What do you do when the Military had incorrect or no record of your service? I have been asked this multiple times.

2016-04-17T13:50:02-04:00

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 17 at 2016 3:42 PM

2016-04-17T15:42:35-04:00

It's really too broad to get definitive. Is something missing from the record or is the DD-214 wrong? Depending on what it is, the local MIL HR office can fix some things while others require a Board of Correction. The HR office will have the correct process on hand.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 5:04 PM

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SPC Melonnie Covington-Pryor Submit DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Records to the relevant service branch.

The secretary of a military department, acting through a board for correction of military records, has authority to change any military record when necessary to correct an error or remove an injustice. A correction board may consider applications for correction of a military record, including a review of a discharge issued by courts martial.

The veteran, survivor or legal representative generally must file a request for correction within three years after discovery of an alleged error or injustice. The board may excuse failure to file within the prescribed time, however, if it finds it would be in the interest of justice to do so. It is an applicant’s responsibility to show why the filing of the application was delayed and why it would be in the interest of justice for the board to consider it despite the delay.

To justify any correction, it is necessary to show to the satisfaction of the board that the alleged entry or omission in the records was in error or unjust. Applications should include all available evidence, such as signed statements of witnesses or a brief of arguments supporting the requested correction. Application is made with DD Form 149, available at VA offices, from veterans organizations or from the Internet (http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.htm).

DoD Issuances Website: 404 Error Page

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 17 at 2016 9:47 PM

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The Army Board for Correction of Military Records

Mission Statement
The Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) is the highest level of administrative review within the Department of the Army with the mission to correct errors in or remove injustices from Army military records.

Overview
When applications are received requesting that an error be corrected or an injustice be removed from the record, multiple actions are taken.

The Soldier’s or Veteran’s records are obtained. If no records are available, it may not be possible to process the application further. In 1973, there was a fire in the National Archives’ National Personnel Records Center that destroyed many Veterans’ records from World War II. Other government agencies may also have records checked out if the applicant has multiple actions in progress. For this reason, applicants should provide with their application copies of as many military record documents that they have that are relevant to the application issue.

When necessary, advisory opinions are obtained from other Army staff elements. If an advisory opinion is obtained, it will be referred to the applicant for comment before the application is further considered.

In some cases, administrative corrections can be made based on the records and advisory opinions without the need for a Board decision.

If the application cannot be resolve administratively, the Board staff will prepare a brief for the Board’s consideration. The Board will render a decision which is final and binding on all Army officials and government organizations. When directed, corrections will be made to the record and related corrective actions will be taken by the responsible Army or government organization. Applicants may request reconsideration of a Board decision within one year of a decision if they can provide new relevant evidence that was not considered by the Board.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 6:36 AM

2016-04-20T06:36:25-04:00

It's all about paper work your, contract and make your self a I LOVE ME BOOK, and never throw any paper work away.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 6:58 AM

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PROVIDE copies of all your paper work to include your DD214.

Response by SSG Jerry Pannell made Apr 20 at 2016 7:05 AM

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you should keep all copy's of your records including medical records an don't give them the original give them copy's an if you don't have them send off for a copy at the records branch.

Response by PO2 John Ponte made Apr 20 at 2016 7:20 AM

2016-04-20T07:20:55-04:00

I would make sure you stay on top of this and get this corrected ASAP. While I was in I had a noncombat related injury which wasn't problem then. Years later and 3 surgeries later with another on the way the VA is telling me they can't locate my medical records to file for a disability claim which they are forcing me to do In order to continue to receive medical care thru the VA. I've learned you have to take charge of the situation and attack the situation as you would in the battlefield.

Response by SGT Walter Stewart made Apr 20 at 2016 7:23 AM

2016-04-20T07:23:12-04:00

Do a research of any copies of your LES's Leave and Earnings Statement. There should be a record kept in payroll.

Response by SPC Derek Preminger made Apr 20 at 2016 7:23 AM

2016-04-20T07:23:57-04:00

Contact your local VA office. They can help fill out the DD 149 and initiate the investigation. Also, contact your state's US Senators' office. They have the ability to look into issues as well.

Response by Capt Emanuele Corso made Apr 20 at 2016 7:24 AM

2016-04-20T07:24:15-04:00

That's what your DD-214 is for. The 214 is proof positive and the 149 is files for correction..

Response by SFC Freddy Morales made Apr 20 at 2016 7:47 AM

2016-04-20T07:47:22-04:00

This type of transactions should be process through your S1 office, who should provide you a final outcome of the transaction. You should also be available to check the status of your updated transaction on you ERB/OMPF file or reflected on your LES if is a finance related transaction.

