Army Logo ASA M&RA Seal
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
Manpower & Reserve Affairs
Strategic Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

ACRONYMS AND TERMS

CEMETERIES

CHILD SUPPORT

COMMISSARY

DIVORCE

EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT

ENLISTMENT

EQUIPMENT

FAMILY SUPPORT

FLAGS

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

HISTORY

HOUSING

INSTALLATIONS

LIBRARIES

LOCATOR SERVICES

MEDALS

MEDICAL BENEFITS

MEDICAL RECORD

MEMORIALS

MENTORING

MILITARY RECORDS

NATIONAL GUARD

NEWS MEDIA

PAY

PENTAGON

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

PUBLICATIONS

RECREATION

REGULATIONS

RESEARCH

RETIREE BENEFITS (MILITARY)

RETIREMENT SERVICES (CIVILIAN)

SOLDIERS

SOLDIERS SUPPORT

SURVIVOR SUPPORT

TRANSPORATION

TRICARE

UNIFORM POLICY

VERIFICATION

VETERANS ISSUES

WEAPONS

WOMEN IN THE MILITARY

 
ACRONYMS AND TERMS

Where can I find a listing of frequently used military terms and acronyms?
Search this list of joint military acronyms and abbreviations.
http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/acronym_index.html

CEMETERIES

Where can I find information on Arlington National Cemetery?
Visit the homepage of Arlington National Cemetery for visitor, funeral and contact information. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/

How do I find the location of national VA cemeteries across the country?
Use this list to find cemetery locations by state. http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp

CHILD SUPPORT

How may I get help in obtaining court-ordered child support?
If you are a member of the military or Civilian employee who is paid by Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS), visit the DFAS web page pertaining to garnishment of wages for child support and alimony. http://www.dfas.mil/garnishment.html

COMMISSARY

How can I learn about food safety and the Defense Commissary Agency?
Visit the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) website, which provides information about commissaries, nutrition and food safety alerts. http://www.commissaries.com/

DIVORCE

I am divorced and in the Army. What are my rights, obligations, and protections?
Read the Uniformed Former Spouses Protection Act fact sheet for details about the Act and contact information to offices that can find answers to specific questions. http://www.dfas.mil/garnishment/retiredmilitary/
theuniformedservicesformerspouseprotectionactfactsheet.html


EDUCATION

What educational benefits are available for Soldiers and Veterans?
The Montgomery GI Bill and Post 9/11 GI Bill are two major education benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To speak to a VA representative about the bills, call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). For general information, visit the VA's GI Bill website: http://www.gibill.va.gov

Can the Army help me pay my spouse or kids' college tuition?
Soldiers who meet specific qualifications may transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their dependents. Soldiers who think they may want to transfer benefits now, or in the future, should consult the details on this site ahead of time to ensure they take the proper steps and meet specific deadlines. http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Transfer.htm

EMPLOYMENT

How do I explore opportunities for employment with the federal government?
You can find information about, and apply for, civilian positions with the U.S. Army on the Army's website, Civilian Personnel Online: http://www.cpol.army.mil/

For information about all available positions with the U.S. Federal Government, visit http://www.usajobs.gov.

How do I verify my past federal employment?
If it has been less than six months since you were employed with a Federal agency, first try contacting the personnel department of the agency for which you worked. If you are unable to obtain your records from the personnel department, or if it has been more than six months since you were employed with that Federal agency, visit the National Personnel Records Center's website for steps to requesting records. http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/civilian-personnel/faqs.html#1

ENLISTMENT

How do I join the Army?
The Go Army Web Site is the best online source for information about joining the Army and the Army experience. The site also provides ways to talk to a recruiter and find the nearest recruiting station. http://www.goarmy.com
The official Army homepage is the most reliable and comprehensive source about the U.S. Army and it includes information about the Army's leaders, organization and current activities. http://www.army.mil

I am not a U.S. citizen, but I want to join the U.S. Army. How can I do this?
Enlistment into any branch of the U.S. military, by citizens of countries other than the United States, is limited to those foreign nationals who are legally residing in the United States and possess a Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services Alien Registration Card (INS Form I-151/551 - commonly known as a "Green Card"). Applicants must meet the requirements of every U.S. Army recruit, including the ability to speak, read and write English fluently.
The U.S. military cannot assist foreign nationals in obtaining admittance into the United States.

