Finding Military Records on FamilySearch

How to Find Military Records on FamilySearch

This guide will help you find military records on FamilySearch.

Steps to Search Military Records:

1. Go to FamilySearch.org: Navigate to the FamilySearch website and log in.
2. Go to the Search Menu: Click the "Search" tab in the navigation menu.
3. Select Records: In the "Search" dropdown menu, select "Records". This will take you to the main record search interface.
4. Enter Search Terms: Enter the name of the person you are searching for, and any relevant information such as birth date, location, or other details you know.
5. Filter by Record Type: After performing an initial search, use the filters on the left side of the screen to narrow down your results. Look for a "Record Type" or "Collection" filter.
6. Select Military Records: Within the "Record Type" or "Collection" filter, look for categories or collections related to military records. This might include terms like "Military," "World War I," "World War II," or specific conflicts or branches of service.
7. Review Search Results: Examine the search results to see if any records match the person you are researching. The results typically include a brief description of the record and the information it contains.
8. View the Record Details: Click on a record to view more detailed information. This may include transcriptions of the record, images of the original document, and other relevant data.
9. Evaluate the Record: Assess the information in the record to determine if it pertains to your ancestor. Look for details that confirm their identity, such as dates, locations, and family members.
10. Search Specific Collections: On the FamilySearch main page, you can search for specific collections of records. Enter "Military" in the search box and see if any collections appear.

Tips for Effective Searching:

• Use Wildcards: If you are unsure of the exact spelling of a name, use wildcards such as "*" or "?" to broaden your search.
• Try Different Spellings: Military records may contain errors or variations in spelling. Try searching for different variations of your ancestor's name.
• Search by Location: If you know where your ancestor served or enlisted, search for records specific to that location.