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Understanding Your DD214 Discharge Document

The DD214, formally called the "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is the official military document that proves you served in the United States Armed Forces. This form records your service history, rank, duties, and the terms under which you left the military. Every service member receives a DD214 after separating from active duty, and it serves as proof of military service for the rest of your life.

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The DD214 contains several important sections. The front of the form includes your name, service number, dates of service, branch of service, rank at discharge, and type of discharge. The back lists your awards, decorations, medals, and campaign badges earned during service. Additional sections document any specialty training, security clearances held, and the reason for separation. Understanding what information appears on your DD214 helps you know what to expect when you obtain your copy.

Many veterans use their DD214 to prove military service when accessing certain programs, obtaining veterans benefits, or applying for jobs that value military experience. Employers often request this document during hiring processes. Educational institutions may need it to verify veteran status for tuition assistance programs. State and local agencies use DD214 information to determine what services a veteran may pursue further through their own specific programs.

The document is straightforward in layout but dense with military terminology and codes. Your DD214 will show your discharge status—whether honorable, general under honorable conditions, other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable. This status affects what programs you might explore in the future. An honorable discharge is the most common and typically opens the broadest range of options.

Practical Takeaway: Your DD214 is your permanent military credential. It's worth understanding what each section means and why you might need it in the future. Keep at least one certified copy in a safe, accessible location.

Where to Obtain Your DD214 Information

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) maintains official military records for all service members who separated from the military. If you need your DD214 or military service records, you can request them directly from NARA through their National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The NPRC holds records for veterans who separated from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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According to NARA, you can request your records through multiple methods. You may submit a Standard Form 180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) by mail to the NPRC, or you can request records through their online portal at eVetRecs (Electronic Veterans Records). The online method typically processes faster than mail requests. The NPRC also accepts requests by fax or email for certain types of records. Most requests submitted through eVetRecs are processed within 1-5 business days.

To request your DD214 through the official channels, you'll need to provide proof of identity and sign the request form. This prevents unauthorized individuals from obtaining military records. Acceptable forms of identification include a government-issued photo ID, driver's license, or passport. If you don't remember your service number or exact dates of service, NARA can still locate your records with your name, date of birth, and branch of service.

The NPRC also allows representatives to request records on your behalf. If you authorize another person to obtain your records, that person must submit a signed authorization letter from you along with their identification. Some veterans organizations and state veterans departments offer assistance with the request process at no cost.

For veterans who served before 1995, there's a note about a significant fire: A major fire at the NPRC in 1973 destroyed some Army personnel records and Navy records covering certain years. If your records were affected, NARA can sometimes reconstruct information from other military documents. The NPRC maintains databases of reconstructed records and will inform you if your documents were impacted by the fire.

Practical Takeaway: Start with eVetRecs for the fastest online option, or use the Standard Form 180 for a traditional mail request. Gather your identification and basic service information before submitting your request to avoid delays.

What Information Appears on Your DD214

Your DD214 contains specific blocks of information organized across the front and back of the form. Block 1 shows your name as it appears in military records. Blocks 2 through 8 contain your service number, social security number, date of birth, and the branch in which you served. These blocks provide baseline identification information.

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Blocks 9 through 13 record your rank and military occupational specialty (MOS). Your rank at separation appears clearly, along with your MOS code and job title. For example, an Army infantryman might show "11B" in the MOS field. This information helps employers and educational institutions understand your role and responsibilities during service.

Blocks 14 through 17 show your active duty dates, your pay grade, and your type of discharge. The discharge type is particularly important: Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable. Most service members receive either Honorable or General discharges. The reason for separation also appears here—whether you completed your service term, received a medical discharge, or separated for other reasons.

The reverse side of the DD214 lists your decorations, medals, and commendations. This includes service medals, campaign medals, unit awards, and individual decorations. A veteran who served in multiple combat zones or for extended periods typically has a longer list of awards. This section provides a quick reference to your major accomplishments and recognitions during service.

Additional sections on the DD214 document your security clearances, special training completed, and any reenlistment eligibility codes. These codes indicate whether you're eligible to return to military service if you choose. Educational and training courses you completed during service may also be listed, particularly specialized technical training.

Practical Takeaway: Review your DD214 carefully when you receive it to verify all information is accurate. Pay special attention to your discharge type and dates of service, as these are most frequently needed when accessing programs or employment.

Common Reasons Veterans Need Their DD214

Employment and hiring is one of the most frequent reasons veterans seek their DD214. Many private sector employers want proof of military service and details about your experience. Federal government positions almost always require a DD214 for background investigations and security clearances. State and local government jobs may also request this document. Some employers offer hiring preferences or benefits to military veterans, and they need documentation to verify your service and discharge type.

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Educational institutions use the DD214 to confirm veteran status for enrollment in degree programs and access to certain educational benefits. Community colleges, universities, and vocational schools all request this documentation. Schools need it to understand your service timeline when evaluating transcripts and prior learning. Educational programs may consider your military background when making admissions decisions or recommending course selections.

Housing and loan programs operated by state and local governments often request DD214 information. Some states offer property tax reductions for disabled veterans or veterans of certain eras. These programs require documentation of military service and discharge status. The VA (Veterans Affairs) itself uses DD214 information to determine what programs a veteran may explore further, though the VA maintains separate eligibility determinations based on its own criteria.

Professional licensing in certain fields requires military service verification. For example, some states use military experience to reduce licensing requirements for occupations like nursing or skilled trades. Your DD214 provides documentation of any specialized training completed during service. Professional organizations also request this information for membership verification or credential recognition.

Personal recordkeeping is another important reason to obtain your DD214. Having an official copy of your military record is useful for genealogical research, family history documentation, or personal archives. Your DD214 becomes part of your permanent record and may be needed decades later for purposes you haven't yet anticipated.

Practical Takeaway: Request certified copies of your DD214 even if you don't need it immediately. Having multiple certified copies available prevents delays when employers, schools, or agencies request the document.

Understanding Discharge Types and What They Mean

Your discharge type is one of the most significant pieces of information on your DD214. The five discharge categories exist on a spectrum from most favorable to least favorable. Understanding which category applies to you helps you know what documents you'll have available when you need to provide proof of service.

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An Honorable Discharge is the most prestigious and common discharge type. Approximately