What is a military discharge certificate?

Category: personal finance student financial aid
4.8/5 (109 Views . 35 Votes)
In the United States, every service member who is discharged or released from active duty is issued a DD Form 214 and a military discharge certificate (denoting the discharge type, such as Honorable). A reservist who is called to active duty is given a DD 214 when he or she is deactivated and returned to the reserves.



Just so, how do I get my military discharge certificate?

Standard Form 180 and Replacing Military Records First, get a copy of Standard Form 180, Request For Military Records. It is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of a veteran's discharge or separation papers solely for the purpose of filing a claim for VA benefits. Remember to either type or print on the form.

Similarly, what is the military discharge form called? The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, generally referred to as a "DD 214", is a document of the United States Department of Defense, issued upon a military service member's retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, e.g., U.S. Air

In this manner, what is the difference between a DD 214 and a DD 256?

Guard and Reserve members who complete their term of service are issued a DD Form 256 (Honorable Discharge Certificate) or DD Form 257 (General Discharge Certificate) upon completion of their term. If you were activated while part of the Reserves, then you should have a DD Form 214.

Is a dd214 an honorable discharge?

The Defense Department issues to each veteran a DD-214, identifying the veteran's condition of discharge - honorable, general, other than honorable, dishonorable or bad conduct.

38 Related Question Answers Found

How can I prove military service?

Here are a few common methods veterans can use to verify military service:
  1. Military ID Card (active duty, National Guard, Reserves, IRR, or retiree).
  2. VA Issued ID Card for Health Care.
  3. Veterans ID Card (starting Nov.
  4. Veterans Designation on Drivers License or State Veterans ID Card (almost all states now offer this)

How do I confirm military service?

Jump To A Military Verification Service
  1. #1 – DFAS.
  2. #2 – Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) Request.
  3. #3 – National Personnel Records Center.
  4. #4 – DD 214 or Military ID Card.
  5. #5 – Commendation Medal Search.
  6. #6 – Online Military Background Check.
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the military pull your medical records?

The Army may not pull your medical records after MEPS if you do not have a prior history of medical problems or irregular test results. However, if you end up ill or injured after enlistment, the Army can pull your records to search for a pre-existing condition.

Are dd214 public record?

Access to Records, Information for the General Public:
Without the consent of the veteran or next-of-kin, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) can only release limited information from the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) to the general public.

What is a honorable discharge certificate?


A Form DD 256 is a certificate of honorable discharge utilized by the U.S. Department of Defense and the different branches of military service. An honorable discharge occurs when a service person successfully completes a term of duty with one of the military branches.

What is your military service number?

A service number is an identification code used to identify a person within a large group. Service numbers are most often associated with the military; however, they may be used in civilian organizations as well. Social Security Numbers may be seen as types of service numbers.

How long does it take to get your honorable discharge certificate?

Normally, it is mailed (certified) to your home of record within 90 days of your ETS date along with your DD-214. If this is not the case, you can go to www.archives.gov and put in a request for any military documentation you require, but it will take some time (30-90 days).

Can I print a copy of my dd214 online?

Obtain a copy of DD-214. The best way to receive a copy of your DD 214 is get an eBenefits account. Go to www.ebenefits.va.gov and register. Once you have a premium account, click on the "Manage Benefits" tab, and go to the Military Personnel File (DPRIS) link to request a copy of the DD 214.

Does a dd214 make you a veteran?

What is truly bothersome is that people who have served but don't qualify as a veteran can request a DD214. We see them every day. So to the untrained eye this person has a DD214 and in most cases their character of service is honorable, so people think that person is a veteran.

Are you considered a veteran if you are in the reserves?


In general, only those who have served on active duty for the U.S. Department of Defense are considered veterans. A reservist can be a veteran and a veteran can go on to serve in the Reserves.

Do you get a dd214 If you are dishonorably discharged?

In some cases, if a veteran has changed substantially since being dishonorably discharged, he or she can request a Character of Service Determination. This can shed a more positive light on the discharge, but it doesn't necessarily change any access you might have to benefits. The DD214 used to include an SPN number.

What does Acdutra stand for?

ACDUTRA means full-time duty in the Armed Forces performed by Reserves for training purposes.

What is a dd215?

Incomplete Awards, Decorations, and Discharges (DD Form 215) The DD Form 215 (Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is used to correct errors or make additions to a DD Form 214, in order to assure that the Veteran has accurate discharge documentation.

What is a DD 1300?

The DD Form 1300 is the military death certificate issued by DoD when someone dies in service. There will not be one for death occurring after discharge.

What is a deleted dd214?


Employers can only verify military service through a DD214. For that reason, they will generally request an “undeleted certified copy.” There are two versions of the DD Form 214, usually referred to simply as "short" (edited or deleted) copies.

How do you read a dd214?

How To Read A DD Form 214 Block By Block
  1. NAME: The full legal name of the veteran.
  2. DEPARTMENT, COMPONENT & BRANCH: This block includes whether the member was active, Guard, or Reserve as well as the branch or branches of service served in.
  3. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: ex.
  4. 4a.
  5. 4b.
  6. DATE OF BIRTH: ex.

What is a DD 217?

DD 215 from any branch of the armed forces; NAVPERS 660 from the United States Navy; DD 217 from any branch of the armed forces; NAVPERS 661 from the United States Navy; DD Form 2 (Retired) NGB Form 22 from the National Guard; Note: Form DD Form 4/2 is a reenlistment form used by all branches of service.