First things first, veterans do NOT need a Member 4 Copy to provide proof of service in any situation to acquire benefits.
The Member 4 Copy is what’s provided by the branch of service and given to the servicemember upon discharge—typically along with a Member 1 Copy, which is a shorter version of the Member 4 Copy.
You will also hear a Member 4 Copy called the long-form, unedited, or undeleted copy, while the Member 1 Copy is sometimes referred to as the short-form, edited, or deleted copy because it lacks certain information found on the Member 4 Copy (most importantly, the type of separation or discharge and the individual’s re-enlistment code).
Why am I being asked for a Member 4 Copy?
A couple reasons.
It could be that the requesting party—for example, a VA mortgage lender—doesn’t have a clear understanding of the eight different copies of the DD Form 214 and what they can be used for.
But the more likely reason is that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has erroneously issued a statement saying that servicemembers need to provide a Member 4 Copy to show proof of service. This is incorrect and often results in a lot of confusion and frustration on behalf of the servicemember.
Here is what you need to know:
An identical copy of the Member 4 Copy, called the Service 2 Copy, is kept by the government, and this is what is provided when veterans request a copy of their DD214.
The Service 2 Copy is all you need to provide proof of service for post-discharge benefits and entitlements, and you can request your Service 2 Copy from DD214Direct.com,
Like the Member 4 Copy, the Service 2 Copy contains all of the necessary information to show proof of military service and honorable discharge. And, like all other copies of the DD214 (with the exception of the shortened Member 1 Copy), the Service 2 Copy is an exact duplicate of the Member 4 Copy and equally acceptable when proof of service is required.
What happens if I lose my Member 4 Copy?
It happens, but it’s not the end of the world.
While the military does not provide a replacement Member 4 Copy, it does, like we said, keep a Service 2 Copy on file in each former servicemember’s record, and this is the copy veterans are asking for when they request for a copy of their DD214.
So, if you are being asked to provide proof of service to determine your eligibility to receive veteran-aimed benefits, a Service 2 Copy will suffice.
I lost time worrying about a Member 4 Copy. How do I request a Service 2 Copy quickly?
The best way to get your Service 2 Copy faster is to use an expeditor like DD214Direct.com.
We’ll help you avoid government delays and often locate and provide your military records up to several weeks faster than going through all that government red tape.
With DD214Direct, your request is hand-submitted at the counter instead of being funneled through the government’s large call center—which means you avoid the hassle of long hold times and unpredictable turnarounds.
Veteran-owned DD214Direct helps you get the documents you need, when you need them.
Our cutting-edge technology platform and keen knowledge of government protocol and procedure allow us to deliver your documents faster than competitors. We physically stand in line at the records repository and manually coordinate your order, freeing up your time and easing your worries about whether or not you will get your DD214. Much like paying a small fee to have your taxes done by a professional, DD214Direct provides the service and convenience you’ve been hoping for, plus we make it a lot easier.
Instead of having to download, print, sign and fax your document request form, you can submit your order directly through our website with the ease of e-signature technology from a desktop, laptop or mobile device. Once we locate your DD214, we will email you a copy immediately—a service not offered by the government. And tracking your request through us is simple, so you never have to worry about long hold times and inconclusive answers.
Ready to get started? Click here to begin the order process.
