Notice Concerning Requests for Service Histories
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) Streamlines Military Records Requests
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is a crucial resource for veterans and their families, handling over 1.4 million requests annually for military personnel and medical records. When a request for military service records is submitted, the NPRC processes and issues copies of key documents, vital extracts, and significant records from a service member’s file, rather than releasing the complete physical file itself.
Submitting a Request
Requests for military service records can be submitted via Standard Form 180 (SF-180) through mail, fax, or sometimes online. The processing time varies, ranging from 10 days up to several months due to the high volume of requests.
Content of the Response
Instead of providing the entire official military personnel file (OMPF), the NPRC extracts and furnishes copies of the most pertinent documents, such as DD214 forms, service verification, discharge papers, and medical records, as authorized. This is because the physical files are archival records, and the NPRC generally does not release original files wholesale except in special circumstances.
Partial versus Complete Files
The NPRC understands that the complete file is extensive, so the norm is to provide copies of requested records that cover vital information needed by the requester—this typically includes service dates, service characterization, awards, and key medical or personnel documents. Complete original files are retained safely at the center.
Tracking Your Request
Requests are queued and tracked, with customer service available to provide status updates after approximately 10 days of processing. Direct inquiries are encouraged only after initial processing time, as the NPRC processes thousands of requests daily.
Medical Records Requests
While the NPRC holds some military medical records, civilian hospital and treatment facility records are managed separately and generally have different access procedures with retention times often governed by HIPAA rules, typically 6-7 years post-treatment.
Balancing Needs and Security
The NPRC balances record security and privacy with requester needs by delivering copies and extracts of vital military personnel and medical documents rather than providing entire original files, ensuring efficient service and protection of archival collections.
Most Requested Documents
Nearly half of all requesters seek only a copy of the separation document for veteran benefits. Other commonly requested documents include military service verification, discharge papers, and medical records.
For questions about this policy, the requester is directed to contact William "Bill" Fischer, Executive for Agency Services. The NPRC also ensures that personal data pertaining to third parties is redacted from the file, pursuant to Privacy Act provisions. Additionally, the NPRC does not provide copies of non-essential documents like leave papers, identification card applications, and clothing issuances as part of the standard procedure for replying to requests for entire files. However, the NPRC will automatically send copies of all other documents in a file if a requester submits a follow-up request for additional information or documents.
The goal of the National Personnel Records Center is to provide timely and efficient responses for veterans and their families. This approach avoids costly delays in reviewing and copying non-essential documents, ensuring that vital information is delivered promptly. The extracted documents do not include advertisements.
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) not only provides essential military records but also medical records, contributing to the health-and-wellness sector. To balance record security and privacy with the needs of the requesters, the NPRC delivers copies and extracts of vital medical documents instead of providing entire original files, ensuring health and financial peace of mind for those who seek these records.