EQUIPMENT

Where can I find information about the equipment the Army uses?
Here are some useful websites for learning about the Army's equipment.
Army Fact File - Weapons Systems
http://www.army.mil/factfiles/
Army Material Command
http://www.army.mil/info/organization/unitsandcommands/commandstructure/amc/

iPhone users can carry information about Army equipment with them by downloading the Army's iPhone application. Read this article for more details. http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/01/13/32841-army-iphone-download-among-top-25-free-news-apps/

FAMILY SUPPORT

What social services does the Army provide for families?
The Army's Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Command (FMWRC) provides support and leisure activities for Army families and single Soldiers. Visit their website to learn more about how you can get involved in their programs: http://www.armymwr.com/

FLAGS

How do I get a flag flown over the Pentagon in someone's honor?
The Pentagon Force Protection Agency outlines the steps you need to take in order to have a flag flown over the Pentagon. http://www.pfpa.mil/services/flagpnt.html

Where can I find the history, laws and regulations, display, care and other relevant information about the flag of the United States of America?
The General Services Administration Consumer Information Center has an online booklet that should answer most of your questions. http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/misc/ourflag/titlepage.htm

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

How do I use the Freedom of Information Act?
Visit the Department of Defense's website about the Freedom of Information Act and how the military uses it. http://www.dod.mil/pubs/foi/

HISTORY

Where can I find information about the history of the Army, including the history of specific units?
The Center for Military History offers resources for finding the history of specific units. http://www.history.army.mil/unitinfo.html

The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center is another source for learning about the Army's history. http://www.carlisle.army.mil/ahec/

HOUSING

What assistance is available to buy a house?

Army Housing One Stop is a website that provides information and advice to Soldiers and Army Families about living on installations and in the surrounding communities. https://onestop.army.mil/

INSTALLATIONS

Where can I find information about Army installations?

Visit this website for information about Army installations around the world. Click the "Installations and Facilities" tab in the left-side's column. http://www.army.mil/info/organization/

For information about living on or around Army installations, visit Army Housing One Stop https://onestop.army.mil/

LIBRARIES

Where can I find a list of all Army libraries?
The Army Library Program's website includes a searchable directory, library reference center, contact information and other useful resources. https://www.libraries.army.mil/

LOCATOR SERVICES

How can I find a Soldier's contact information?
The Army locator service is free to family members of the individual being searched, state and local government agencies, active/retired members of the military and non-profit organizations. A fee of $3.50 is charged to private businesses, creditors, friends and profit-making organizations for each address searched; a check or money order should be made payable to the Finance Officer and is not refundable. The online World Wide Locator is currently suspended, so please mail any requests to the address below. Include as much information about the person being searched as possible (i.e. full name, rank, last duty assignment/last known military address, service number and Social Security number). NOTE: The Army will only provide the military addresses of active duty Soldiers. Military regulations and the Privacy Act of 1974 do not permit the Army to release any personal contact information, or to randomly disseminate listings of names and addresses. Additionally, the Army cannot provide information about members of the National Guard or Army Reserve.

Commander
U.S. Army Enlisted Records & Evaluation Center
ATTN: Locator
8899 East 56th Street
Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN 46249-5301
1-866-771-6357

Visit this site for more information. http://www.defense.gov/faq/pis/pc04mltr.html

MEDALS

If I lost my medals, how do I replace them?
The National Personnel Records Center can verify any medals that someone has been awarded, but each service will (re)issue its own medals. Visit the link below to find out where to send your request, where the medals will be mailed from and who to write to in case you have a problem or appeal. http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/public/awards-and-decorations.html#army

Who is eligible for the Afghanistan and Iraq campaign medals?
The Department of Defense created the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals in April 2005. Read the news release below to learn about the criteria for receiving these medals. http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=8371

How do I get information on the Korean Defense Service Medal?
For general information, read the DOD news release below entitled, "DoD Announces Korean Defense Service Medal". http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=7063
Be aware that each military department has unique regulations for processing, awarding and wearing the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) and ribbon, to include application procedures for veterans, retirees, and next-of-kin. The mailing addresses and telephone number for the Army 's Awards and Decorations Office is below.

Army Human Resources Command Awards and Decorations Office
ATTN: TAPC-PD-PA
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, VA 22302-0471
Telephone: 703-325-8700

MEDICAL BENEFITS

I am a Reservist on active duty, but about to transition back to Reserve status. What kinds of health care are provided to my family and me?
For more information about health care benefits for members of the National Guard and Reserve, visit these sites:

Tricare Transitional Health Care Benefits Brochure
http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart/product.aspx?id=110&CID=75&RID=3
Tricare Reserve Select (TRS)
http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Plans/ReserveSelect
Health Care for Reserve Component Members and their Families
http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/home/overview/Eligibility/WhoIsEligible/
NationalGuardAndReserveAndFamilies

Tricare Choices for Reserve Component Brochure
http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart/product.aspx?id=58&CID=0&RID=3
Tricare Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.tricare.mil/faqs/
The Guide to Reserve Family Member Benefits provides information about military benefits (to include legal assistance, pay, travel, etc.) available to RC family members.
http://www.defenselink.mil/ra/documents/benefits-guide.pdf

MEDICAL RECORD

How can I locate medical records for military-retired and/or military dependents?
The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC MPR) maintains medical records for former members of the military and their dependents. Veterans and the next of kin to deceased Veterans can request medical records here: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html

