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The DD Form 214, officially known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, serves as a crucial document for military service members. This form captures essential details about a veteran's service, including their name, social security number, and military branch. It outlines the individual’s rank, pay grade, and dates of service, providing a comprehensive record of their time in the military. The form also highlights significant achievements, such as decorations, medals, and badges awarded throughout their career. Beyond these specifics, the DD 214 includes information about the member's separation, including the type and reason for discharge, which is vital for accessing veterans' benefits. It is important to safeguard this document, as it is not intended for identification purposes and any alterations can render it void. Understanding the significance of the DD Form 214 is essential for veterans seeking to navigate their post-service life effectively, whether they are applying for jobs, education benefits, or healthcare services.

Similar forms

The DD Form 214 is a crucial document for military personnel, serving as a certificate of release or discharge from active duty. Several other documents share similar functions or purposes. Here’s a look at seven of them:

  • DD Form 215: This form is used to correct errors on the DD Form 214. If there are mistakes regarding service details, the DD Form 215 can provide the necessary corrections, ensuring accurate records for veterans.
  • Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale - This legal document records the sale of a vehicle and acts as proof of ownership transfer in Illinois. For more details, visit https://documentonline.org/blank-illinois-motor-vehicle-bill-of-sale/.
  • VA Form 21-526EZ: This is the application for disability compensation and related benefits. Veterans often use it to claim benefits based on their service, similar to how the DD Form 214 establishes eligibility for those benefits.
  • DD Form 256: Known as the Honorable Discharge Certificate, this document certifies a veteran's honorable discharge from military service. It is often requested alongside the DD Form 214 for veterans seeking employment or benefits.
  • DD Form 1173: This form serves as a uniformed services identification card for family members of service members. It establishes eligibility for certain benefits, much like the DD Form 214 does for veterans themselves.
  • SF-180: This is a request form for military records. Veterans use it to obtain copies of their service records, including the DD Form 214, which is often needed for various applications and benefits.
  • VA Form 21-534EZ: This form is used by surviving spouses and dependents to apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and other benefits. It requires the DD Form 214 to establish the service member's eligibility.
  • Form 10-10EZ: This is the application for health benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans need to provide their DD Form 214 to confirm their military service when applying for health care services.

Understanding these documents can streamline processes for veterans and their families. Each form plays a vital role in ensuring that military personnel receive the benefits and recognition they deserve.

Guidelines on Writing Dd 214

Filling out the DD 214 form is an important step for service members transitioning from active duty. This form captures essential information about your military service and is often needed for benefits, employment, and other purposes. Below are the steps to complete the form accurately.

  1. Begin with your name. Write your first, middle, and last name clearly.
  2. In section 2, fill in the department, component, and branch of service.
  3. Enter your social security number in section 3.
  4. For section 4a, provide your grade, rate, or rank.
  5. In section 4b, indicate your pay grade.
  6. Fill in your date of birth in section 5 using the format YYYYMMDD.
  7. Complete section 6 with your reserve obligation termination date.
  8. In section 7a, write the place of entry into active duty.
  9. Section 7b requires your last duty assignment and major command.
  10. For section 9, list the command to which you were transferred.
  11. In section 10, provide your home of record at the time of entry.
  12. Fill in your military specialty in section 11.
  13. In section 13, list any decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons awarded or authorized.
  14. Enter the station where you separated in section 14.
  15. Indicate your SGLI coverage in section 15.
  16. In section 16, record the days of accrued leave.
  17. Section 17 asks if you were provided a complete dental examination. Mark yes or no.
  18. Provide your mailing address after separation in section 19a.
  19. Indicate if you request copy 6 to be sent to the nearest office of Veterans Affairs in section 20a.
  20. In section 20b, indicate if you request copy 3 to be sent to the central office of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  21. Sign the form in section 21a and include the date.
  22. Section 22a requires the signature of the official authorized to verify your information.
  23. Fill out the type of separation in section 23.
  24. In section 25, provide the separation authority.
  25. Section 28 requires the narrative reason for separation.
  26. Record any dates of time lost during this period in section 29.
  27. Complete section 24 with your character of service.
  28. Provide your separation code in section 26.
  29. Finally, indicate your reentry code in section 27.
Free Dd 214 PDF

Form Data

Fact Name Description
Purpose The DD Form 214 serves as a certificate of release or discharge from active duty in the military.
Privacy Act This form contains personal information protected under the Privacy Act of 1974.
Not for Identification The DD Form 214 should not be used for identification purposes.
Alterations Any alterations in the shaded areas render the form void.
Important Record It is crucial to safeguard the DD Form 214 as it is an important record of military service.
Contents The form includes details such as service dates, rank, and decorations awarded.
State-Specific Forms Some states may have additional forms or requirements based on local laws regarding veterans’ benefits.

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