Is my dd214 not enough proof that I earned an award?

2020-10-29T12:50:58-04:00

I was in the reserve years ago. Had a huge break in service and now I'm back in active duty. My s1 is currently telling me that I can't add my awards to my erb without the orders as my dd214 does not have them therefore it's not enough proof. I am currently moving heaven and earth trying to find papers nobody seem to have from 11 years ago. What can I do?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2020 1:05 PM

2020-10-29T13:05:09-04:00

Use a combination of terms on the search function and you should come up with several prior (recent) conversations talking about using a DD 214 as a source document for ERB. There are also several suggestions in these threads about alternate means to obtain original documents.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-can-be-used-as-a-source-document-to-prove-deployment-time

What can be used as a source document to prove deployment time? | RallyPoint

I’ve been deployed twice in the Marines, and it clearly states operation enduring freedom on my Dd214. However, a dd214 is no longer accepted as a source document. So according to the Army reserve I never deployed. I know I can use deployment orders, but It’s been about 8 years and I lost them. Any suggestions on where to start?

Response by SGT Gary Stemen made Oct 29 at 2020 1:19 PM

2020-10-29T13:19:23-04:00

A good soldier keeps a file of all orders on which he/she is named. I still retain mine, and they can be invaluable when filing disability claims.... Side note: my ETS was 1966....

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2020 2:13 PM

2020-10-29T14:13:27-04:00

the DD214 is proof enough. If I read your statement correctly, it sounds like the issue is that the awards are not on the DD214. IF that is the case and you don't/can't find copies of the orders, then you may be SOL. You could try contacting the national archives to see if they have records.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2020 2:26 PM

2020-10-29T14:26:33-04:00

You need the orders number to put in emilpo

Response by SGT Reggie Gates (RETIRED ) made Oct 29 at 2020 2:56 PM

2020-10-29T14:56:32-04:00

Check your Iperms for award orders and request your archived records. It will include all of your service documents.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Oct 29 at 2020 3:02 PM

2020-10-29T15:02:11-04:00

Take a knee and drink water!

If they are not on your DD214 and you don’t have copy of your awards the you are out of luck. If your Reserve Unit was squared away, then any awards ought to be posted on your official files which you could get a copy of your OMPF (takes time) from: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records.

In the mean time, don’t irritate your S1, you’ll loose that fight!

Reset, refit, reorganize, get ready for the next fight!

Request Military Service Records

Veterans and their next of kin can get FREE copies of their DD 214, and other military service records including Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), Replacement Medals, and Medical and Health Records.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2020 3:02 PM

2020-10-29T15:02:27-04:00

As a former Company, Battalion and Brigade S1 and now in G1 yes they can use your DD214 especially in your case of over a decade separation. I had a 20 year separation and they had to use my 214 because iPerms did not exsist back in 85 (but I did have all my papers). Normally the 214 is used last by S1 because the 214 is compilation of everything and has to be manually imputed and can easily be fat fingered. I had a CPT that had a BSM on her 214 from a recent mobilization. She got the ribbon added to her rack and DA photo done for Major’s board. Well she had never been out of the country and her mob was to Ft Bliss and you don’t get a bronze star medal for conus mobilization. She had no award orders for BSM other then it was on her 214 but she did have award certificate for MSM from Ft Bliss. They typeoed her 214. That being said, what are your awards? normal awards like certificates of achievement, AAM, good conduct medal should not be an issue with 214. I would assume not very many as an E4. Again they can use it but not knowing your details or the awards I can’t say why they are having an issue.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Oct 29 at 2020 3:29 PM

2020-10-29T15:29:42-04:00

Go to hrc web site and see if they are there

Response by SGT Reggie Gates (RETIRED ) made Oct 29 at 2020 3:45 PM

2020-10-29T15:45:17-04:00

Also try the HRC homepage.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2020 7:44 PM

2020-10-29T19:44:42-04:00

CPL Private RallyPoint Member have you checked and signed into iPERMS? I joined in 2001 and left 2011. They still had everything

