Unveiling Records: Public Availability of Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF)
Accessing Military Service Records: A Guide for the General Public
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is a vital resource for those seeking information about a veteran's military service. However, access to certain records is subject to specific rules and regulations.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Concerns
According to FOIA, any person can request access to federal agency records. However, records of veterans who separated from service less than 62 years ago are protected due to privacy concerns. These records typically contain sensitive personal information and are primarily protected under the Privacy Act and FOIA exemptions for privacy.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) treats these records as protected information that generally requires the veteran’s or next-of-kin’s authorization to be released to the public. Requests for such records without consent are usually denied to safeguard personal privacy.
Making a Request
The recommended method for sending a request for military service information is by using the Standard Form (SF) 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records. This form captures all necessary information to locate a record and should be filled out as completely as possible.
Copies of any service documents that the requester may have should be included with the request. For requests that involve a service fee, the requester will be notified as soon as that determination is made.
Special Cases
For emergency requests (e.g., upcoming surgery, funeral), provide this information in the "Comments" section of eVetRecs or in the "Purpose" section of the SF-180 and fax it to the Customer Service Team at 314-801-0764.
For requests that involve reconstruction efforts due to the 1973 Fire, the process may take longer to complete. The 1973 Fire at the National Personnel Records Center damaged or destroyed 16-18 million Army and Air Force records that documented the service history of former military personnel discharged from 1912-1964.
Authorization and Next-of-Kin
With the Veteran or Next-of-Kin's authorization, the veteran (or next-of-kin if the veteran is deceased) must authorize the release of any information not available to the public under the FOIA. The authorization must be in writing, specify what additional information or copies that NPRC may release, and include the signature of the veteran or next-of-kin.
The next-of-kin is defined as the un-remarried widow or widower, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, or sister of the deceased veteran.
Accessing Records Online
The status of a request can be checked online after about 10 days using the Online Status Update Request form.
Additional Information
For the issuance and replacement of medals and awards, do not use the addresses on the SF-180. See Military Awards and Decorations for additional information.
If the burial request involves interment at a Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 or visit their website.
A member of the general public is defined as someone who is not the veteran, asking about a veteran who is of no relation, or seeking information about a veteran who is a relative but for whom they are not the next-of-kin.
The release of information from Federal (non-archival) records is dependent upon whether or not a person is requesting information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or has access authorization from the veteran or next-of-kin.
NPRC processes most requests for limited information without cost, but a fee may be charged if the researching, processing, and photocopying become excessive. Federal law requires that all requests for records and information be submitted in writing, signed, and dated within the last year.
Requesters can access military service records by mailing a letter or Standard Form (SF) 180 to the National Personnel Records Center. They can also fax a letter or Standard Form 180 to the National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-9195.
For any inquiries about the status of a request, members of the public can speak to a Customer Service Representative by calling 314-801-0800.
[1] Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) [3] Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552)
- In the context of accessing military service records, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Concerns play significant roles in determining the release of certain records, with privacy concerns protecting veterans' records that are less than 62 years old, primarily under the Privacy Act and FOIA exemptions for privacy.
- In accordance with the National Personnel Records Center's (NPRC) policy and legislation, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) treats protected military service records as general news that generally requires the veteran's or next-of-kin's authorization to be released to the public, and requests for such records without consent are usually denied to safeguard personal privacy.
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