Response by SGT James Colbert made Apr 20 at 2016 7:56 AM

2016-04-20T07:56:57-04:00

You need to "BEAT FEET" to HRC and figure out whats wrong andbbring every recors you have ,so they can xompare and add what they dont

Response by SFC Nyla Newville made Apr 20 at 2016 8:16 AM

2016-04-20T08:16:05-04:00

Always keep all paper work, you never know know when you need it to prove something.

Response by SSG Troy Martin made Apr 20 at 2016 8:19 AM

2016-04-20T08:19:01-04:00

contact your congressman and let him know about this. they will have a representative contact and get your information since it is a election year they will get you your entire record within a year.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 8:42 AM

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You'll want to contact your military pay office OR the DFAS Inspector General. You will want to get copies of your Master Military Pay Account (MMPA) for your dates of service. DFAS can provide the source documents to support the personnel action. PM me in you need additional. What branch of service?

Response by SSG Leroy Farmer made Apr 20 at 2016 8:50 AM

2016-04-20T08:50:15-04:00

There is a 15 year window of opportunity that the board usually holds to unless it is in the interest of justice. For example, if a veteran has been denied benefits that would have been approved otherwise. Also, higher end decorations (e.g. any decoration for valor, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, etc). In many cases I have managed for veterans an other than honorable will be upgraded with evidence of heroism in action.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 8:56 AM

2016-04-20T08:56:51-04:00

Tough question. I'm assuming you have ETS'ed from the Army by this point. If it were me, I would try a recruiting office. They would know how to get those things corrected

Response by MSG David Pittari made Apr 20 at 2016 9:03 AM

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Have you requested all your LES's from DFAS?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 9:13 AM

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To any one in the military, always keep a copy of your LES. Make a file and no matter how long your in, put a copy in it and keep it. That is your proof of your military service.

Response by SFC Joseph Smith made Apr 20 at 2016 9:15 AM

2016-04-20T09:15:51-04:00

Do you have records or orders where you have been. Anything you do in the military needs orders. If you have copies, then you go have them put that info on your DD214.

Response by PV2 Robert Bowne made Apr 20 at 2016 9:22 AM

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Do as did , anything military related that you sign always get and keep a copy of it. If your DD-214 is incorrect then you must get in touch wiith the branch of service that you enlisted and served in and follow up with the proper authority to have it Corrected.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 9:24 AM

2016-04-20T09:24:44-04:00

Another idea to solving this question is: Contact DFAS and see if they can pull up all of his financial records. It may be a hassle to do that. But DFAS will maintain copies of what they've paid out.

Response by SSG Tanya Vargas made Apr 20 at 2016 9:27 AM

2016-04-20T09:27:41-04:00

You can always submit proof of service, duty assignment, etc. to update your military records. Things like awards, LES, orders can suffice.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 9:43 AM

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Incorrect or no record of service or even missing records. You need to start with all your units.
People rotate out, PCS,ETS. So start there immediately, because I have seen documents of old unit members get trashed after years of just being filed. I learned in basic training back in 1992, always get a copy of any and everything with your name or social security number on it. Every military member should have their own file(Me Book). Start emailing and calling any admin personnel, HRC reps. If you have served, there are documents with your information.

Response by FN Charlie Spivey made Apr 20 at 2016 9:51 AM

2016-04-20T09:51:06-04:00

They should have it, but there is one exception. There was a big fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis that destroyed a lot of records. They were primarily Army and from a certain period, as far as I can remember. If Information is incorrrect, you can fill out a DD 180 form and request a DD215. This is primarily fro awards I think.

Response by 1SG Dan Gann made Apr 20 at 2016 9:52 AM

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It is always an individuals responsibility to keep a copy of all documents just in case this should happen

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 10:07 AM

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Submit a packet to the Army Board for Corrections of Military Records. Mine took about a year.

Response by MSG Carl Clark made Apr 20 at 2016 10:11 AM

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You email me at [login to see] and I will walk you through it. Too much to write here.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 10:20 AM

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If anyone has ABCMR questions I'd be glad to share my experience. It is a slow process, but it has sweeping authority.

Response by SSG Gerald King made Apr 20 at 2016 10:25 AM

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This is one good reason for you to keep copies of all your orders and other military records. I have 3 large 3 ring binders full of all my orders. Everything from my original enlistment contract to original choice of schools agreement, travel orders, promotion orders and more.

Response by CPT Dennis Stevenson made Apr 20 at 2016 10:29 AM

2016-04-20T10:29:28-04:00

As an absolute (!!!!) last shot, contact your senator. I would only do this is you think your being messed with or they're unreasonable.

