Requesting Military Records

Just when you think you are done, they drag to back to requesting your military records. And you will need them to file for benefits, mortgages, education, etc. So you might as well get your copies and save time when someone requests them.

The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) is the repository of millions of military personnel, health, and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services during the 20th century.

1. How to Obtain Standard Form 180 (SF-180), Request Pertaining to Military Records

There are several ways to obtain an SF-180. You can:

Download and print a copy of the SF-180 in PDF format.

You need access to a printer and the Adobe Acrobat Reader software (see link below). The form is a total of 3 pages.

The SF-180 is formatted for letter size paper (8.5" x 11"). If your printer cannot accommodate this, select "shrink to fit" when the Adobe Acrobat Reader "Print" dialog box appears.

This is also a fillable version of the SF-180. It will allow you to type the needed information into the form using your keyboard. You will still need to print, sign and mail the form. Otherwise, it works the same as stated above. Standard Form 180

To return the form to us, review the tables on page 2 of SF 180 for the correct location of the desired record (based on branch of service, dates of separation, and type of record) and send the completed form there.�

Contact Us to order the form through the mail.

Write to The National Personnel Records Center�9700 Page Avenue�St. Louis, Missouri 63132 ��You may also be able to obtain the SF-180:

From the Department of Defense

From Federal Information Centers

From local Veterans Administration offices

From veterans service organizations

The SF 180 may be photocopied as needed. Please submit a separate SF 180 for each individual whose records are being requested.

2. Write a Letter to Request Records

If you are not able to obtain SF-180, you may still submit a request for military records. Requests must contain enough information to identify the record among the more than 70 million on file at NPRC (MPR). Certain basic information is needed to locate military service records. This information includes:

The veteran's complete name used while in service

Service number or social security number

Branch of service

Dates of service

Date and place of birth may also be helpful, especially if the service number is not known

If the request pertains to a record that may have been involved in the 1973 fire, also include:

Place of discharge

Last unit of assignment

Place of entry into the service, if known.

Please submit a separate request (either SF 180 or letter) for each individual whose records are being requested.