Hiring Veterans: How to Verify Military Service Online

These days, trust is not something that is easily given. After all, there are so many stories swirling around about people who pretend to be something they're not. This is quite common when it comes to being a United States military member or a veteran.

When you receive an application, and the candidate claims to have an association of some kind with the military, you must learn how to go about verifying military service records.

When you work with Advantis Government Solutions, we've done the legwork for you. We have an extensive database of veteran candidates, and we can help you find the ideal candidate for your position.

If you want to know more about how to verify military service online, we’ve provided you with five options below.

Different Methods for Verifying Military Service

1. Defense Finance and Accounting Service

If you do an online search such as "verifying military service online," one of the first things you'll find is DFAS, or Defense Finance and Accounting Service. This is an agency within the Department of Defense (DOD) that was established in 1991 to manage the finances of the DOD.

Since that time, it’s evolved into providing other services, including verification of military service.

You can quickly get proof of service for active duty and retired personnel by using their service. The DFAS gives you confirmation that a candidate served- or is serving- in the military. If you need more information, you might want to use the FOIA.

2. Freedom of Information Act Request

A FOIA request is one of the most precise ways to check proof of military service. This method will allow you to obtain detailed information about the schools they attended, what awards they received, what they did in the military, and more.

Public military records, just like other government documentation, are available to anyone that wishes to search for them. In most cases, you don't need any personal information or documentation, and you have the right to search a military public records database.

3. National Personnel Records Center

The National Personnel Records Center, or NPRC, is located in St. Louis, MO. If you are in this area, you can visit the office in person. However, if you're not able to visit in person, there is an online portal you can submit your request to verify military service online.

4. Ask the Candidate for Proof

Another way you can verify military service records is to ask the candidate for a copy of their DD-214. This is a Certificate of Release/Discharge from Active Duty and is given to every service member when discharged.

There are 2 versions of this document: a short or redacted copy with essential information and an extended version with more detailed information.

Unfortunately, if you're unsure what you're looking at, it can be hard to tell the difference between an authentic DD-214 and a forged one. Though it is an option, it may not be your best option.

5. Search for Commendation Medals Candidate Claims to Have Received

While there are more accurate ways to verify military service online, if you want a quick and easy way, this is worth trying out if you have a candidate that claims to have received commendation awards, such as the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, or Purple Heart.

If your candidate claims to have received the Medal of Honor, you can visit the database to verify. You can search the full archive, or you can narrow it down based on categories, such as double recipients, living recipients, recently added, and more.

If your candidate claims to have received the Purple Heart, you can visit the database and search for them by name. You'll also be given information, including the branch of service they served in, the conflict they were involved in, and their hometown.

Let Us Help You Verify Military Service

There are multiple ways that you can use for verifying military service records. Some of these take a few days or even a few weeks, and others can be done in a few minutes but will cost a fee.

However, you must verify this information when a candidate claims they were in the military for authenticity.

This is why it’s crucial to work with Advantis Government Solutions. We hire veterans and are skilled in finding diverse talent within the federal government and cybersecurity sectors.