How to Find Someone in the Military

Michelle Wilson - September 20, 2023

Whether you’re reminiscing about your previous days in the military or want to find out what your old unit is up to now, tracking someone down isn’t impossible. There are a few different options to locate someone from a military branch. Individuals can use a background check platform to uncover current addresses, phone numbers, and social media contacts. Alternatively, you can contact the Military Personnel Record Center of the National Archives, which will forward a letter to the last known address. Finally, users can visit the official Service Members Civil Relief Act Website.

To help you get started, let’s investigate each service option and how to find someone directly.

Accessing Records Through the Military Personnel Record Center of the National Archives

The National Archives in St. Louis, MO, is the official repository for all military records, including all service branches during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF) records 62 years of service members who have been discharged, retired, or deceased within 62 years. These recordings belong to the National Archives and are archived 62 years after the service member’s separation from the military. These entries are a rolling timeframe, which uses the current date as the starting point.

Using a Background Check Website

A background check platform will use basic information to scan through databases and archives to create a comprehensive PDF report of the individual. The details required will vary but often include the first and last name, birthday, and city of residence. Users will log the pieces into the search bar at the top of the screen and answer the questions to confirm identity. Most reputable platforms will charge a nominal fee for the service, monthly or per verification. Avoid websites promising to offer the service free, as these websites are often incomplete, phishing attempts, or hit users with exorbitant hidden fees that are difficult to cancel.

The background check platform will compile a complete profile for the individual you’re trying to find. Details will include known aliases, contact information, criminal history, social media accounts, and more. These services are ideal for all military branches, whether active or retired. Instead of scanning military records, platforms browse through databases, archives, and public records to compile the information.

Using the Service Members Civil Relief Act Website

This website offers a form requesting a certificate of active duty verification. To submit the request, you’ll need to obtain the complete legal name of an individual and the date to verify the service. Additionally, the social security number or birth date is required. Users can search using the date of birth without an SSN, but the DMDC cannot verify it’s the same individual you’re inquiring about. Always confirm the data before hitting the submit button. After submitting, the response may take up to 15 seconds to generate the results.

Individuals aren’t required to create an account for a single record request, but you will need one for multiple results. Creating the account allows users to upload multiple search requests, download the file results, and download certificates.

How to Locate Someone in the US Army

Currently, any online Army Locator services are no longer active. Anyone trying to locate a current or previous Army recruit should contact their local chapter of the American Red Cross. When getting the American Red Cross, try to include as much identifying information as possible about the person. Details should include the full name, birthday, last known military address or duty assignment, rank, service number, and Social Security Number. While this option is free for immediate family members and government officials, others must pay a non-refundable fee for the service.

How to Locate Someone in the US Navy

The US Navy doesn’t offer immediate online search options at this time. Individuals trying to find someone in the US Navy should contact the Navy World Wide Locator through direct mail. Always include as much information as possible when writing to the Navy World Wide Locator, including the complete legal name, rank, date of birth, and Social Security Number. This service is for current active duty members and will not pull results for retired military individuals.

How to Locate Someone in the Marine Corps

The Marine Corps Locator Service currently offers search options for active duty reservists and personnel. This organization is available between Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. The contact number for the Marine Corps Locator Service is (703) 784-3942. Alternatively, you may contact the US Marine Corps Headquarters for location details of a specific individual through direct mail.

How to Find Someone in the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard World Wide Locator offers phone or email search options for active duty personnel. You can contact this department directly by calling (202_ 493-1697 or emailing CGlocator@Ballston.uscg.mil. This service is only available for current locations and doesn’t offer services for crew lists or former Coast Guard service members.

Users should reach the Military Reference Branch in Washington, DC, if trying to find a Coast Guard separate. This service offers copies of most deck logs, including muster rolls. Additionally, the National Personal Records Center in St. Louis has a repository of records for all separate and retired military members. You must complete a Standard Form 180 to request military record information.

How to Locate Someone in the Air Force

Anyone trying to find someone in the Air Force can contact the Air Force Worldwide Locator directly. This service is available for guardsmen, reservists, and active duty personnel. Parents, spouses, and government officials may also use the telephone service provided (210) 565-2478. All other individuals should contact the Air Force Worldwide Locator by direct mail. Anyone searching Air Force retirees or separatees should reach the Military Personnel Records or one of the many veterans’ service organizations.

What If You Don’t Know the Military Branch?

Anyone trying to track a specific person will need to know the branch of military service for the above services. If you’re unsure of the unit, using a background check will always be the most accurate and time-efficient method of searching. Unlike the military search options, background checks use personal information to verify the records, helping to ensure accurate and current results in the report.

Conclusion

There are two basic options when trying to find someone in the military. The first option allows individuals to perform an online background check, compiling current contact information through databases. The second option will enable people to contact the individual branches of the military to request addresses and contact information for the members. Unfortunately, using the military services takes longer, relying on direct mail to request and receive data. Background check websites are instant and don’t rely on the specific military branch to finalize the report.