How to get a DD256

Hello Michael,

You can checkout this link to help you. There are several ways this shows you several options. I have found Vetrecs to be the best route. You need your information yo fill out online. Make sure you put in the comments section before you hit submit that your requesting all of the service members files.

https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records#toc--online-requests-using-evetrecs-2

Thanks,

Elliot Schneider

Upon the completion of your total Inactive Reserve period they should have mailed a DD256 to your home of record?

If any awards are missing from your DD214, you can also question why they were not awarded and documented with a DD215.  The best route would be to Call the Army Human Resources Command. They can verify the information and direct you toward obtaining the DD256. Maybe it was improperly mailed or never issued? There's also a self service Portal for Veterans that may utilize the e-benefit ID. You can also check the Army White Pages of prior veterans. I've called them before, and they were very helpful.

https://www.hrc.army.mil/

Reviewed the AHRC site and reviewed the records again, there was a Separation Order which was created at

the completion of the Reserve period, which would have included any IMA, IRR or Active Reserve time frames.

Upon completion of the contractual Reserve duty, then the DD256 should have been issued.

If you have reenlisted or are still in the IRR, then the DD256 will be issued at the completion of

the term of enlistment. I would suggest reviewing your electronic OMPF for the Separation Order and

notifying the Army Human Resource Command.

Please refer to the Army Regulations, if your DD256 was processed a little late...then the AHRC should be able to

remedy the problem. Also, ensure your DD214 lists all appropriate medals and awards, some awards may have been authorized after your discharge. These can be documented on a corrected DD215. The Stolen Valor Act of 2005, prohibits the wear of unauthorized medals and awards.

http://www.dd214.us/reference/r635_5.pdf

2–10. DD Form 256A (Honorable Discharge Certificate) and DD Form 257A (General Discharge Certificate).

Issue these discharge certificates appropriately to all soldiers receiving an honorable or general discharge. In the space under “this is to certify that,” enter the name, typed–in capital letters in signature order, followed by the grade and career branch (officer) or component (enlisted). (Do not include a soldier’s SSN.) Spell out the component if RA; enter other components as ARNGUS or USAR. Type the name of the officer signing the certificate between the lines in the lower right corner of the certificate. Type the name in capital letters in the signature order, with grade and branch

centered below the name.

2–11. DD Form 363A (Certificate of Retirement) This certificate is issued to all retiring soldiers, except those on the TDRL, AUS, or ARNG if on FTNGD. In the space under “this is to certify that,” enter the name, typed in capital letters in signature order, followed by the grade and career branch (officer) or Component (enlisted). (Do not include the soldier’s SSN.) Spell out the component if RA; enter other components as ARNGUS or USAR.

Did you get any info on the DD256?