Posted on Aug 31, 2018
What can be used as a source document to prove deployment time?
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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?
Posted in these groups: 
0151: Administrative Clerk
42A: Human Resources Specialist
79V: Retention and Transition NCO (USAR)
DD214
0151: Administrative Clerk 42A: Human Resources Specialist 79V: Retention and Transition NCO (USAR) DD214
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 18
How is a DD 214 no longer accepted as a source document? Also, you can reach out to the National Archives with a submission of an SF 180 for all military documents. You won't get your stuff right away....as I know this from personal experience.....but you will get stuff.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
I’ll try that. Thanks. I asked the same thing. Apparently some outstanding service members found ways to alter their dd214s to say all kinds of stuff
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SSG Thomas Trutt
SSG(P) (Join to see) - That doesn't make any sense at all. So what if someone altered a DD-214, do they think that people aren't able to make fake memo's, bogus deployment orders, or doctored awards? If we're going to accept any paper documents there will always be a risk of fraud.
But then again, nobody ever said the military needed to make sense.
But then again, nobody ever said the military needed to make sense.
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SFC Steven Borders
SSG(P) (Join to see) - Yes, SM's found a way to alter them with Adobe. When I took my UA Basic course. The instructors told us that just the DD214 was not enough to update a SM's record. They have to have the document showing they received the award. But you bring up a good put, that well someone could make a fake award. Some one can correct me if I am wrong. Order Numbers can bee tracked from what I understand.
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LtCol Robert Quinter
If your unit questions the validity of your DD214 it is their responsibility to prove it false. Their appropriate action is to request a copy from HQMC and, in the process any other documentation of service they might require. A request from an active unit will be handle more expeditiously than an individual request.
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I am a 42A, Senior Human Resource Sergeant and I have NEVER heard that before. Unfortunately someone is giving you the run around, the DD214 is still a source document that can be used, it’s your verifiable proof of service and any awards, training or deployment you had. I used mine when I returned to active duty and it’s also the reason why you are instructed to keep it in a safe place once you are discharged because it’s your history and proof of time served.
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I'm guessing your S1 is giving you guff about adding it to your ERB? A DD214 is a lot harder to alter than a set of typed orders.
A DD214 is a valid source document for pretty much everything and if your S1 is saying that it's not, that is a local (unit) policy not an Army - as far as I know.
A DD214 is a valid source document for pretty much everything and if your S1 is saying that it's not, that is a local (unit) policy not an Army - as far as I know.
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SFC (Join to see)
My suggestion is go to the higher (Brigade, Division) S1 to do your ERB update if your unit won't accept them.
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May be too late, but everyone should burn copy of SRB and Medical records before seps. A Commissioned Officer needs to certify each page. I found the Jr. 2Lt in unit to do it. It comes in handy. The page for deployments should clear this up if you have it. If not HQMC can verify in answer to your request. Good luck.
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Cpl Jacquelyn Bain
I requested all of my father’s records after he passed, but they were redacted. It did show his deployment dates, but not all the places. All I had to do was ask.
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I was a unit administrator in the Army Reserves, never heard of anyone not accepting a DD-214???
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SSG(P) (Join to see) - Its NOT policy at a but a person that has no idea what their job is or is too lazy to perform their own duties. A DD From 214 is an official document and nothing can change that. Its still however a good idea to keep nay and all paperwork You were ever given, You never know when You might need it to prove some assignments. My Recruiter told Me that at the beginning when i entered the service and before even basic training. He advised, have a container/folder to keep everything in and maintain it forever. I did take His advise and I'm glad I did.
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The Army Reserve Admin Chief is being LAZY...if we don't have DD214 acceptance, then what I am I doing with a retirement income...the DD214 IS THE SOURCE DOCUMENT...tell the Unit C.O. to fire that guy and start working to help his Soldiers...and Former Marines.
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LtCol Paul Bowen
LTC (Join to see)
WEBSEARCH ARMY DD214 request...go to VA.gov and get started.
The Services all have archive retrieval capabilities.
Hope this helps you
Paul
WEBSEARCH ARMY DD214 request...go to VA.gov and get started.
The Services all have archive retrieval capabilities.
Hope this helps you
Paul
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The Army reserves? In the Marines? Are you that far gone or just a wanna be?
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Well sgt. I enlisted in the Marines in 2004 and spend 8.5 years as a 6252 Harrier airframe mechanic. Then became a military technician in 2014 for UH60 us army Blackhawks. A requirement for my job is that I become a member of the us army reserves. So yes. I’m a Marine, playing army and I am that far gone.
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You may wish to check the Marine HQS Command in their Records section. You be able to request them on a SF 60 form pending branch affiliation
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Can't the S-1 request a certified copy from MILPERCEN? Or maybe you can have MILPPERCEN send a copy to them on your behalf? That way they couldn't say you forged it.
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The DD 214 is only not a sourced document for awards- not service history.
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Try looking in your iPERMS for your deployment docs. It should have been uploaded to your official file.
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As far as I am aware the DD214 is THE source document needed for proof of service and deployments. If you are being told something else, then it is most likely a local requirement and your local unit should be able to explain what they would prefer for you to use in it’s place.
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Your Service Record Book (SRB) should be archived somewhere...make a request for a SRB cooy. There is a unit diary reporting entries that record when you reported in theater and when you left.
The answer is in your SRB.
The answer is in your SRB.
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I’m sure your Marine units have copies of the deployment orders. Call their S1?
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