Is a DD214 a valid source document? If not, what do I do if the only proof of the award is on the DD214?

Cadet 2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 02:25:27 -0400

Was overseas for 9 months in 2021 as a SPC in Europe,4 months in Poland & 5 in Lithuania. Got back, then 6 months later got promoted to E5 & sent to a completely different unit. During my initial records review with my new TNCO, I realized almost all my awards were not on my ERB to include my NDSM,ASM from basic & AIT, or my OSM,AFRM w/ M. All of these show on the DD214 I received after the deployment but my new unit says I need to show orders or proof of each one in order to upload them. I've researched in depth the requirements for each award, No one receives orders for the NDSM & ASM when graduating Basic & AIT so idk what to do there, as for the OSM & AFRM, I've seen other threads where people said they've just had them added to their records with no certificate by their admin, my previous unit which was always very helpful, said they would have just added it for me even without the DD214 because they obviously know I went overseas with them. My new unit wouldn't budge with this info. My previous admin emailed the new admin & was ignored. I tried to ask my current admin if it was ok if my previous unit admin reached out & called him and I got fired up for it(so no). Tried to ask my first line leader (the XO since I'm now an SMP cadet) what the proper protocol would be to go straight to the S1 and get it handled with them & I was always told next time, next time, next time, until I was just told that they're too busy & it's not a priority. That drill weekend was the last time I saw them because then I started prepping for air assault school which ran right through the next drill, thankfully I passed. Now that I'm back, I wanna get back to figuring that out but its like I'm not welcome in their offices anymore because my simple questions always end with an overly exaggerated uncalled-for roasting. Not sure what to do now but any advice would be greatly appreciated because no one else is gonna care about my records except me.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jul 13 at 2023 8:12 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 08:12:56 -0400

An opinion of a former S1, Yes, I would take your Active Army DD214 as an official record of schools and awards. Not sure I can find any regulatory rules to that effect, but that is supposed to be the one stop shop for your active service. I would ask for an open door with your CO and see if he is willing to go to the S1. If not, ask for an open door with the S1.
As a piece of advice for future reference, I would start keeping a file copy of every order, award, NCOER, Etc. It's possible to rebuild all of those files generally, but it's a pain in the ass.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2023 8:46 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 08:46:03 -0400

For the Army, the DD 214 is not a key source document for schools or awards.
For the awards you have listed, the only ones that require an order and/or DA 638 are the AAM X2 and the AFRM w/M device.

The order for the AFRM w/M is a memo signed by a company commander based on any qualifying mobilization and deployment, no minimum time requirement. It's possible your previous CO signed one, check your iPERMS.
If not, your current RNCO or BN S1 can generate the memo and your current CO can sign it.

The ASR is based on being in the Army.
The NDSM is based on being in the military at all from 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined (Global War on Terrorism).
Your initial enlistment DD 1610 and DD4 are the key source documents for these two.
The OSR is based on a successful completion of an overseas tour, in the case of your deployment, at least 270 total days in theater, Your deployment order and amendment are the key source documents for this one.

You can verify all of this in AR 600-8-22, and so can your Readiness NCO and S1.

For the rest of this, I don't understand how the XO is your "first line leader" unless you are the ranking NCO in your unit and the XO is the only officer assigned other than the CO.
Regardless, you need to request an open door with your CO to talk about:
1. how your unit Readiness NCO has been refusing to do his job, updating your records is his responsibility
2. how your RNCO and XO erroneously told you that updating your record is "not a priority".

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2023 9:38 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 09:38:24 -0400

The reserve component has a systemic problem with award verification. You'll likely need a memo from your old unit verifying the awards you earned oun your Europe tour.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2023 9:52 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 09:52:30 -0400

Unfortunatly, the DD214 is not recognized as an offical sourse document because it is hand typed and people mess up and do not always verify supporting documents.
Army Awards must have the DA 638 with publication order numbers in your IPERMS.
Per AR 600-8-22 The ASR is authorized for wear upon completion of initial military training and the NDSM is based on being in the military at all from September 2001 to sometime in 2022 (should be verified by discharge orders, transfer orders, or ATRRS transcripts). I have seen memos for the NDSM.
Commander is authorized to do a memo for AFRM.
Commander can do a memo for OSR validating your meet requirements for the award with supporting document being mobilization orders.
Sourse document list is avaiable at https://iperms.hrc.army.mil/svc/public-download/ASRBDocuments.pdf but it mostly just refers you back to AR 600-8-22.

ASRBDocuments.pdf

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Jul 29 at 2023 10:39 AM

SGT Erick Holmes — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 10:39:26 -0400

A DD214 is the bible of your career. This piece of paper will an can make a difference in taxes, benefits and proof during your career and or life itself. Treat this as your life depended on it. This is the resource that you need and the difference between certain things. Get your oringinal one and make a true certified copy of 10 or more. Give a copy to your local town hall. That will help.with property taxes for either your house or vehicle or both (pending what state and city/town) you live in.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2023 10:45 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 22:45:22 -0400

A dd214 is no longer a source document.