1. What is a DD-214?

The DD-214 is the Defense Department form that details your separation from Active Duty service. It will list all of your pertinent information concerning your time in the military including your active duty dates.

2. Is it important?

It is as important as your Birth Certificate, Marriage License, Social Security Card, and financial records.

3. Should it be recorded somewhere?

It is strongly recommended that you record your original DD-214 with the Clerk at your Courthouse.

4. How should I store it?

Before you store it, you should make several copies of it and store one in a plastic sleeve.

5. Who should know where it is?

Your wife, children, and the Executor of your Estate should know where your DD-214 is located. This will be needed for many things when you die.