The Veteran Legal Assistance Program is here to support Veterans and Active Duty Service Members. In addition to offering valuable information, we are here to amplify the voices of Veterans and their families.
Your DD Form 214, also known as just DD214, is the official name of your military discharge papers. Every Veteran should receive this Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty when they leave military service. Vets should hold on tight to this form, as it’s one of the most important documents they may receive from their time in the military.
What Is a DD214 Form and Why Is It Important?
Essentially, the DD214 form serves as proof of service for all branches of the military. As such, it is vital to getting many kinds of benefits. The form provides a complete summary of a Vet’s military service, listing important information such as dates of service and the type of discharge.
The information listed in a DD214 may include but is not limited to:
Active-duty information, including entry date
Place of entry into active duty
Home address at time of entry
Mailing address after separation
Last duty assignment and rank obtained before getting out
Military occupational specialty (MOS)
Military education
Decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign awards
Service length
Any foreign service
Separation information (type, character of service, authority/reason for separation, eligibility codes
