Obtaining Records of Previous Military Service
Accessing Older Military Service Records at the National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is home to a wealth of historical military records, particularly those dating before World War I. These records are primarily stored at the Textual Archives Services Division in Washington, DC.
To request copies of these pre-WWI military service records, you have two options: online or by postal mail.
Online Application
You can submit your request electronically via the National Archives' Veterans' Military Service Records page. This user-friendly portal allows you to specify the individual’s name, service details, and dates of service.
Postal Mail Requests
Alternatively, you may choose to send your request by postal mail. Include as much identifying information as possible, such as name, service number, unit, service dates, and any other relevant details to help locate the record.
It's essential to note that, while the Textual Archives Services Division isn't explicitly mentioned in search results, the Washington, DC location is where such older military records are typically stored and accessed. For pre-WWI records, it's advisable to specify this in your inquiry to ensure your request goes to the correct archival division.
Records from 1917 - Present
Military records from 1917 onwards are stored at the National Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Form NATF 86
For compiled records based on pre-1917 military service, the National Archives uses the NATF 86 form. This form is used to order such records.
Available Records
The Textual Archives Services Division in Washington, DC, houses a variety of military service records, including:
- Volunteers' service from 1775 - 1902
- Regular Army enlisted personnel from 1789 - October 31, 1912
- Regular Army officers from 1789 - June 30, 1917
- Navy enlisted personnel from 1798 - 1885
- Navy officers from 1798 - 1902
- Marine Corps enlisted personnel from 1798 - 1904
- Marine Corps some officers from 1798 - 1895
- Coast Guard persons who served in predecessor agencies to the U.S. Coast Guard from 1791 - 1919
- Confederate States persons who rendered military service for the Confederate States government in its armed forces from 1861 - 1865
- Veterans Records claims files for pensions based on Federal military service from 1775 - 1916
- Bounty land warrant application files relating to claims based on wartime service from 1775 - 1855
Ordering Process
To order older military service records or pension records (pre-1917), select the type of record you need and choose between Order Online or Download the Form.
For a pension document packet containing genealogical information, use NATF Form 85, provided the documents are present in the file. Similarly, a complete military bounty land application file based on service from 1775-1855 (includes only rejected Revolutionary War applications) can also be ordered using NATF Form 85.
Address and Form Information
The Textual Archives Services Division's address is Washington, DC 20408. For more information about the forms used to order these records, visit the National Archives' website.
- The coverage of war-and-conflicts extending to pre-WWI can be found in the older military service records stored at the Textual Archives Services Division in Washington, DC.
- These records, along with general news regarding military service, politics, and other relevant details, can be requested online via the National Archives' Veterans' Military Service Records page or by postal mail, following the instructions for ordering older military service records or pension records.
