Does national guard get a dd214?

Does National Guard Get a DD214?

The DD Form 214, also known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is a crucial document that serves as proof of military service and is required for various purposes, including veterans’ benefits, employment, and education. Many individuals serving in the National Guard wonder if they will receive a DD214 upon completion of their service. In this article, we will provide a direct answer to this question and explore the details surrounding the issuance of DD214s to National Guard members.

What is a DD214?

Before we dive into the specifics of National Guard DD214s, let’s briefly discuss what a DD214 is. The DD Form 214 is a document that certifies an individual’s release from active duty in the United States Armed Forces. It contains essential information about the individual’s military service, including:

• Name and service number
• Branch of service
• Dates of service
• Rank and pay grade
• Type of discharge (e.g., honorable, general, dishonorable)
• Awards and decorations
• Character of service

Do National Guard Members Get a DD214?

The short answer is: yes, National Guard members are eligible to receive a DD214 upon completion of their service. However, there are some nuances to consider.

Types of DD214s

There are two types of DD214s:

• Honorable Discharge: Issued to National Guard members who complete their service without any issues or infractions.
• General Discharge: Issued to National Guard members who may have had some issues or infractions during their service.

When Do National Guard Members Receive a DD214?

National Guard members typically receive their DD214 upon completion of their service, which can occur in one of the following scenarios:

• Annual Training: National Guard members who complete their annual training (usually 2-3 weeks) will receive a DD214 upon completion of their training.
• State Active Duty: National Guard members who are activated for state active duty (e.g., responding to a natural disaster) will receive a DD214 upon completion of their service.
• Federal Active Duty: National Guard members who are activated for federal active duty (e.g., deploying overseas) will receive a DD214 upon completion of their service.

How to Obtain a DD214

If you are a National Guard member and have completed your service, you can obtain your DD214 in the following ways:

• Online: You can request your DD214 online through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website.
• Mail: You can request your DD214 by mail by sending a written request to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
• In-Person: You can visit your local National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) office to request your DD214 in person.

What if I Need a DD214 for Veterans’ Benefits?

If you are a National Guard member and need a DD214 to apply for veterans’ benefits, you can request a Letter of Certification from your unit or the National Guard Bureau. This letter will confirm your military service and can be used as proof of service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, National Guard members are eligible to receive a DD214 upon completion of their service. The type of DD214 issued will depend on the individual’s service record, and the document can be obtained through various channels. If you are a National Guard member and need a DD214 for veterans’ benefits or other purposes, be sure to request it through the appropriate channels.

Additional Resources

• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): www.archives.gov
• National Guard Bureau: www.nationalguard.mil
• Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov

Table: DD214 Requirements

Bullets: DD214 Benefits

• Proof of military service
• Required for veterans’ benefits
• Used for employment and education purposes
• Can be used to obtain government benefits
• Can be used to obtain a veterans’ ID card