Finding US Military Records on FamilySearch

Finding US Military Records on FamilySearch

This guide will help you find US Military Records on FamilySearch.

Steps to Find US Military Records:

1. Sign In: Go to FamilySearch.org and sign in to your account.
2. Navigate to Search: Once you are signed in, click the "Search" tab.
3. Select Records: In the "Search" dropdown menu, select "Records".
4. Enter Information: On the "Find a Record" page, enter the information you know about the individual, such as their name, birth date, and location.
5. Filter by Military Records: After entering the basic information, scroll down to the "Collection" section. In the "Collection" box, type "Military" to filter the collections.
6. Search: Click the "Search" button to view the results.
7. Review Results: Review the search results to see if any records match the individual you are researching. Click on a record to view the details and any associated images.
8. Explore Specific Collections: On the "Search Records" page, scroll down to the "Browse by Collection" section. Click "Show More" to see the full list. Look for specific military collections, such as "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards" or "United States Headstone Applications for Military Veterans."

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.
• Check Variations: Military records may contain variations of names or incorrect information. Try different spellings or nicknames.
• Search by Location: If you know the state where the individual enlisted or served, search specifically within records from that location.

If You Can't Find a Record:

• Broaden Your Search: Try searching with fewer details. Sometimes less is more.
• Check Other Resources: If you do not find the record on FamilySearch, consider searching other archives or libraries.