An SF-180 Form or Request Pertaining to Military Records is a 3 paged form consisting of instructions and fillable information regarding the filing military force. The first page consists of instructions and regulation that may be used as to moving forward through the form. The first page states about the identification of the applying military force and more information regarding this during service. There are different supporting documents needed which are tackled on section of the form and would serve as the basis of documentation for the applicant. It must be signed and authorized by whoever filled out the form and must go on the last page to know where the completed form must be submitted.
Requesting for a military record may need the right authorization in order to be viewed or obtain. Some supporting documents play a big role when filing the form. Here is a step by step procedure on how to fill out an SF-180 Form:
Step1
To obtain the SF-180 form, you need to complete the definite information about the military members to verify the location of the person’s record of military service. Gather all the information needed to fill in the right details needed for an accurate outcome.
Step2
Fill out boxes 1 to 5 with the correct details of the applicant regarding his information of identification and service. Write in as much as the information is required. Service information would be seen on box number 5 which should be supplied accordingly to the location of service, dates and the officers in charge. If the detail needed is unknown, please indicate.
Step3
Numbers 6 and 7 is a statement with an option of checkboxes to choose from on which answer states the applicant best.
Step4
Section two of the form is about the information and records that is being requested by the applicant. There are some checkboxes that corresponds with each kind of documentation that may be supplied by the authorities for the applicant. And if the type of documentation needed was not on the list it may be specified on the space provided just below the section and stating the purpose of the request below by checking one of the boxes.
Step5
When filling the form, make sure to include a return address which is on section or part III of the form, it is where to send back the form once there is a problem foreseen. The last part of the fillable form is the authorization part wherein signature must be provided and the date of filling the form out.
Step6
The last page of the form is the corresponding addresses for each status of the applicant, there are numbers included to act as a tracing body to know where to send the form accordingly.
1
The respond might be sent to the address given by the member or other approved relatives. The address should be exact provided by the apartment, unit or lot number if any.
2
It is important to know the definitions and abbreviations of the words related to the military forces. For example “discharge” which means that a member has no existing military position; “TDRL” means Temporary Disability Retired List; “STR”- Service Treatment Record, the medical record of the members of their military career in which, hospitalized treatment isn’t included.
3
You can send remarks and suggestions concerning the burden estimate or other sets of information to National Archives and Records Administration.
4
In releasing of information, the closest relative of the deceased member who are requesting must present real evidence of death such as a copy of death certificate, death notice or newspaper article (obituary).
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