How to Search if Someone Was in the Military?
Searching for information about an individual’s military service can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with fragmented records or limited information. However, with the increasing availability of online resources and databases, it’s easier than ever to find information about someone’s military experience. In this article, we will guide you on how to search for military records, providing tips and resources to help you along the way.
Gathering Initial Information
Before starting your search, gather as much information as possible about the individual’s military service. This may include:
• Name: The person’s full name, including any middle initials or suffixes (Jr., Sr., etc.)
• Service period: Approximate dates of service or specific units/bases
• Rank: Possible ranks, military branch, or military role
• Branch of service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps
• Service records: Do you have a copy of their discharge certificate, military ID, or other records?
US Military Resources
The following resources can help you find information about an individual’s military service:
Contents
US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) offers a wide range of records and databases, including:
• Archives.org: Free access to scanned military records, including Army, Navy, and Marine Corps files
• St. Louis Archival Research Facility: Home to millions of military records, including Personnel Records and Navy Records
Department of Defense (DoD)
The Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for maintaining military personnel records:
• Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD): Responsible for maintaining records for all military branches
• Department of Defense Identification Card Office: Issues and verifies identity cards
Military Personnel Records
Military personnel records are a wealth of information, containing data on service history, deployment, medals, and decorations:
• Official Military Personnel File (OMPF): Contains a copy of your DD Form 214, discharge certificate
• Electronic Military Personnel Records (EMPR): Secure online access to your personal records
State-by-State Resources
Each state has its own resources for searching military records:
Table: State-by-State Resources
| State | Resource | Access Information |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | State Archives | (www.library.azusa.edu/research/state_archives/military_records.asp) |
| California | California State Archives | (www.chs.ucsb.edu/archive/holdings/military_records.cfm) |
| Illinois | Illinois State Archives | (www.ilsos.gov/html/state_archives/military_records.html) |
Online Resources**
Various online resources can assist in searching for military records:
Fold3
A subscription-based online database with access to a wide range of military records and archives, including:
- Veterans’ Collection: Digital copies of DD Form 214, service records, and other documentation
- WWI Service Records: Complete archives of military records from WWI
- WWII Service Records: Digital collections of records from WWII
- WWII Muster Rolls: Lists of enlisted personnel serving in specific units
Ancestry
A paid online genealogy database offering extensive military record collections, including:
• US WWII enlistment records: Scanned records with names, addresses, and service dates
• US Vietnam Veterans: Information on military personnel who served in Vietnam
Find a Grave
Free online cemetery index and photos, often with information about military service and burial plots:
Accessing Information
To access military records, you will typically need:
- Identification documents: Driver’s license, passport, or other valid ID
- Search criteria: Personal details about the individual’s service
- Verification process: Authentication of the individual or authorized representative
- Fees or subscriptions: Some records and databases require payment or a subscription
Additional Tips
For a successful search:
- Start early: Many records are more easily accessed before they reach their retirement age (approx. 62 years from discharge)
- Collaborate: Work with family members, friends, or other researchers to gather additional information
- Preserve: Keep accurate notes and documents, and verify information as much as possible
By following these tips and using the resources mentioned, you can successfully search for military records and find information about someone’s service.