Response by TSgt Eric Lewis made Apr 20 at 2016 10:37 AM

2016-04-20T10:37:58-04:00

If you were active duty, you should have a DD-214. Before you do anything I would make copies and/or scan it into your computer and back it up (this actually saved me with a background check during a hiring process). If you were NG, you should have some kind of separation orders. I retired and have my orders tendering me to the retired reserve. With these you have proof of your service. Now, these are the most important forms, but if you have more...great, scan and back them up, too. Like you should know from training, the more ammo you have the better chance you have.

Now you should be able to work through the VA to find where to start looking. If it's medical records, they should've been sent to St. Louis upon separation/retirement. The AF sends all other records to Randolph AFB, so I'm sure the Army seems theirs to a central location. You should be able to find this on their website. Try looking for a proof of service link. That's how I found a address for my background check, even though they went with the DD-214.

Good luck and don't give up!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 10:43 AM

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Sometimes when servicemembers change from active to reserve or national guard to active, etc. their records are not automatically updated. They need to submit all proof of service documentation to their S-1 to process depending on their status; For example in my case, I deal with TPU's and AGR's and both processes are different. Once they submit the correct documentation, I can piece together their record and submit the appropriate documentation to higher (HRC) for corrections. This takes 6-8 weeks or more. This is for Soldiers currently in the military, mind you.

Response by SSG Curtis Dietrich made Apr 20 at 2016 10:43 AM

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Contact your last unit of assignment if you can.

Response by MSG Mark Million made Apr 20 at 2016 10:48 AM

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In my experiene not being admin, if you are still serving is to talk to your units admin personnel. Now we all know that not all admin personnel are not created equally, however we should still take it to them first. After that I would respectfully inquire as to who might be able to give further help. The next step in my opinion would be doing what you are now doing which is getting advice from a knowledgeable forum. Unfortunately at this level I would prefer to let admin experts give knowledgeable answers ratger than just making things more confusing. All of this assumes that you have ensured that all relavent copies of your records have been recopied and submitted. Finally if you are retired, simply ETSd or otherwise out of the military I would start here or with vererans organizations such as VA, VFW, or American Legion. If not actively serving this should be noted initially in order to facilitate looking for your records in the right place.

Response by SGT Michael Sholtis made Apr 20 at 2016 11:00 AM

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The only way that I have found is to use you DD214 to help correct their records. That is why it's important to take your DD214 to your local record office and have it officially put on file so that you can always get an official copy.

Response by 1SG Scott Barrier made Apr 20 at 2016 11:02 AM

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Unfortunately the military is horrible about keeping records or accurate records at that. All soldiers needs to learn from the very start that the Joe is responsible for keeping a copy of their own records. Each unit should have a career counselor assigned and should be able to help soldiers. Also I recommend that the unit set some time as side and conduct their own internal records audit. This begins with Team leader, squad leader, PSG & LT. Then to company records which company clerks and readiness NCOS can assist. This would help on the unit overall mission readiness.
1SG BARRIER

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Apr 20 at 2016 11:06 AM

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One thing I learned growing up as an Army brat and stood me in good stead when I did my own time was you keep copies of EVERY order and official document ever issued; and you NEVER give away your last copy.

I've been out almost thirty years and still have the first LES I received at Ft Leonard Wood in 1975. My wife asks me why I still keep all this stuff and I tell her you never know when there might be another "fire" at the records office (cant remember what it was called) like in 1974 that destroyed my brother's records - he spent twenty years proving his case with VA because he lost a lot of his stuff in a nasty divorce.

My 201 file during my first hitch had the wrong name and SSN on it. For my first three years every order I received had to be amended. I thought I finally got it straight when I ETSed. About three years later when I re-entered Active duty they couldn't find my records even under the wrong data. No telling WHAT they had changed my SSN to. With COPIES of my orders and my original DD214 (which had to be corrected at the STP at Ft Dix in 78) I was able to rebuild my 201 file correctly.

I know this is long but hopefully the details will help someone avoid the same pitfalls.

Response by COL Timothy J Polaske made Apr 20 at 2016 11:17 AM

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Army Review Boards Agency
1901 South Bell Street, Suite 204
Arlington, VA 22202-4508
Phone: COM [login to see] or DSN 327-2184
Fax: COM [login to see] or DSN 327-2306

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Apr 20 at 2016 11:21 AM

2016-04-20T11:21:30-04:00

Were you Intel? Mine did not exist for 10 years, now its online. Just a thought... and is there a reason it would be not there?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 11:21 AM

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Archives.gov has military records for all perosonnel retired and enlisted. Or you can comtact the human resources service center at : [login to see]

Response by SSG Rafael Rodriguez made Apr 20 at 2016 11:56 AM

2016-04-20T11:56:32-04:00

Aloha SPC Melonnie Marie, If you please look at the bottom of the third page of a SF-180 which is a "Request pertaining to military records" you will find 15 different resources that will help you retrieve your service and medical records, hope this helps.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 12:05 PM

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You can access your files or request your military records through National Archives (http://www.archives.gov)

Response by SPC Glenn Lovell made Apr 20 at 2016 12:17 PM

2016-04-20T12:17:50-04:00

It is so incredibly important for soldiers to keep an "I love me" binder, with every piece of paper ever given to them. As a leader, this is probably the most important thing that you can relay to your new soldiers.

