Documents and Forms

How to Get a DD-214 Copy

Updated: November 10, 2022

You will need a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to claim certain military benefits, college education discounts, veteran preference in hiring, VA loans, medical benefits, association membership, veteran’s funeral benefits, school enrollment and other benefits. How to Get a Copy of Your DD-214 There are several ways veterans, family members and […]

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Military Forms

Military Forms

Updated: November 3, 2022

Official military forms enable veterans and active duty personnel to access benefits, request records, make changes and update information. This article is an index of military forms from the DoD, VA, Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force and Other Government Agencies (OGAs). Department of Veterans Affairs Forms VA Forms: Find, search, […]

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How To Check Someone Else's Military Service Records

How to Check Someone Else’s Military Service Records

Updated: October 12, 2022

You can request official military personnel files for veterans and service members who have died. However, living veterans and service members must consent for you to check most documents in their service records. You can request some documents from a military member or veteran’s service record for eligibility, legal or financial transactions. FOIA and the […]

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How To Get A Veterans ID Card

How to Get a Veterans ID Card

Updated: November 9, 2022

Do you need a veterans ID card? If you are retiring or separating from military service, you have the option of applying for a variety of different veteran-designated picture identification cards. Some are issued to military retirees only and can give you access to military bases. Others are offered by state and federal agencies. However, […]

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How To Read DD Form 214

Updated: April 28, 2022

The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is provided to service members who leave active service after 90 days or more. This document, also known as a Report of Discharge, discharge paperwork, etc. is the official record of a service member’s retirement or separation from the United States Military. National […]

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Real ID Act

REAL ID Act

Updated: January 9, 2024

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established “minimum security standards for license issuance,” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  The act prohibits federal agencies from “accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the act’s minimum standards.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its […]

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Form DD215

Form DD-215

Updated: October 13, 2022

What is DD Form 215? Also known as DD215, or Form DD215, this is sometimes confused with DD Form 214, Report of Discharge. The DD 214 is formally known as DD Form 214, Report of Separation / Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty. It contains important information about the duration, nature, and characterization […]

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Service Treatment Records (STRs)

Service Treatment Records (STRs)

Updated: July 3, 2021

What are Service Treatment Records or STRs? These military records should not be confused with military Service Records or SR. What’s the difference and why does it matter? Service Records Versus Service Treatment Records Service records are the paper trail and other documentation “created during a service member’s period(s) of military service,” according to VA […]

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Next Generation Uniformed Services ID (USID)

Next Generation Uniformed Services ID (USID)

Updated: January 23, 2024

The Next Generation Uniformed Services ID (USID) card replaces the previous version of United States military IDs for retired servicemembers, dependents, spouses, and others who need an official ID to access installations, services, and vehicles controlled by the Department of Defense. Those who serve in the 21st century use a form of identification known as […]

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Statement of Benefits At Separation

Statement of Benefits At Separation

Updated: October 6, 2022

When a servicemember prepares to retire or separate from the military, a number of steps must be taken as part of the soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, or Coast Guard members’ journey toward their “final out” or final outprocessing appointment. Part of that journey is required by law thanks to changes required by the John S. […]

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