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2020 3:26 AM

2020-10-30T03:26:07-04:00

If the awards are not on your DD 214, and you do not have substantiating documents, then the awards cannot be listed on your ERB. What you can do is submit an SF 180 to the National Archives. If they have them, they will send them to you. Then....BAM.....they can then be added to your ERB

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Oct 30 at 2020 5:37 AM

2020-10-30T05:37:03-04:00

How would your DD214 be proof if they aren't on it. Was you on active duty prior to being in the Army Reserves other than for training. When you get out of the Army Reserve you do not get a DD214, that is for discharge from Active Duty

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Oct 30 at 2020 7:19 AM

2020-10-30T07:19:08-04:00

Sad thing is that there are a number of knuckleheads out there claiming bling that they didn't earn (Not you). You should have heard the things that traps tried to get added to their DD214's during demob with little or no proof. Most units are very clear about requirements for proving past awards. From day one I always had copies of all paperwork in my atto-boy book just incase. Sad thing is that even 638's can be falsified. If you old unit failed to file orders, awards and other documents in you archive you may not find what you need to prove validity. On a side note I had three awards that were processed, actually pinned on me at formations yet no copy of the 638 or award certificate were in my files. I wrote them off as examples of why records updates and proof are so very important for all troops.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Oct 30 at 2020 10:13 AM

2020-10-30T10:13:52-04:00

Strictly speaking, the DD-214 lists your awards but is not "proof" that your received them. The problem is that many awards, usually the minor ones, are not placed on orders. If the awards in question are decorations (like an AAM or ARCOM) you will need a copy of the original award orders. Service awards (such as the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal) can be awarded by your current command if you have proof of your qualifying service.

As to finding your records - check out this link -
https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/

It says if you are registered on milconnect, you can request your records through the DPRIS system. DPRIS is a centralized military records system which, in theory at least, has all personnel files of those that served after 1995.

Good luck!

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Response by SPC John Tacetta made Oct 31 at 2020 4:47 PM

2020-10-31T16:47:21-04:00

Anything on the DD214 should suffice as proof. If you have no orders and it's not recorded in your personnel jacket or on DD214 you're, as they say, SOL.

Response by SSG Gerald King made Nov 1 at 2020 8:59 AM

2020-11-01T08:59:39-05:00

Your DD214 is not the end all for your list of awards. I got out in 1975 and the top award on my DD214 was the ARCOM. But, before I left my last duty assignment I was told by my 1SGT that I had been recommended for the MSM. Never heard another thing about the MSM until 30 years later when I requested a copy of my military records from MilPerCen. Then I learned that I had been awarded the MSM 3 months after I was discharged. I received a copy of the orders awarding the medal and later received the medal with my name engraved on the back of it. You can get your 214 amended with a DD215.

Response by SPC Franklin McKown made Nov 2 at 2020 12:15 PM

2020-11-02T12:15:49-05:00

I never translated my German, shooting medal and I have an Arcom, that 1st Cav gave me, that isn't on that...guess I made one too many Sgt Mjrs. angry.
Got an Imjin scouts badge unofficially too, they stopped a few years before I was in Korea but we aren't qualified for wings even if we do it OJT, so I was given that.

Response by SGT Gary Tob made Nov 4 at 2020 3:36 PM

2020-11-04T15:36:43-05:00

You can request that a review be done. I know most of my awards are not on my DD214 as soon wanted to leave Germany and rotate back to the states before SGM Littlejohn got me drunk to have me re up. I do have most of my documents to support my awards anyways. If you got docs you can request an "upgrade" to your original DD214.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2020 6:09 AM

2020-11-09T06:09:36-05:00

I too had a break in service and also only had my 214 as proof...So far everything the leadership above has stated is true, your 214 is a legal supporting document and that those awards not uploaded to your IPerms is only an issue if it is not on the supporting document. That being said, I went to the solider of the month board and got cursed out by a CSM because my leadership failed me and put my new ERB into my packet while taking my 214 out, that was fun. The biggest issue is proof when it matters, continue to keep your DD Form 214 in your ILoveMe and MAKE COPIES any time you get a chance, I am getting my E5 soon and I have been told that it is going to get more hectic proving prior service things more. Just stay calm and show proof (either 214, battles from prior service, or pictures online). Good luck

