How to Locate Service Members

By Evan Salveson

It can be a real chore to locate a service member. With service members transferring to different locations during their service career or separating from the military, locating them can be challenging but definitely not impossible. Generally each branch of the military and the Veterans Administration will help you the best it can in accordance with military regulations and Privacy Act guidelines in locating a service member.

Gather as much information as you have for the service member you want to locate. The more information you have, the easier it will be for the military branch or VA to locate the service member. Full name, rank, last duty assignment, last known address, service number and Social Security number are all helpful in locating a service member.

Make a check or money order payable to U.S. Treasury for the amount of $3.50 if not an immediate family member or government official. The $3.50 is not refundable.

Contact the military branch that the service member serves in or last served in. Each military branch with the exception of the U.S. Army has their own procedure and guidelines for locating service members and former service members.

World Wide Locator (Navy)

Bureau of Naval Personnel

PERS 312F

5720 Integrity Drive

Millington, TN 38055-3120

901-874-3388

Commandant of the Marine Corps

Headquarters, USMC

Code MMSB-10

Quantico, VA 22134-5030

703-640-3942

HQ AFMPC/RMIQL (Air Force)

550 C Street, West, Suite 50

Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4752

210-652-5775

Write a message to the service member and place it in an unsealed and stamped envelope.

Write a separate note to the VA explaining who you are trying to reach and provide as much information about the service member as possible.

Place both the unsealed envelope and note to the VA in an envelope addressed to the nearest U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office. Call 800-827-1000 to speak with the Veterans Administration if you have any questions.

The Veterans Administration can only find a veteran service member if he or she has filed a VA claim.

http://www.lenderva.com