How do I get a copy of my military records?
The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) is the repository of millions of military personnel, health, and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services during the 20th century. NPRC (MPR) also stores medical treatment records of retirees from all services, as well as records for dependent and other persons treated at naval medical facilities. Information from the records is made available upon written request (with signature and date) to the extent allowed by law.
If you are a veteran or next-of-kin of a deceased veteran, you may now use vetrecs.archives.gov to order a copy of your military records. For all others, your request is best made using a Standard Form 180. It includes complete instructions for preparing and submitting requests.
Please Note: All requests must be in writing, signed and mailed to the address shown below.
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
What do I do if my military records were destroyed in the 1973 fire?
On July 12, 1973, a disastrous fire at NPRC (MPR) destroyed approximately 16-18 million Official Military Personnel Files. The affected record collections are described below.
| Branch | Personnel and Period Affected | Estimated Loss |
| Army | Personnel discharged November 1, 1912, to January 1, 1960 | 80% |
| Air Force | Personnel discharged, September 25, 1947, to January 1, 1964 (with names alphabetically after Hubbard, James E.) |
75% |
You can find out the status of your records by phone at the following numbers:
Army Records
- For service during 1912 - 1959
Call (314) 538-4261
Air Force Records
- For Service from 1964 to Present
Call (314) 538-4243 - Service from 1947 - 1963 (individuals with the last names of "A" through "Hubbard, James D.")
Call (314) 538-4243 - For service during 1947 - 1963 (individuals with the last names after "Hubbard, James D.")
Call ( 314) 538-4261
Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Records
- ph.314-538-4141
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