Response by SGT Shawn Schweinberg made Apr 20 at 2016 12:45 PM

2016-04-20T12:45:10-04:00

The military record keeping is not managed well. There have been films going over it. You could google it to find videos. It's ran poorly by small staff. My advice is keep on the military regarding your records. Don't stop. It's likely those your talking to aren't looking that hard and stop looking after a short search. Just keep pushing them. Try not to yell or use inappropriate words at them. They are people who will never actually help you and they will never get in trouble.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Apr 20 at 2016 12:47 PM

2016-04-20T12:47:42-04:00

I would suggest getting in touch with a Live person from the National Archives. There are two huge warehouses where physical copies of records are stored. All these records are going to be scanned into digital format; a VERY long and tedious process. If any place should have copy of them, this place should. However, the states are zoned according to sections. The soldier should have kept up with triple copies of everything the military every gave him/her. With at least 22 million veterans things tend to get lost. As for corrections, I'm not sure. Either way, it will take some time to get things done.

Response by PFC Joseph . Sheffield made Apr 20 at 2016 1:02 PM

2016-04-20T13:02:58-04:00

I don't really know but you can get your records of military service from VA if the military service you were in does not have them I do not know check with military records in Washington best of luck

Response by SSG Carlos Garcia made Apr 20 at 2016 1:07 PM

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You need to get in contact with the U.S. Army liaison, or contact the nearest V.A. Administration's councelors and they'll be able to help you with this.

Response by SGT Johnny Owens made Apr 20 at 2016 1:40 PM

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I have found that the "real" service organizations (DAV,VFW, the Legion, and AMVETS) are competent and capable in assisting vets with official documents.

Response by SFC Olivero Rodriguez made Apr 20 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-04-20T14:11:45-04:00

What I did back in 1988 after I got done as a Drill Sgt, I went to Washington, view my records one by one, it took me about 3 hours, but there were letter of reprimand on my records as well as disciplinary orders that belong to some one else, these forms are view by the number only and very seldom they will view the content of the forms. So if there is a bad letter on your records, even if it belongs to some one else is yours, and they move to the next person, by going to your records and taking with you all you have, this minimice the confusion of what needs to go on it. Do your own home work and take care of your business to be advance as you need. Your supervisor should look after you, but some are so into themselves that they forget their subordinates. Good luck.

Response by Brig Gen Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 2:25 PM

2016-04-20T14:25:03-04:00

I am dealing with that right now. My picture shows me at Bagram airfield . . I was clearly in Afghanistan in 2004 . . . but my DD214 fails to reflect this. Fortunately, I had saved all my orders and travel vouchers and have been able to prove to Uncle Sam that I WAS there, and deserve an amendment to my 214. If you had service after everything went computer you should be better off, because there should be a record there. I was there during the Paper only era, and only because I was paranoid at the time was I able to prove my service.
I am a bit loathe to say this has been resolved, because it has not yet . . but my threat to go to my Congressman and launch a Congressional inquiry has had a remarkable effect. If you can produce ANY proof of your service you should be able to get an amended 214. If not, then take your proof to your congressman.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 3:36 PM

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Melonnie; The first thing is to know what organisation to contact. If records are incorrect, and you can prove it, there are corrections boards to contact. The first place to contact for records is your service branch's personnel center. If has been a number of years since you left the service, contact the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Contact information can be found on their websites. Just Google or Bing the appropriate records center!

Response by SPC John Miska made Apr 20 at 2016 3:45 PM

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File with NPRC for a DD-215 to correct errors and omission . Be prepared to submit Reports, orders and awards documentation that NPRC Might lack. While on active duty save copies of Everything you can......

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Apr 20 at 2016 4:09 PM

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Ma'am many Records were shredded or lost after ODS it is best to contact RCPAC St Louis for your final UNIT and Date of Service and backtrack from there hope that helps...MilitantCrip your C-File at the VA is useless they have 3 years of my 12 years of Service...laffs guess I did the Rest for Free...

