How To Obtain An Sadf Discharge Certificate
When a male citizen of South Africa applies for a visa to migrate to another country, immigration officials might request his military discharge papers. This is the case in Australia. The document is available at the Department of Defense Documentation Center in Pretoria. The archives contain personnel records for the Navy, Army and Air Force.
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How Do I Get My Military Discharge Papers
When applying for admission to Maine Veterans Homes or other Veteran service-connected benefits, youll likely need a copy of your military discharge paperwork. This report is called DD Form 214, or DD214.
Before January 1, 1950, the form went by a few other names, including WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD, and the NAVCG 553.
Among other things, the report includes the following information:
- Date and place of entry into active duty
- Date and place of release from active duty
- Last assignment duty and rank
- Military education
- By submitting the SF 180 form
1 Archives Drive
When To Request A Copy Of Your Military Record
If the Veteran was discharged more than 62 years ago, you can order a copy of their military records. The National Archives opens all records to the public 62 years after discharge. If the Veteran was discharged less than 62 years ago, you may be able to request limited information from their Military Personnel File.
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Types Of Military Records
World War I – Present
You can find veterans military service records from World War I to the present from the National Personnel Records Center . The NPRC houses many types of records, including Official Military Personnel Files . These files can include the Report of Separation and show a veterans service history, which may include:
Enlistment or appointment and separation dates
Duty stations and assignments
Awards
Disciplinary actions
Veterans health and medical records are located in various places, depending on their branch and date of separation. See this chart of locations of veterans medical and health records.
Before World War I
Forms Of Military Discharge

Many people are under the impression that military discharge comes in one of two forms: honorable or dishonorable. If an enlisted person received less than an honorable discharge they are often under the impression that they received a dishonorable discharge. However, to be clear, you would absolutely know if you received a dishonorable discharge it is designed to ruin your life ever after and is often accompanied by an extensive visit to a military prison.
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Why Does Mvh Need My Military Discharge Information
At Maine Veterans Homes, even though we are , we still work closely with the VA to ensure our veteran residents receive the funding they need.
Thats why we ask for the DD Form 214 with your application, so we can ensure the process moves smoothly for you. If you dont have the form at the time of your application, let us know and help you request it.
Obtain A Certified Copy Of Military Discharge Papers
Certified copies of military discharge paperwork on file at the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register Vital Records office are provided for free to the veteran named on the record and their immediate family or spouse. Only papers that were previously placed on file at this office are available. If the record is not on file at this office, see here for more information.
- Please submit your current, valid ID via our Vital Records Secure ID Submission Site or by faxing us at 222-6786 within 24 hours.
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Fax The Completed Form Or Signature Verification
Mail or fax the completed form or signature verification to the appropriate agency as shown on Form SF-180. The current status of the service member determines the address where the form should be sent. Most requests will be processed in 10 business days or less, particularly for service records of members who served after 1973.
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To Record A Military Discharge:
Military Discharge papers should be recorded in the county of residence upon being discharged, or when moving to a new residence in a new county. Bring your Military Discharge papers in person to:
Military Discharge RecordsSt. Louis City Recorder and RegistrarCity Hall, Room 124, 1200 Market StreetSt. Louis, Missouri 63103
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
613-3031
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Purpose Of Form Dd 214
- Employment: Future employers might want to know about the status related to your military discharge. For example, certain private and government employers and private contractors for government agencies may not be able to hire someone who was dishonorably discharged.
- Reenlisting: The DD214 contains the information related to your eligibility to reenlist including reenlistment codes.
- VA Benefits: Separation/Discharge information on the DD214 is important for eligibility of VA benefits.
- Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Benefits: The appropriate discharge status on the DD214 determines certain funeral benefits and reimbursements.
- Identification: The DD214 is an acceptable form of military/veteran identification for many government and private organizations and businesses.
How Can I Get A Discharge From The Army
Some of the ways you can earn an early discharge include pregnancy, a psychological condition, medical conditions, and family dependency. Though these circumstances might not be common, it allows you to gauge the reasoning behind those who get out of their military contract early. These are the top ten reasons.
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What Is A Medical Discharge Form
Medical discharge form is a document that contains highlights of the patient’s health development since coming to the hospital, the treatment received, and the results of the treatment. Although it is provided by the hospital for patients, the hospital must still have a copy of the document in order to be archived. Any time the patient comes back, the hospital already has a history of treatment. In addition, files from these patients can be used as learning if they find the same disease in different patients. It’s not just hospitals that benefit from the discharge form.For patients, when they have to experience the same pain and want to try treatment from a different hospital, it will be easier to explain to the doctor what they are experiencing because it has been written on the discharge form. For patients who work, with the discharge form, usually will get the announcement to take a day-off from the workplace.
Request For Alabama National Guard Records

