request involves a service fee you will be notified as soon as that determination is made.
A veteran and spouse should be aware of the location of the veteran's discharge and separation papers. If a veteran cannot locate discharge and separation papers, duplicate copies may be obtained.
Use Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, which is available from VA offices and veterans organizations. Specify that a duplicate separation document or discharge is needed. The veteran's full name should be printed or typed so that it can be read clearly, but the request must also contain the signature of the veteran or the signature of the next of kin, if the veteran is deceased. Include branch of service, service number or Social Security number and exact or approximate date and years of service.
It is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of a veteran's discharge or separation papers solely for the purpose of filing a claim for VA benefits. If complete information about the veteran's service is furnished on the application, VA will obtain verification of service from the National Personnel Records Center or the service department concerned. In a medical emergency, information from a veteran's records may be obtained by phoning the National Personnel Records Center:
AArmy: (314) 538-4261; Air Force: (314) 538-4243; Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard: (314) 538-4141.
What are the Official Periods of War?
Indian Wars
The period January 1, 1817 through December 31, 1898.
Service must have been rendered with the United States Military Forces
against Indian tribes or nations.
Spanish-American War
The period April 21, 1898 through July 4,
1902. In the case of a veteran who served with the United States military
forces engaged in hostilities in the Moro Province the ending date is
July 15, 1903.
Mexican Border Period
The period May 9, 1916 through April 5,
1917, in the case of a veteran who during such period served in Mexico,
on the borders thereof, or in the waters adjacent thereto.
World War I
The period April 6, 1917 through November 11, 1918.
In the case of a veteran who served with the United States military
forces in Russia, the ending date is April 1, 1920. Service after November
11, 1918 and before July 2, 1921 is considered World War I for compensation
or pension purposes, if the veteran served in the active military, naval,
or air service after April 5, 1917 and before November 12, 1918.
World War II
The period between December 7,
1941 through December 31, 1946. If the veteran was in service on
December 31, 1946, continuous service before July 26, 1947 is
considered World War II service.
Korean Conflict
The period June 27, 1950 through January 31,
1955.
Vietnam Era
The period August 5, 1964 (February 28, 1961 for
Veterans who served "in country" before August 5, 1964), and ending
May 7, 1975.
Persian Gulf War
The period August 2, 1990 through a date to
be set by law or Presidential Proclamation.
Future Dates
The period beginning on the date of any future declaration
of war by the Congress, and ending on a date prescribed by Presidential
Proclamation or concurrent resolution of Congress. (Title U.S.C. 101)
