How do I add awards or decorations to my records so I can wear them?

SPC John Chambers — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:33:38 -0400

I am out of the service and my records are hit or miss, mostly miss. I have a few documents here and there such as my DD-214 with a correction, ERB, and a form that lists my MOS, ASI, SQI, and Skill Level. I understand I need more but would these be sufficient for most purposes to wear the awards they do list? Note: I am in the process of recovering the rest of my records, it is just taking some time.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 13 at 2020 8:43 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:43:30 -0400

If you are out: DD Form 149 and copies of your documents. They'll issue a DD215 which amends your 214.

https://www.defense.gov/ask-us/faq/Article/1777745/how-can-i-make-a-correction-to-my-military-service-records-or-request-an-upgrad/

How can I make a correction to my military service records, or request an upgrade to my...

In order to get your military service records corrected, or your discharge upgraded, you must contact your respective service Board for Correction of Military Records or fill out and mail a DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Record Under,

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2020 11:09 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 23:09:38 -0400

I'm curious to what was missed when you left the military. You won't have an ERB anymore since you are not active but keep in mind that the DD-214 is not a source document that should be used. It is just a statement. If you have the source documents then you are good. I would say that it is good to have your 214 correct but it was for something like a drivers bag then I don't think I would care.

Response by SSG Darrell Peters made Aug 16 at 2020 9:25 PM

SSG Darrell Peters — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 21:25:17 -0400

Before I Retired, The Unit Administrator asked me to bring in every document award, order everything that related to my Army career. I had never heard of doing a Pre-Retirement Records audit but I am so glad I brought my Laundry Basket of records. Over a 30 year career, I could not believe what was missing. I joined the Army with all paper records then Microfiche was introduced and then finally the system they have currently. Add to that I was Active Duty, Army Reserve, National Guard, and back to Army Reserve. A lot of my awards were missing, I kept copies of the orders and the certificate. Some Schooling was missing again I had copies of the orders and documentation that I completed the training.
I don't know what happened, all my local records at unit level were fairly squared away and up to date. Yet stuff that needed to be submitted for computer records was simply terrible. There was an issue of who could do the inputting into the computer and the proper credentials and clearances. It was a royal pain until I was asked to come in for a Retirement Records Audit.
I was always told to keep every piece of paper, every record the army gives you or has on you. Good advice to this day. At the end of the Audit, I was satisfied that my "Official Record" was properly updated.

Response by SPC Scott Verdin made Aug 17 at 2020 1:57 AM

SPC Scott Verdin — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 01:57:06 -0400

Back in 89-92 the Army deleted our MOS 13N10 Lance Missle I had just joined unknowing that. Well I served 1yr at my first Unit 3/12 FA Fiori Kaserene, then they shut it down and transported us to 1/32 FA Fliegerhorst Kaserne. Well when I got there they didn't have a position for me as a Lance Missle Crewmember so they put me as a Diesel Mechanic, but when we went to the field I was they Battery XO Drivery that's where this all comes in. No one in command ESPECIALLY my LT documented that I was a driver nor did I get any recognition they put me as a diesel mechanic all because they were worried about shutting down the unit.

Response by SFC Arnold Corkins made Jun 16 at 2021 4:40 PM

SFC Arnold Corkins — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 16:40:45 -0400

My last duty assignment was filling a First Sergeant position with the Special Security Detachment as the NCOIC in Taegu, Korea. How do I add the ASI for that position to my DD 214?

Response by SPC Zach Lockhart made Aug 20 at 2021 1:46 PM

SPC Zach Lockhart — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 13:46:47 -0400

It’s a PAIN IN THE BUTT.