Information on obtaining various military records for the military veteran.
Discharge Certificates (DD 214)
NOTE: There are resources on the internet that charge to get a copy of a DD 214. These sources have you sign a form to become a legal representative for you. The resources mentioned below are FREE of charge.
Almost everything dealing with veteran benefits requires proof of military service. That proof is provided by the discharge certificate or DD 214. This is an important document and must be safeguarded.
If you have a copy of your DD 214 it is recommended that it be recorded in your county courthouse; or at the very least be sure to keep it in a safe place and inform a family member or trusted individual of its location.
If you do not have a copy of your DD 214, you may contact your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) for assistance in obtaining it.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs maintains discharges for the following veterans:
- Minnesota WWII veterans who applied for the state bonus
- Minnesota Korean veterans who applied for the state bonus
- Minnesota Vietnam veterans who applied for the state bonus
- Veterans who were discharged from active duty after 1980 and requested that a copy of the DD 214 be sent to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
If you fall into one of these categories, and would like to request a copy of your DD 214, call the receptionist at 651-296-2562.
You may also request your DD 214 from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). There are two methods to request records from the NPRC, paper (SF 180) and electronically via eVetRecs. Your CVSO can assist you with both of these methods.
Transcripts
Transcripts from the military can cover what you did for military education and training. Providing that information to a school can add credits toward a degree. Locations below can provide you with information on obtaining a transcript.
Army / American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS)
Provides transcript service for active duty, reserve and national guards members. Service members must have separated or retired on or after 1981. Service members with credits/training for the Army pre-1981 must request a DD295 and submit it for your college credit award review.
Army Knowledge Online (AKO)
Gives soldiers instant access to all training and educational information.
Community College of the Air Force
The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) provides transcripts for Civilian Transcripts; Retired / Separated Personnel; Active Duty / Guard / Reservists; and Online Service available to everyone.
Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL)
COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) explains how Army Soldiers and Navy Sailors can meet civilian certification and license requirements related to their military job. Use COOL to:
- Get background information about civilian licensure and certification; Identify licenses and certifications relevant to military jobs
- Learn how to fill gaps between Army / Navy training and experience and civilian credentialing requirements
- Learn about resources available to Soldiers & Sailors that can help them gain civilian job credentials
- Help pay for credentialing fees such as Tuition Assistance, Montgomery GI Bill, and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
- It also has links to the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)
MarineNet
Your official gateway to exciting online courseware! It is your instant access to libraries of exciting and challenging online courses from any PC on base! Best of all, MarineNet will allow you to complete required and annual training without ever having to step into a classroom!
National Guard Virtual Armory
Portal site for National Guard members. This site covers topics such as education, family, mobilization, deployment, recruiting and well-being.
Navy College Program
The Navy College Program (NCP) provides opportunities to Sailors to earn college degrees by providing academic credit for Navy training, work experience, and off-duty education. The NCP mission is to enable Sailors to obtain a college degree while on active duty.
Navy Knowledge Online
Gives sailors instant access to all training and educational information.
Sailor / Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART)
Available to document American Council on Education (ACE) recommended college credit for military training and occupational experience. SMART is an academically accepted record that is validated by ACE. The primary purpose of SMART is to assist service members in obtaining college credit for their military experience.
SMART has replaced the DD295, the Application for Evaluation of Learning Experiences during Military Service, which is the form currently submitted to colleges by Sailors and Marines to verify their military experiences. The DD295 may still be necessary to document some training and experience that is not contained in and cannot be added to current personnel and training databases.
U.S. Coast Guard Institute
The contact to get a US Coast Guard military transcript.
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