If you served in the Alabama National Guard you can request your NG records by visiting and providing the information requested. You can request the following documents: NGB 22, NGB 23, DD 214, Retirement Letter, Medical Records, Discharge Order, and DD 1883/2556-5 . Normally it takes three weeks to process your request.
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Dd Form 214 Discharge Papers And Separation Documents
A Report of Separation is generally issued when a service member performs active duty or at least 90 consecutive days of active duty training. The Report of Separation contains information normally needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans’ organizations. Information shown on the Report of Separation may include the service member’s:
- Date and place of entry into active duty
- Home address at time of entry
- Date and place of release from active duty
- Home address after separation
Difference Between Long Vs Short Dd214 Discharge Forms
There are two versions of the DD214 issued by the government
- Short form
- Long form
The long form contains information about the service members character of discharge which could include information regarding the circumstances surrounding a discharge in a positive or negative light. Government Agencies and employers often ask for the long form because discharge status is relevant.
Quick Tip: If you only have a long form DD214 but need the short form, simply copy the the undeleted long form without the bottom 1.5 inches .
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What Happens If You Leave The Hospital Without Being Discharged
Not getting permission from the hospital to go home but forcing yourself to leave the hospital is something that is not possible. Even if that happens, you have to bear the risk involved. For example, in the future, the pain that you experience comes back because you decide to get out of the hospital in a condition that has not healed yet. Of course, you will pay more for two treatments, right? Whatever the reason, if you do not attend the hospital when discharged, many risks follow you.
What Is A Medical Separation
A medical separation is a type of military discharge that stems from a soldier, sailor, or Marine having a physical or mental condition that affects their ability to serve.
This discharge is determined via the 2 medical review boards: Medical Evaluation Board and Physical Evaluation Board .
Typically, a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, or Airmen will present themselves to the board seeking a medical separation.
With that said, the commanding officer of the persons unit can also initiate this process without the input of the person serving.
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Replacing Your Discharge Papers
Help After You’re Out: Replacing Your 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 . Most, but not all records, are stored at the NPRC. Be sure to use the address specified by eVetRecs or the instructions on the SF-180. Locations of Military Service Records.
NPRC Fax Number : 314-801-9195
NPRC Mailing Address: National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records 1 Archives Drive St. Louis, MO 63138 314-801-0800
Please note that requests which are sent by Priority Mail, FedEx, UPS, or other “express” services will only arrive at the NPRC sooner. They will not be processed any faster than standard requests. See the section above on emergency requests and deadlines.
What Happens After I Request My Military Records
Youll receive an email letting you know were processing your request. Youll receive a second email when your request is complete and your files are ready for you to view and download.
You can also check the status of your military records request by signing in to milConnect and going to the Personnel File tab within the Defense Personnel Records Information section. This is also where youll view and download your files once theyre ready.
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What Is A Dd 214 Discharge Paper
The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, generally referred to as a DD 214 , is a document of the United States Department of Defense, issued upon a military service members retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, e.g., U.S. Air Force, U.S.
Is A Dd214 The Same As Discharge Papers

The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, generally referred to as a DD 214, is a document of the United States Department of Defense, issued upon a military service members retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States (i.e. U.S. Army.
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What Are The Consequences Of A Dishonorable Discharge
Those receiving a bad conduct discharge are not able to use any veterans programs this includes medical and dental benefits, VA housing programs, and the option to serve in the military in the future.
A dishonorable discharge also comes with a loss of personal civilian rights, such as the right to own a firearm.
to read more about the consequences and reasons for dishonorable discharge.
How To Get Military Discharge Papers
LEIGH ANTHONY
All military service members who have separated or retired from the service can request copies of their personal military discharge papers, otherwise known as the DD-214. The discharge papers can prove military service as required for a number of processes, such as a job application or a Department of Veterans Affairs home loan guaranty approval. The records are processed and sent free of charge.
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Welcome Veterans And Their Families To The Dd214 Website
If you’d like to learn everything possible about DD Form 214, commonly referred to as just DD214, you’ve come to the right place. But, before we get into the minutia, the DD214’s history, importance and many uses, most people who visit this site simply want to know the best method to acquire a certified copy of their DD214. In order to save you some time, we’ve placed a link to The Best Method to Acquire Your DD214 first.
Can I Look Up Someone In The Military
The quickest way to find someone in the military is to visit the official Servicemembers Civil Relief Act website. The form can be used to request a certificate that verifies active duty status on a specified date. To submit a request, youll need the following information: Date of birth and/or social security number.
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How Do You Get An Entry
An entry-level separation happens when youre not conforming to military norms, or adapting to military training programs.
Examples include:
- Not meeting the physical fitness requirements
- Not showing any effort to complete the training
- Failing to progress sufficiently
- Having a hard time adapting to military life
This type of military discharge is suitable for those that believe joining the military as a mistake, and want out.
Request Recent Military Records
If You Are a Veteran or Next-of-Kin
To get a copy of the vets military records, you can:
Most requests are free.
If You Are Not the Veteran or Next-of-Kin
You can only get limited information about non-archival records without the consent of the veteran or next-of-kin. Non-archival records are those from 62 years ago to the present. Learn about access to non-archival military records by the general public and researchers.
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What If The Dd 214 Is Not Accurate
The information on the DD 214 will be used to decide eligibility for benefits and legal protections tied to military service. A chart of some important federal benefits is provided here.
Always keep the original copy of your DD 214 in a safe place. Make copies for employers or other purposes.
It is very important to make sure that the information listed on the DD 214 is correct.
If you disagree with the reason or the character of your discharge listed on your DD 214 and were separated from military service within the past 15 years, you must request review of that decision by the appropriate military review board. Read more details about requesting a review here.
If you disagree with other information on your DD-214 , you need to submit a DD-149 “Application for Correction of Military Records” to the correct review board for your branch of service:
You might be more successful if you seek the help of an attorney to prepare your request. There are many organizations that can help you, free of charge.
How To Get A Copy Of Your Military Discharge Papers

The National Archives and Records Administration Military Personnel Records Center is the official repository for records of military personnel who have been discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.
Requests using DD 214 can come from veterans or their next of kin. The SF-180 is used for requests for records about a veteran by the general public.
Start your request here using their online tools or you can make the request by fax or postal mail using the contact info provided at the link above. Such requests are generally free .
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How Do You Get An Other Than Honorable Discharge
Items punishable under the UCJM but are not considered serious civilian crimes often result in an other than honorable discharge.
These include things such as:
- Security violations
- Use of violence
- Drug or Alcohol abuse
It may include instances where the service member serves time in a civilian prison for an offense.
Once Ive Signed In To Milconnect How Do I Request My Dd214 Or Other Military Records
Follow the steps below to submit a military records request.
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