How can veterans receive copies of their military records?

Veterans can receive copies of their military records by submitting a request through the National Archives or the VA because these are the official repositories for military records. The National Archives maintains the records of service members and provides access to a wide range of documents, including discharge papers, service records, and other important military-related documents. The VA also plays a crucial role in managing veterans' records, particularly those related to benefits and services.

Submitting a request through these channels ensures that veterans are accessing their records securely and officially, adhering to the proper protocols established for record retrieval. This process typically involves filling out a standard request form and may require providing personal information to verify identity.

While contacting a local VA office can provide information or guidance, it does not directly fulfill the request for military records compared to submitting a request through the appropriate channels. Visiting a military recruitment office or asking a commanding officer is not relevant for veterans seeking their records post-service, as those pathways primarily cater to active-duty personnel rather than veterans.