What is the process for changing my name before I commission?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 11:29:19 -0400

My current legal name includes my abbreviated middle name; the same reflects on me in DEERS. I am currently an SMP Cadet (enlisted in 2016), and I am thinking about legally changing my middle initial to my full middle name. Is there a particular process for my case if I want that squared away? I am projected to commission in the summer of 2020.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2019 11:34 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 11:34:49 -0400

Sure. You will need to get your name legally changed in the civilian world thru a court petition and DMV, then once granted, take all that paperwork along with the approved 4187 (you can find a template online) and submit it to/thru DEERS and S1 and pretty much everyone else.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2019 11:59 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 11:59:49 -0400

I was thinking about changing my name too. However, I commission this December so it may be too late to change my name before commissioning.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Sep 18 at 2019 1:23 PM

MSG Gary Eckert — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 13:23:00 -0400

If you already have a birth certificate with the full middle name, you shouldn't need to go through any legal process. Your full name is already an AKA. To update your Military Records you need to update the DMDC database. The way to do that is to go to the nearest RAPIDS site (ID card facility) with the birth certificate and they can use that birth certificate to update DEERS which has an interface with DMDC.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Sep 18 at 2019 7:07 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 19:07:12 -0400

My middle name was always abbreviated to "Edwar" due to old fill in the blank forms only had five blocks (Man did I date myself) but there is no excuse for today's clerk to not able able to correct the record.
I had a 1SG's clerk (companies had them back then) that used to always misspell my name by leaving out the second "e" for it to be Kelly. The 1SG told him to start spelling the names myself and some other soldiers correctly.
The clerk told him it didn't matter.
The 1SG riposted with, "Well Sgt Occutie, I guess you don't mine if the company calls you "Cutie" from now on - Correct?"