Response by PO1 Donald Vinson made Apr 20 at 2016 4:49 PM

2016-04-20T16:49:43-04:00

I agree with many of the responses that have made suggestions, but I think the best way is to make copies of everything you do from the beginning of your military career. Make a career binder of evals, schools, orders, medical records and so on. Basically cover your 6, lol

Response by LtCol Mac McCarty made Apr 20 at 2016 5:11 PM

2016-04-20T17:11:13-04:00

Contact the Board for Correction of Military Records of the appropriate branch of service: Army, Air Force or Navy (which also considers requests from Marines).

Response by MSG Charles Roth made Apr 20 at 2016 5:31 PM

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Anything to do with your record go to the Archives:

http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/

Military Personnel Records

Information about Military Personnel Records at the National Archives facility in St. Louis, Missouri

Response by CPL Richard Roeder made Apr 20 at 2016 5:34 PM

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I had several times my records were lost or in transit so I started making copies of everything and keeping my own 201 file and that saved me from getting another round of shots because my file was in transit when I had a change of duty station

Response by SPC Michelle Goodhart made Apr 20 at 2016 5:56 PM

2016-04-20T17:56:38-04:00

I work at the Army Board for Correction of Military Records... Before you apply make sure you have exhausted app of your administrative remedies. Also, specifically state the information that is missing or incorrect.

Response by SSG Mark Jordan made Apr 20 at 2016 6:31 PM

2016-04-20T18:31:48-04:00

Well if you were discharged you should of gotten a DD 214 with that yiur state VA should be able to help you.

Response by SGT Wade Matsuda made Apr 20 at 2016 6:44 PM

2016-04-20T18:44:28-04:00

contact the VA maybe they can help with an address to get the service record corrected (DA 201 files were kept at st louis, don't know about now). You verified your DD 214 when you got out, so that should be enough to get your service record corrected. If you don't have a copy of your DD 214, your home of record state should have a copy.

Response by SSG John Jensen made Apr 20 at 2016 7:39 PM

2016-04-20T19:39:57-04:00

the reason to keep all of your LES's, I have almost all of them from 29 years, there's a few missing, but if you have just a couple from the missing years, it's enough to start

Response by LTC Wayne Dandridge made Apr 20 at 2016 8:05 PM

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DD214 is the most important document a military member and his or her spouse has. If the DD14 is incorrect you must follow the service rules for proving proof of service.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 9:31 PM

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Ok, narrow the field down a bit. What type of info is missing? Medical? Dependant? Career? PIF?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 10:44 PM

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SPC Marie when I was shorted 3-4 years in the reserves I just when back to previous units and got sign in sheets and forwarded them

Response by MSgt Ken Hanks made Apr 20 at 2016 11:18 PM

2016-04-20T23:18:03-04:00

It should have been reviewed by the individual prior to your final DD 214 being issued

Response by Sgt Jason Goodman made Apr 20 at 2016 11:39 PM

2016-04-20T23:39:01-04:00

Stop stealing valor. Or produce your DD214

Response by Cadet CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 11:59 PM

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Present your DD-214 to the records office. That should list your time of service, MOS, discharge status and relieving CO.

Response by SSG Dean Frame made Apr 21 at 2016 12:13 AM

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Get any paycheck stubs or awards or dd-214 and get with the VA or VFW or American legion to help correct the problem and try your old unit if not try the closes base or guard/reserve units.

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Apr 21 at 2016 1:11 AM

2016-04-21T01:11:38-04:00

It's a good question ,everybody MUST get copies of their med records HARD copies,before you ETS.
OTHERWISE it leads to this mess.

Response by SSG Dennis Grossmann made Apr 21 at 2016 2:09 AM

2016-04-21T02:09:47-04:00

This is a great topic, Recently a young man was denied treatment at a VA hospital because they didn't have any records of his service. Needless to say he became a member of the 22 club. The best advice for anyone joining or in now is to make sure that you have copies of everything, and that your records are updated.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 2:51 AM

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You need to make sure you provide documentation of what needs to be changed. Make a copy of everything, do not send the originals. It does take a little while but it does work. I had a change made to my DD214 with supporting documentation and it was approved. I was DD215 to go with my DD214. http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/correct-service-records.html

Correcting Military Service Records

Correcting Military Service Records and Discharges

Response by 1SG Chuck Goodrich made Apr 21 at 2016 7:13 AM

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This is especially true for Reservists. Keeping a personal record of your retirement points is critical to your successful collection of a pension. I was record custodian for my Reserve Unit and had an E7 with 27 years of service. When he finally decided it was time to submit
his retirement package, there was no record for about half of it. We had to go back & create his service from his personal documents. With the new retirement system going in to affect next year, I'm not sure how the Reserve side will be administered. The key is to keep your own record of every day you serve. For the Army, DA-249 is the chronological record form for retirement points. You earn a retirement point for every day of active duty that you serve (14 points for your 2 weeks annual training), 4 points for you weekend drills (MUTA-4), 1 point if you attend a meeting during the week, 1 points for every 3 credit hours of correspondence course. Also, there are special circumstances: if you recruit a new soldier in to your unit, you receive 1 point. A good retirement year is considered when you earn 50 points. There is also an automatic 15 points awarded annually for being a member of the Reserve.