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Nov 14 at 2020 7:18 AM

2020-11-14T07:18:35-05:00

THAT, does not make any sense. Your 214 should be the only proof you need.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Nov 14 at 2020 5:32 PM

2020-11-14T17:32:03-05:00

One lesson I wish I had known when I was in was to check my DD-214 and information periodically but especially when I was getting ready to leave. I have two awards and one medal not listed on my 214 that I got literally sent to me in the US Mail. When that happens it can be a pain in the ass to get them retroactive added to your DD-214's. I have all the documentation so that helped but I still have not been sent an updated official DD-214 with the new adds.

So my advice to you still in, routinely CHECK your information to insure awards you think or know you have gotten are added to your records properly.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Dec 3 at 2020 9:39 PM

2020-12-03T21:39:16-05:00

You used to be able to write the Army records center in St. Louis, MO for a list of all medals, ribbons you are entitled to. That record is all the proof you need. As far as I know they are still open.

Response by LTC Howard Wooster made Dec 7 at 2020 7:12 PM

2020-12-07T19:12:16-05:00

If I went strictly by my DD214 after 22 years service (5 years AD, 17 USAR) I'd only be authorized to wear my Air Assault Badge, I have 4 rows!

Response by Rhonda Fancera made Dec 15 at 2020 3:54 PM

2020-12-15T15:54:20-05:00

I am having such an issue with my husbands DD214, he is not eligible per VA because his DD214 doesn’t show he was in Vietnam , it is ridiculous that I cannot get any help on this I have wrote Congress, and talked to so many people and nothing

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 7:56 AM

2020-12-17T07:56:58-05:00

Hes full of shit. I had a break in service too. Went from active duty Navy Submarines to AF reserves. I didnt have orders for any of my awards but they all made it into my service record for the Air Force. Navy commendation, Navy Expeditionary medal, Kuwaiti liberation, desert storm... And a whole lot more. For some reason they cant put my Navy "battle E" award into my service record. But stated I can wear it because its on my DD 214. So the guy your dealing with sounds like an inept clown that doesnt know how to do his job.

Response by MSgt George Fillgrove made Dec 17 at 2020 8:22 AM

2020-12-17T08:22:57-05:00

Depends. I would check with the school, a previous headquarters, morning reports, or ask a colleague who might have been through the course or tour with you. They might have the proof.

I have two DD Form 215s from my last period of active duty just for that reason. I made sure that my two qualification badges were listed and that appropriate devices were correct.

In the Air Force, DD Form 214s are used to verify longevity service, accession training, PME, specialty qualification badges and overseas service. For everything else, you better have your orders or graduation certificates. There's even a printed roster for Good Conduct Medals, and I have a copy of the AF Form that verified the operation qualifying me for a Humanitarian Service Medal. I kept everything and only recently started shredding the duplicates.

As for decorations, remember that anything can be purchased on line and through E-bay these days, so I'm not much of a fan of people who show up with medals and certificates without the citations or orders. I would hedge on the side of a those being fake.

Therefore, if something's missing, make sure you have the orders or certificate, and then make sure it's updated in the system. Don't just wear something without proof. It's a disservice to your peers, your service, and the rest of us. It also short-changes you in the future when you go for replacements of awards, or some family member is doing the family history thing.

Finally, you never know where those records may be helpful to others. Records that I had stored 26 years ago in my footlocker actually helped correct an error about an aircraft on static display at the Air Force Museum.

Response by PO2 Lawrence Janiec made Dec 18 at 2020 2:05 PM

2020-12-18T14:05:29-05:00

Unless I'm reading this wrong, you said "as my dd214 does not have them" and that sort of means that no, there is no proof on your DD-214 for something that you might have earned.

