How to Find My Military Service Number
Finding your military service number is an important task, especially if you are looking to access veterans’ benefits or verify your military service history. Here are some steps you can follow to locate your military service number.
1. Check Your Military Discharge Paperwork
The first place to look for your military service number is on your military discharge paperwork, commonly known as the DD Form 214. This form is issued to all service members upon separation from the military. The service number is typically located in the upper right-hand corner of the form. If you have a copy of your DD Form 214, you can easily find your service number there.
2. Contact Your Military Branch
If you don’t have a copy of your DD Form 214, you can contact the military branch you served in. Each branch has a specific office or department that handles requests for military records. Here are the contact details for each branch:
– Army: Army Records Center, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132, (314) 539-3470
– Navy: National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132, (314) 539-1200
– Air Force: Air Force Personnel Center, 550 C St. West, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4960, (210) 565-2660
– Marine Corps: Marine Corps Service Records Center, 1800 Marine Corps Blvd., Quantico, VA 22134, (703) 784-2676
– Coast Guard: National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132, (314) 539-1200
When contacting the military branch, be prepared to provide your full name, Social Security number, and date of birth. You may also need to provide proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
3. Use Online Resources
Several online resources can help you find your military service number. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) offers a service called eVetRecs, which allows veterans to request their military records online. To access this service, you will need to create an account and provide your personal information.
Another option is to use the Vets.gov website, which provides a search tool for military service records. This tool requires you to enter your full name, Social Security number, and date of birth.
4. Visit a VA Office
If you are unable to find your military service number through the above methods, you can visit a local VA office. The VA can assist you in obtaining your military records and can help you locate your service number.
In conclusion, finding your military service number is a straightforward process. By checking your discharge paperwork, contacting your military branch, using online resources, or visiting a VA office, you can easily locate your service number and access the benefits you deserve.