Response by SFC Henry C Davis made Apr 21 at 2016 7:30 AM

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I'm retired and the army can't find my DD214

Response by SPC Rick LaBonte made Apr 21 at 2016 8:15 AM

2016-04-21T08:15:18-04:00

I would put them in contact with either a VFW or American Legion officer, they have channels to navigate that information

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 8:33 AM

2016-04-21T08:33:38-04:00

This is why you keep records.

Response by SGT Tim Yeager made Apr 21 at 2016 8:40 AM

2016-04-21T08:40:02-04:00

You always need to make copies of every piece of paper work that is given to you. Start a binder with enlistment paperwork, clothing records, pt scores, and weapons qu. I have two separate ones where the other has all my counseling's, NCOER's, awards and classes I took.

Response by 1SG Robert Rush made Apr 21 at 2016 10:14 AM

2016-04-21T10:14:31-04:00

This may not help you but it may help someone else. While in the service, you should keep copies of all orders that your name appears on. Transfers,TDY, promotions, awards, letters of commendations, etc. Everything to prove that you have served and where you served. I know many prier service that have had the same problem. Mishandling records is a human problem and it does happen. I wish you well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 10:50 AM

2016-04-21T10:50:06-04:00

Seek assistance from your local Veteran's Affairs Office. They will assist you in filing a DD form 149, Application for Correction of Military Records.

Response by MAJ Scott Meehan made Apr 21 at 2016 12:10 PM

2016-04-21T12:10:52-04:00

Are you currently out of the service? If so, were you issued a DD 214? If the DD 214 is incorrect, the Office of the Personnel Management Branch should be able to correct it for you.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Apr 21 at 2016 1:22 PM

2016-04-21T13:22:06-04:00

First of all is it the National Archives or the DOD that doesn't have your records. I had a problem last year were the Archives had sent me the original copy of my DD-214 instead of a copy and then when i requested my medals they had no proof of service. To fix the problem since they wouldn't get off their butts and do anything I contacted my senator who then made the AF and Archives do their jobs and now it is fixed. This fix could also fix the problem if it's on the DOD side of things also.

Response by MSG Carl Clark made Apr 21 at 2016 2:13 PM

2016-04-21T14:13:04-04:00

Hmmm, how could it be "incorrect" if there was no record of service. Provide more detail for your question. Anyone ever hear of a REDD report. One can be gotten from any recruiter (if you buy him or her lunch) and have a signed release. A REDD report can, with Name, DOB, and SSN generate at least a cursory report of all periods of active and in active service. It is a great tool for flushing out those suspected of stolen valor acts. Once you have a REDD report you can see all the date ranges of service, branch, etc. Some people jump around a little, i.e.: reserve to active to reserve to inactive, etc. this can all be found.

Response by SSG Warren Hall made Apr 21 at 2016 2:13 PM

2016-04-21T14:13:24-04:00

Had the same problem. A lot of my records also burned in the fire. Most of what I had to submit was my medical records, which was about the only thing I had kept copies of. I ran into a major roadblock when it came to the rest of my records, mostly deployment records, awards, and promotions. I wish that I had made copies of everything, but unfortunately I did not.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 2:47 PM

2016-04-21T14:47:22-04:00

Well for starter I would have a hard copy of everything before it gets out into Iperms or get submitted to any unit ranging from your contracts to 1059s, 2147s 214s etc.

Response by SSG Edward Joy made Apr 21 at 2016 4:11 PM

2016-04-21T16:11:48-04:00

my records were lost in the seventies, we had to reconstruct them. Its a good thing I have a good memory

Response by SGT Timothy Summers made Apr 21 at 2016 5:39 PM

2016-04-21T17:39:31-04:00

You would need to have copies or the originals of your enlistment papers.

Response by SGT John Efelis made Apr 21 at 2016 8:37 PM

2016-04-21T20:37:05-04:00

If a pay check was received, then there exists a record. Of anything, that you served from this day to this day and where. Every LES has an identifier which says where the payee is located.....a payroll version of a units DODDAC.