Response by SGT Nathan Huff made Dec 24 at 2020 1:25 PM

2020-12-24T13:25:06-05:00

Ompf

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2020 1:28 PM

2020-12-24T13:28:52-05:00

Did you get this figured out? It's dated a month ago.

Response by SGT Gary Tob made Dec 27 at 2020 3:29 PM

2020-12-27T15:29:26-05:00

If you earned any recommendations, years in service with NG and or Reserve there are ribbons and medals. Go to CO going through the chain of command and or awards bureau for proper guidance. You don't want to become a PX warrior.

Response by SPC Daniel Dresen made Dec 18 at 2021 12:27 PM

2021-12-18T12:27:20-05:00

Sometimes it is, Sometimes it isn't. Awards like an AAM or ARCOM wouldn't be on a dd214 without some verification. But if you are issued an ACM (American campaign medal) and not an ACM-1CS (Afghanistan campaign medal with 1 campaign star) THAT'S when I, as an HR SPC, will move heaven and earth to determine if its credible. I've prepared over a dozen dd215s because demob sites forget the correct code for the Afghanistan campaign medals and you end up with a 1942 award for serving in the battle of the Aleutian Islands. I won't correct any other medals because paperwork does get lost.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2022 11:48 AM

2022-01-06T11:48:19-05:00

I am in almost the same boat. Commissioned 19 Jan 2006, apparently I have 0 proof that I actually was commissioned. My DD214, ID card, vehicle sticker, 2 certificates, verification of active duty, orders, statements from support personnel, ORB, pictures, and everything else does not matter. You can show them proof till the cows come home, but If they don't care then apparently there is nothing you can do but take it to court, and if your family is not rich enough to fight, then you are SOL. One thing I have noticed in recent years (especially once the former President took office) is that what is real and true may not be the same for everyone, even with all the proof and evidence that you can muster. What we did in the past is not "made up" folks. We were there. We participated in the things that we did. We either enjoyed those things or did not enjoy those things, but either way we remember them as they happened because we were there. Apparently "proof" or "evidence" is no good anymore when anyone can just say it is all just "fake."

Response by SGT Christopher Sigafoos made Jan 7 at 2022 7:16 PM

2022-01-07T19:16:38-05:00

Former 75F here. The DD214 is a source document. This means that anytime anything is added to it, it has been verified. If you have an award on your DD214, and your S1 is not adding it to your ERB, the S1 is not doing their job correctly. If they are requesting the actual award document, the S1 should send a request to the archives for it.

Response by SFC Antonio Baird made Jan 10 at 2022 9:04 AM

2022-01-10T09:04:20-05:00

If your DD 214 is missing some information from your records, you will need to apply for a DD215, which is a corrected DD214. Forward any documents you have for issuing information. Good luck.

Response by SMSgt Jeff Kyle made Jan 14 at 2022 11:26 PM

2022-01-14T23:26:00-05:00

The DD214 isn’t the only source for medals awarded. I’m not sure which branch you’re in so I can’t speak specifically to your case. I can tell you a bit of what I went through when I switched from the Marine Corps to the Air Force. I was given a complete copy of my entire record. Everything from last rifle score to pro’s and con’s was in my record. At some point I misplaced my copy but was able to get a complete copy from St Louis.
Do you have a complete copy of everything you did/earned? If not, get a copy. The VA helped me get a copy. There’s several different courses of action to take so you can have everything down in writing.

Response by CSM David Porterfield made Jan 27 at 2022 1:11 PM

2022-01-27T13:11:21-05:00

DD214's are not good source documents because they often contain mistakes therefore are not supposed to be used as proof. I've seen Soldiers get all kinds of things put on their 214 like Air Assault school, sniper school etc..... That they didn't do. Most Soldiers are honest and will correct it, but some won't. I had a SGT get reduced to SPC yet when he got his 214 a year later they still listed him as a SGT so he ran with it. He decided to reenlist some time later and did so as a SGT. His CSM from his new unit called me to ask if he was reduced and did he make his rank back. After I explained what happened and produced source documents for his reduction he was reduced again to SPC.

