Military service records, also known as military personnel records or DD Form 214, are official documents that summarize a service member’s military career. These records can include information such as a service member’s duty stations, training, awards and decorations, and job specialty. Military service records are maintained by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), which is a division of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). To request military service records, you will need to provide the NPRC with certain information, such as the veteran’s full name, service number, and dates of service. You may also need to provide proof of your relationship to the veteran if you are a next-of-kin.

 

VA loan eligibility Overview

To be eligible for a VA loan, a borrower must be an active-duty service member, veteran, or eligible surviving spouse. The borrower must also meet certain service requirements, which vary depending on the type of VA loan being applied for. For more information about VA loan eligibility call us at (855) 956-4040.

For most VA home loan programs, the borrower must have served on active duty for at least 90 days during wartime or 181 continuous days during peacetime. Borrowers who served in the National Guard or Reserves may also be eligible if they served for at least 6 years and received an honorable discharge.

To verify a borrower’s military service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will need to review the borrower’s military service records. This can be done by requesting a copy of the borrower’s DD Form 214, which is a document that summarizes a service member’s military career. The VA will use this information to determine the borrower’s eligibility for a VA loan.

 

Military Service Records Resources

It’s important to note that some military service records may be incomplete or may have been lost or destroyed, especially if the veteran served in a theater of war prior to World War II or during a disaster, such as the 1973 fire at the NPRC. In these cases, the NPRC may not be able to provide a complete record.

If you are a veteran or a next-of-kin of a deceased veteran, you may be able to request a copy of the veteran’s military service records. To do so, you can visit the NPRC website or write to the NPRC at the following address:

National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)

1 Archives Drive St. Louis, MO 63138
Telephone: 314-801-0800.
Fax: 314-801-9195.
Visit site

 

Active Duty

National Archives
DD214 Member Copy 4 or equivalent documentation
866-272-6272
Visit site

 

National Guard

Army Human Resources Command
NGB-22 or Separation and Record of Service or NGS-23 Retirement Points Accounting, and proof of Honorable discharge
888-276-9472
Visit site

 

Army Reserve

Service after October 2002 – Army Human Resources Command
DARP Form FM 249-2E: Chronological Statement of Retirement Points or ARPC Form 606-E, and proof of Honorable discharge
888-276-9472
Visit site

Service prior to October 2002 – National Archives
DARP Form FM 249-2E: Chronological Statement of Retirement Points or ARPC Form 606-E, and proof of Honorable discharge
866-272-6272
Visit site

 

Navy Reserve

Navy Personal Command
NRPC 1070-124: Annual Retirement Point Record, and proof of Honorable discharge
Service after 1995 – 866-827-5672
Service prior to 1995 – National Archives 866-272-6272 and specifically request points record, not just the service jacket.
Visit site

 

Air Force Reserve and Air Guard

Airforce Personal Support
AF 526: Point Summary Sheet and proof of honorable discharge, and proof of Honorable discharge
800-525-0102
Visit site

 

Marine Corps Reserve

Marine Reserve Support
NAVMC HQ509: Reserve Retirement Credit Report or NAVMC 798: Reserve Retirement Credit Report, and proof of Honorable discharge
703-784-9307
Visit site

 

Coast Guard Reserve

United States Coast Guard
CG 4174 or 4175: USCG Reserve Retirement Points Statement, and proof of Honorable discharge
866-772-8724
Visit site

 

Call Us Today

If you are a veteran or active-duty service member wanting to learn more about your VA loan eligibility or if you would like to apply for a VA loan, you can start by calling us at (855) 956-4040. Our VA loan specialist will help you gather the necessary documentation, including your military service records, and will assist you with the VA loan application process.