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Apr 21 at 2016 8:57 PM

2016-04-21T20:57:02-04:00

Might be too late for some but copies, copies and more copies. Plus scan, save on different medias,even the cloud. I had to flip my house upside down to find my lone copy of my first DD-214. Second go around I made a 100 copies, sent some to my sister, one in the bank. Now I store copies everywhere, even my phone. Sending in an application to correct will help, but if they have zero record of your service, try DFAS or maybe some old buddies to vouch. Hell, pictures come in handy as well (cough)...VA. I told my guys to not burn bridges or paperwork when they sep'd, you never know what may pop up.

Response by SPC James Seigars made Apr 21 at 2016 10:40 PM

2016-04-21T22:40:48-04:00

I actually had this happen. Luckily I have two briefcases of all my records (medical, dental, enlistment, etc) so I just made an appointment at my nearest personel office and took COPIES of all my paperwork with me to it. It took awhile but they eventually got all my info correct.

Response by LTC Anthony Kluz, EA made Apr 21 at 2016 10:44 PM

2016-04-21T22:44:42-04:00

A big consequence is the effect on retired pay! The PAC OIC messed up my DD-214 upon retirement to the point where he had me "entering the Army" the same day as my commission from OCS! Really! He told me, "Don't worry, you can fix it with a DD-215!" How do you erase enlistment date? Basic training? etc.

Response by SFC Ira Moe made Apr 22 at 2016 9:38 AM

2016-04-22T09:38:18-04:00

I don't remember the specifics ( i had to get my records caught up after a huge fire in St. Louis destroyed many ) But I'd talk to my unit clerk first and they should have a better idea then pvt. Joe Snuffy. I think it eill lead you to the records department of the Army in St. Louis however.

Response by SFC Charles Pervall made Apr 22 at 2016 10:07 AM

2016-04-22T10:07:18-04:00

The military uses the DD-314 as the official record of military service. Hopefully you have a copy. If there needs to be a correction done, you must submit to the branch human resource agency.

Response by TSgt James Carson made Apr 22 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-04-22T17:30:30-04:00

It's almost imposible to get military records corrected when you lieve the service for any reason. Personnel offices don't care and loop corresspondance until you tire of the matter. My son is going through this right now. I went through it too. Not fun or respectful at all.

Response by Cpl Kiko Benavente made Apr 22 at 2016 11:59 PM

2016-04-22T23:59:33-04:00

I sent away for mine from Marine records in Kansas city and they had it all wrong and said some of my docs weren't even in my SRB?! Quality of the people they have working there leaves a lot to be desired.

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Apr 23 at 2016 9:19 PM

2016-04-23T21:19:55-04:00

Check with the GI Rights Hotline.

Response by SSG Benny Stewart made Apr 24 at 2016 11:12 PM

2016-04-24T23:12:42-04:00

it all ways Best to keep a copy of all your records.. or les just keep looking for them and it hard to find some of them just keep searching !!!!!

Response by SGT Keaven Brown made Apr 25 at 2016 3:24 AM

2016-04-25T03:24:29-04:00

find as much paperwork and stick with it ,

Response by 1SG Curtis Hobson made Apr 25 at 2016 11:59 AM

2016-04-25T11:59:30-04:00

No record of service? I'm not sure how that would happen because they are pretty good about recording training events and service records. There is paperwork issued when you are assigned to a new duty station and then there are orders published to move you somewhere else. So if they did have incorrect or missing records you could just take them your copies of the orders or certificates and they will update your records. I'm sure you probably kept all documents related to assignments or training records like I did. When I retired I still had Leave and Earning Statements from when I first joined. After 21 years I had about 4 boxes full of paperwork that was marked KEEP.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 25 at 2016 12:11 PM

2016-04-25T12:11:11-04:00

I don't deny and have been told of course by many on here that vet groups can help for free with such claims, and they are certainly by all means most competent with most claims. However, when claims get especially horrendously complex, I'd been trying to get the word out about a rather little known group of principally attorneys all VA qualified and very highly experienced, try to ask for one who's a vet though all are as I said quite qualified and highly scrupulous, we cannot extol them highly enough. The group is the Natl org of vet advocates or NOVA on https://vetadvocates.org, if the link doesn't work for any reason just use Google, you'll find them. Trust that even though they do charge, it's purely on contingency, and, as I'd mentioned, they all very scrupulously adhere to the VA regs in such a regard, with many of them also volunteering a law school vet law clinics, another valuable potential resource also not freq mentioned I'd thought I'd just point out here as well, hope was of use, many thanks.