Response by SGT William Cannon made Mar 13 at 2022 11:21 AM

2022-03-13T11:21:34-04:00

IT'S ALL ON YOUR DD...I USED MY 214 AS I.D...ACCEPTED GENERALLY/W PHOTO I.D...

Response by SGT Phillip Gonzales made Mar 13 at 2022 2:30 PM

2022-03-13T14:30:20-04:00

Call or email the reserve unit that you serve with and tell them what's going on and they can direct you to the correct office's.

Response by Lt Col Norman Cannon made Mar 14 at 2022 2:25 PM

2022-03-14T14:25:28-04:00

Maybe I'm misreading some, but I feel like a lot of the comments are issuing the issue. If I read correctly, you are saying you have awards that are not on your DD-214, but you do not have the award orders or certificates for those awards that are not on your DD-214.

The 214 is the first document anyone will look at as proof of awards for a separated servicemember. But as someone else said, it isn't the end all be all for proof. If it is not on your 214, then you would need either an award order or an award certificate to have it added to your record. If you don't have those, then it will indeed be difficult to prove you are entitled to the award. For individual awards, that is really your only options for proof: 214 or award order/certificate. You can request your records through the electronic system in DMDS or hard copy from St Louis (I was able to get a copy of father's military records that way).

For unit awards it is a little easier. You just need to prove the unit award was awarded to the unit for a certain period (each services have those lists somewhere), then show you were assigned to the unit during that period for the required duration for that award. (In some cases you can be attached to / deployed to / detailed to the unit and that may still count, depending on the award.) For example, after I switched from the Army to the Air Force, a couple of the Army units I was assigned or attached to were awarded some unit awards. I had to show the Air Force that these units were authorized the award and show my orders showing I was in those units during the award period for the requisite time (some awards are 1 day, some are 30 days, etc.). They weren't on my Army DD-214 because they hadn't been approved at that point. But I was able to get those added to my Air Force record and they are now on my Air Force DD-214. It is more difficult to get additional Air Force unit awards (ones awarded after I retired but for a period when I was active in the unit) added now that I'm fully retired because it would entail getting my final 214 updated. Not sure how that works (BCMR?) but I know it is possible. Once again, for individual awards you've got to have a 214 or an award order/certificate in order to prove it and get it added. You'll have to request your entire record from your previous service probably.

Others are also correct that 214s and ERBs/ORBs can be fat-fingered as well. I once had an E-6 wearing a Defense Distinguished Service Medal, an award only granted to General Officers and MAJCOM and higher E-9s. It was on his record because it was fat fingered by someone, and then he started wearing it because it was on his records. It eventually came out when a promotion board was reviewing his record.

So anyway, good luck in finding documentation for your awards.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2022 11:20 AM

2022-03-15T11:20:03-04:00

I was under the same situation but my S1 add most of them as long as they are listed on my DD 214 (6 years as Reservist).

Response by MAJ Gregory Moon made Mar 17 at 2022 9:25 AM

2022-03-17T09:25:15-04:00

When looking for records look at "Reserve "records I seem to remember that my official record was listed as reserve records. I was active Rifed and went to the reservers. If they are looking in the wrong place you won't see them. Also look at contacting the S1 folks in your old unit they may have access to historical records that could help. A lot of the civilian staff stays around for a long time. So someone could still be around albeit in different position now that was there when you were.

Response by 1SG Danny Vorreyer made Mar 30 at 2022 10:15 AM

2022-03-30T10:15:03-04:00

The only award that may not be listed in the retirement award. As far as your records....eBenefits is the site where you can get a copy of your 214. You can also get a copy where you exited Service. Hope that helps.

Response by SPC David C. made Apr 7 at 2022 12:11 AM

2022-04-07T00:11:21-04:00

Dude, I'm just now seeing this so yeah, I'm a little late to the party. The one thing I can say with 100% certainty though is NO S1 shop anywhere has ever cared about their people. Not Army. Not Marine. Not Navy. Not Airforce. None of them. And if you go over their heads, they will go out of their way to fuck things up for you. Trust none of them. You're on your own with this one. Best of luck to you and your efforts.

