How do I find out more about my Father-in-Law’s military service

Overview

Researching military service records is a common genealogical pursuit, with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) serving as the primary repository for U.S. military personnel files. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, established in 1956, maintains the official military service records for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. These records document service from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts, with the exception of most records from 1912-1963 that were destroyed in a 1973 fire affecting approximately 16-18 million Army and Air Force records. The Military Personnel Records system contains over 56 million individual case files, including those for veterans who served in World War I (1917-1918), World War II (1941-1945), the Korean War (1950-1953), the Vietnam War (1955-1975), and subsequent conflicts. Access to these records is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), with different rules applying based on the veteran's discharge date and whether they are deceased.

How It Works

The process begins with gathering essential information: the veteran's full name (including maiden name if applicable), service number or Social Security number, branch of service, approximate dates of service, and date/place of birth. Next, complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180), available on the National Archives website, which serves as the official request form for military records. You can submit this form online through the eVetRecs system, by mail to NPRC, or via fax. For veterans who served after 1996, some records may be accessible through the Defense Personnel Records Information Retrieval System. The NPRC processes requests in the order received, with typical turnaround times of 10-20 business days for routine requests. If the veteran is deceased, you'll need to provide proof of death, such as a death certificate or obituary. For living veterans, you must either have their written permission or demonstrate they are the veteran's next-of-kin (spouse, child, parent, or sibling). The center receives approximately 1.4 million requests annually and maintains a staff of archivists specifically trained to handle military records research.

Why It Matters

Accessing military service records serves multiple important purposes beyond personal curiosity. These documents provide crucial evidence for veterans seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, including disability compensation, pension claims, and burial benefits. For families, service records offer tangible connections to personal history, often revealing details about a relative's wartime experiences, awards received, and units served with. Genealogists rely on these records to trace family lineages and understand ancestors' lives in historical context. Historians and researchers use aggregated service data to study military operations, social patterns in the armed forces, and the human experience of war. Additionally, these records help verify eligibility for military honors, burial in national cemeteries, and inclusion on memorials. The information contained in service files—from medical records to performance evaluations—provides unique insights into individual lives during pivotal historical moments, preserving personal stories within larger national narratives.