Some OMPFs will also contain health care information documenting a veteran’s medical treatment while in the military. Details about separation, discharge or retirement (including a DD214).Disciplinary action and administrative remarks.Any training or qualifications completed.The date and type of enlistment/appointment.Specifically, the OMPF is where veterans will find the following information: It also contains personal data not included in a DD214. What is included in an OMPF?Īn OMPF is a veteran’s primary administrative file, meaning it is a substantial collection of information pertaining to his or her service, accomplishments, personal conduct and more. It is also worth noting that the military only started issuing DD214s in 1950, so individuals whose service occurred before then will benefit from having a copy of their OMPF to show proof of service. While a DD214 or equivalent form-such as a DD256 for Reservists or an NGB22 for National Guard members-is often enough, veterans may also wish to request a copy of their OMPF, which stands for official military personnel file. But in order to take advantage of those benefits, they will need some way of proving their military service. The truth is, time spent in service to the country has a lot to offer, even when those active duty years are behind you.įrom home buying and mortgage assistance to education opportunities, health care benefits and special deals and discounts, veterans have a lot to look forward to after discharge. In future instances, visit your Veteran Service Officer and request a copy of your service discharge, and/or apply for federal, state, and local benefits.If you asked a handful of service members why they joined the military, chances are you would get a variety of answers: a sense of duty to their country, a challenging job with great pay and benefits, the chance to travel the world. Veterans interested in permanently recording their DD 214 for future use should visit their local Veteran Service Officer. Request updates to their DD-214’s, such as the receipt of a campaign medal after discharge.Acquire copies of their service records and service treatment records.Obtain a set of duplicate military awards.If these records are not on file with SDDVA or the Register of Deeds office, our network of County and Tribal Veteran Service Officers can assist you with requesting a certified copy from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Additionally, many veterans recorded their discharge papers(s) at the Register of Deeds Office in their local county courthouse following their release from active duty. The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA) maintains records on a number of our state’s veterans through the veteran’s bonus and other programs. There are a number of resources available to assist with obtaining copies of the discharge paper(s). SDCL 34-25-54 states that South Dakota counties may not charge for certified copies of birth, death, marriage, adoption, divorce, guardianship or conservatorship papers when such records are required in support of a claim against any agency of the federal or state government by, or on behalf of, a servicemember or veteran, or the spouse, surviving spouse or dependents of a servicemember or veteran. By having it recorded, a copy is always readily available in case the original is lost due to fire, flood, etc. Veterans are encouraged to have their discharge papers recorded in the Register of Deeds office in their local county courthouse.
Prior to that date, several similar forms were used by the military services, to include WD AGO 53, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD and others. One of the most important and frequently requested documents by veterans, or members of their family, is a copy of the veteran’s discharge paper(s).ĭD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty was issued to those who served on active duty after January 1, 1950.