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Apr 7 at 2022 10:46 PM

2022-04-07T22:46:55-04:00

Your signature on the DD214 is you certifying all time served and awards earned. If you failed to validate the details before you signed, then tough luck.

Response by SPC Mica Hall made Apr 10 at 2022 2:21 PM

2022-04-10T14:21:04-04:00

Are there any other specific benefits to have been awarded?

Response by PO1 Todd McMillin made Apr 10 at 2022 11:17 PM

2022-04-10T23:17:04-04:00

Having worked at the VA Records Management in St Louis. There's a lot of issues because of the lack of staff and personnel who actually care about their jobs there & at the Nation Archives due to the backlog from going digital under the Obama Administration which was originally created by Bush Jr but didn't go into effect. The problem is that those records from certain time periods before 1960s in some cases are on Microfiche as well as the 1973 Fire at the National Personal Records Center. While since then the branches have duplicate records on file and then dead file them to the VA Archives after 20 years of service or 20 years since the Individual left the service. So tracking down awards is often times like pulling teeth in some cases.

It's often easier to get a CD burned and sent to you from the VA RMC in STL then its for just a DD-214 to have them on file. In my case of 20 years of service my last PNC forgot several awards which were in older copies of my DD-214 from my prior commands and re-enlistment ceremonies which had the correct awards listed each time. They dropped off several awards including my EAWS because of the fact I was grandfathered in before the regulations changed.

Also if there's any errors of the DD-214 you need to have a DD-215 submitted to the respective branch to correct in. I had to help several Navy Veterans deal with this specific problem being TAR (Temporary Active Reserves) that failed to update their DD-214 due to pay grade changes and overlapping dates of service in several cases because of shoddy Personnel Clerks/Admin types that barely could work a keyboard in most cases often times promoted from paint chipping to office clerks to do less damage to the ship then the enemy would. Worse is the TARs and other Weekend Warriors didn't properly keep their own records to back up their past thanks to the fact that trusting others is a mistake when you work part time gigs.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, always make copies of everything you get when you get into the military and keep copies before you get out or change commands. The fact that I had someone toss my records into a dumpster and then a civilian steal $5K from my account because of being incompetent and failing to do their job nearly cost me my career and my vacation time. There's plenty of stupid fuckers in Admin Spots who got there by dumb luck and hire civilians who are clock watchers vs actually doing their jobs. Trust none of them to cover your six and also remember that if they screw up they don't care about it because it's not their problem but yours.

My wife could have don't 20 years cross rating from AD3 to a YN3 but our command's PN1 would rather spend his final days in the command being a college student than doing his job. His delays in putting in her paperwork forced her out of the Navy because the rates were locked up and she couldn't stay in without jumping through hoops and sent to AI duty instead. So she quit and regrets it because someone else fucked up.

Response by SSG Ken Potts made Apr 12 at 2022 8:43 PM

2022-04-12T20:43:10-04:00

If it's on the 214, you have it. Pin it on.

Response by SSG Ken Potts made Apr 12 at 2022 8:45 PM

2022-04-12T20:45:00-04:00

Contract your units where you were awarded. They have a copy on file somewhere. If not, your SOL.

Response by LTC Donald Donahue made Apr 14 at 2022 9:29 PM

2022-04-14T21:29:11-04:00

I went through the same challenge for my O-5 board. I am a former SSG 75Z. The 214 is a source document. It suffices. Multiple awards are issued for service, sans orders. Insist. And file a request with ABCMR is the HR system does not honor your record.

Response by CPL William Brennan made May 25 at 2022 6:22 AM

2022-05-25T06:22:47-04:00

Your Reserve Service awards will not show up on the DD214 since the DD214 is Active Duty only, at least when I was in 1991-1995.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2022 3:12 PM

2022-08-22T15:12:26-04:00

You could try the national archives. I was able to get my dads packet from WWII and my own packet. Albeit, my packet pages were so badly water damaged that they are pretty much useless. They had to add a page declaring that I was honorably discharged and did serve.