Applying For Correction Of Military Records

By Lana Bray


In order to put your military service document updated, contact the certified body of correction of military records that is in your country. A form will be filled to apply for any alterations or injustices that need altering. When applications are received by the relevant authorities there are several actions to be taken. The request to remove an error in a record can either be applied by a former soldier or a veteran. It may not be possible to process an application further if there are no records available.

A veteran who may be suffering due to disabilities inflicted during service can also qualify to ask for compensation or apply for the report for correction. Former workers who strongly feel that a decision to terminate their services was not honorable could also apply to the board. They can either apply for compensation or be reinstated back into the army.

Once the authorities are satisfied with your application and evidence before they make a decision to alter your record. Sufficient evidence with supporting proof should accompany the application. The statements from your witness are to be documented in a clear style. Applications are attached to DD Form 149 which can be downloaded from the internet or acquired from the relevant government offices.

The authorities require that the application forms to be printed or typed. All the items in the form must be filled even note in areas that are not applicable. Its not a must you send the original document. The counsel accepts only copies of the originals. Before applying, the applicants must make sure they have exhausted all the remedy channels available without getting any satisfactory answers. Clearly, specify the problem you need to be corrected and offer suggestions on how you intend the board to adjust the error.

It is not required for you or your witnesses to appear before the counsel in order to ensure an impartial decision as been reached. If the counsel feels that your personal presence is required, they will go ahead and permit it without any extra costs to the authorities. Remember to sign your application and furnish the board with all the necessary materials and evidence to ensure the process runs faster and smoothly.

A spouse or the next of kin may sign an application on behalf of a deceased person whose record may need correction. Any legal representative with power of attorney is also authorized to sign on behalf of deceased applicant. There must be documents to provide proof of death. Any person representing the applicant must show evidence of authority to do so.

After going through your application, a board for correction of military records will render a final decision and prepare a brief that will be binding and ready to be implemented by officials and government organizations. Applicants who are dissatisfied with the decision made can reapply within one year by provide new relevant evidence that should not have been considered before.

In conclusion, having an error free record of your time during service in the army is very important. Nobody knows when that information might come in handy and be used by posterity to either discredit or glorify you. Correction of military records should be done by all service men as a rule rather than the exception.




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