MILITARY RECORDS
Request Military Service Records (Standard Form 180 / SF-180)
Prepare a clear request for military service records, then review, sign, and send the official form.
What is SF-180 used for?
SF-180 helps a veteran, next of kin, or authorized requester ask for military records. Docgle organizes the service, request, authority, and delivery facts before you complete the official PDF.
Give the records custodian enough accurate information to locate the veteran's record and respond to the request.
This walkthrough prepares an official request. It does not submit the request or guarantee the records that can be released.
Time, difficulty & who this form is for
Average time
About 10 minutes, plus time to gather service and authority details
Difficulty
detail-heavy
Best for
Veterans, next of kin, guardians, authorized representatives, and other requesters seeking military records.
What do I need before I start?
- The veteran's service identity and dates you know
- The records you need and why
- Requester authority documents when applicable
- A complete return mailing address
How the walkthrough is organized
Record eligibility
Confirm this is the right form and whether the record is archival.
Service history
Add the veteran's identity and the service components that apply.
Records needed
Choose the requested record types and explain the purpose.
Requester and delivery
State the requester's authority and where to send the response.
Review and signature
Review the official PDF, sign when required, and use the custody table.
What happens after I complete it?
Answer the questions, review your document, then follow its official signing and delivery instructions. Downloading does not submit the form.
Start sf-180-request-pertaining-to-military-records walkthrough