National Organization of Veterans' Advocates (NOVA)

The National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates, Inc. (NOVA) is a not-for-profit educational membership organization incorporated in the District of Columbia

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 25 at 2016 12:36 PM

2016-04-25T12:36:54-04:00

There is a very useful and highly reputable principally VA qualified attorney group extremely helpful with horrendously complex claims apart from vet groups, all of which are good and of course free that we cannot extol too highly, try to ask for a member who's also a vet, though all their members are quite good. Look at https://vetadvocates.org, or NOVA, they're all highly scrupulous about charging only what VA conntingency fees are allowed by law, honest, just thought it might be of help, that's why we're trying to get the word out about them, my wife and I, promise, we wouldn't recommend them if they weren't well worth seeking help from, promise.

National Organization of Veterans' Advocates (NOVA)

The National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates, Inc. (NOVA) is a not-for-profit educational membership organization incorporated in the District of Columbia

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-04-25T14:03:27-04:00

If you have a copy of your DD214, this is a source document and a record of your service time, an enlistment contract is another source. Awards also cover time and space.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 3:32 AM

2016-04-26T03:32:51-04:00

contact DFAS because they keep records of all you pay.

Response by SPC James White made Apr 26 at 2016 9:17 AM

2016-04-26T09:17:31-04:00

The audit and forensics aspect of your OMPF is not to be taken lightly. So often one document can give the foundation, and support lay evidence in multi areas whether a promotions board, or veteran claim process. The correction aspect was covered well by Sgt Ted. Yet worse is the "missing" or "No Record" question that is a major concern shared each era of transition or branch service. In cases of these the National Archives Personal Records has certified independent auditors, who can access your files, create a inventory. Or you yourself can make appointment. :little things like post hospital records may only be archived at that post. Check out
https://www.army.mil/article/78319/ Also the Library of Congress web lists countless links to assist,

Obtaining veteran service documents

Army veterans who served on active duty or in the Army Reserve, and the family members of those veterans, are eligible to receive service-related documents for free through a number of official sources.

Response by TSgt David Johnson made Apr 26 at 2016 12:31 PM

2016-04-26T12:31:36-04:00

I can relate. I had two volumes of medical records at the time of my retirement. Somehow volume two which covered my last 10 years of service were sent to archive and were lost in the St. Louis fire. Fortunately my Vietnam service was in the volume 1 records and I was able to get at least 60% disability. Now when I receive a copy of any thing, I scan it and keep both the hard copy and the electronic copy (on a separate hard drive)

Response by 1stSgt Stanley Geiger made May 3 at 2016 2:09 PM

2016-05-03T14:09:12-04:00

There is a departmet within your branch of service that deals with such things. If you have been discharged i would go to the nearest miltary facility. and ask for assistance.

Response by SPC Doug Brown made May 8 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-05-08T21:43:12-04:00

For me I did submit DD Form 149, same results, same records. I put in 6 years plus 2 years reserve and 2 years of IRR. I'm only receiving 1 year of basic on my DD 214, nothing follows....I was told my records are so old from "microfiche", I'll NEVER get my time due to me????? IS THERE ANY HELP PAST ST. LOUIS????!!!

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made May 19 at 2016 12:32 PM

2016-05-19T12:32:15-04:00

ALWAYS - I say again - ALWAYS keep at least one copy over every record or official document you ever receive from your branch of service. I learned that from my Dad, who was a career NCO and it stood me in good stead in my time as (I've detailed this elsewhere) two typos on my 201 File during my first hitch caused it to be lost and I had to rebuild it based on my DD214 AND the fact I had copies of my orders. I even still have my LESes (Leave and Earning Statements) from my first enlistment going back to 1975 when I entered AD. You never can tell when some audit might claim I was paid a dollar too much back then. Better safe than sorry. Gather all your documents, make copies (never send your last copy) and send them to the Board of Corrections of Military Records AND your Representative in Congress, if need be.

Response by Sgt John Mizell made May 20 at 2016 1:42 PM

2016-05-20T13:42:28-04:00

gave me the mos from last duty station in states, no mos that I worked under oversea's or that I had prior was listed I was recovering from my wounds at home, and just didn't care at the time. tried to get it changed turned down, that's ok, does not matter much at my age.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2016 2:28 PM

2016-05-20T14:28:52-04:00

Difficult question to answer. It all depends on how accurate the company clerk was, where you were stationed. I was docked ten days excessive leave during Vietnam. Actually I was in a hospital in Pleiku. I didn't know anything about it until I got out of the Army and saw it on my DD-214. Had I known, I would have been able to prove where I was for those ten days.
I would suggest making copies of your DD-214, then filling out a DD149. You can download it from the Internet. I'm not much help but I'm glad you're working on it before it becomes too late to do anything.