People other than Veterans and next of kin can make requests using the SF-180 form located here: http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/standard-form-180.html

MEMORIALS

Where can I find information on the web about military memorials?
There are various war memorials to commemorate and celebrate the services of American veterans. These memorials are maintained by the National Park Service (NPS) and can usually be visited year round. Visit the NPS website to search for parks by categories or by state. http://www.nps.gov/

MENTORING

I would like to receive information regarding the Mentor-Protégé Program.
For information on the Army Mentor-Protégé Program please visit their home page: http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/mentorship/

MILITARY RECORDS

How do I correct errors in my military records?
http://arba.army.pentagon.mil/abcmr-app.cfm

Where can I get copies of military records?
This website has instructions for how to request records depending on the Soldier's rank and time of service. http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/location/location-army.html

NATIONAL GUARD

Where are National Guard units located?
Each state likely has its own website about its National Guard units. You should be able to find it through your state government's webpage. You can also reference the national links below, which contain information about current National Guard events, training centers and how to join.

The Army National Guard homepage.
http://www.arng.army.mil/

The homepage of the National Guard Bureau, which includes the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.
http://www.ngb.army.mil/

NEWS MEDIA

I am with the media and have some questions regarding the Army. Whom do I contact?
For questions about Army G-1 issues, such as those on this website, contact the G-1 Public Affairs Officer at (703) 692-1281. For all other queries, contact the Army's Public Affairs office at 703-614-1742.

PAY

Where can I find an online resource that shows military pay tables?
Visit the webpage of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. The homepage's header has links to military, civilian, retiree and contractors pay scales. http://www.dfas.mil/

PENTAGON

Can I find an online resource about the Pentagon?
The Department of Defense has a webpage for the Washington Headquarters Services that provides a variety of information about the Pentagon including bus schedules, amenities and on-site events. http://www.whs.mil/

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Where can I find contact information for Army Public Affairs?
For questions about Army G-1 issues, such as those on this website, contact the G-1 Public Affairs Officer at (703) 692-1281. For all other queries, contact the Army's Public Affairs office at 703-614-1742. You can also mail information to the Army's Public Affairs office at the address below.
Department of the Army
ATTN: Chief of Public Affairs
1500 Army Pentagon
Washington, DC 20310-1500
Telephone: (703) 695-6547

Media resources can be found here: http://www.army.mil/media/. This site provides Army news releases, news stories, pictures and videos.

PUBLICATIONS

Where can I find information about military publications online?
Army publications can be found on the Army news website: http://www.army.mil/media/publications/
Current DOD publications, including reports, regulations and releases can be found here: http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/

RECREATION

What kind of recreation and vacation options does the Army offer?
The Army offers a variety of sports, entertainment and recreation opportunities for Soldiers (active, Reserve, and Guard), their Families, Civilian employees and military retirees through its Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs. Army MWR also has information about Armed Forces Recreation Centers, which are discounted resorts tailored to members of the Armed Forces and their Families. http://www.armymwr.com

REGULATIONS

I'm looking for Federal regulations; where can I find them?
Federal regulations are available online here: http://www.regulations.gov.

RESEARCH

What are some good websites for conducting Army research?
The Army Libraries Program provides electronic access to public information and full text documents. https://www.libraries.army.mil/index.htm

Below are additional resources that you may find helpful:
Military Education Research Library Network (MERLN)
http://merln.ndu.edu/
U.S. Army Research Institute
http://www.hqda.army.mil/ari/
Combat Studies Institute
http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/CSI/
Army Physical Fitness Research Institute
https://apfri.carlisle.army.mil/

RETIREE BENEFITS (MILITARY)

I am a Retired Soldier looking for information about benefits. Where can I get assistance?
First, contact your local Army Retirement Services Officer. For help locating that officer, and for general information, visit the Army Retirement Services website. http://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/rso.asp

Below are some other organizations that may be helpful:
Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.va.gov/
Defense Finance and Accounting Service's Retired and Annuitant Pay Center
http://www.dfas.mil/rapay.html
Army Career and Alumni Program
http://www.acap.army.mil/retirees/retirees.cfm

RETIREMENT SERVICES (CIVILIAN)

How do I determine my federal retirement benefits as a Department of the Army civilian?
For information on retirement benefits for Federal employees, visit this Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website: http://www.opm.gov/retire/

SOLDIERS

How many Soldiers are in the Army?
The size of the Army changes every day. In 2009, the Army reached its authorized maximum number of active duty Soldiers, 547,400. Congress authorized the Army to temporarily increase up to 30,000 Soldiers during the FY2010-2012 time frame, but whether the Army actually adds all 30,000 will depend on demand.

SOLDIERS SUPPORT

How can I send a message or show support for our Soldiers?
The Department of Defense's Community Relations office guides people looking for ways to support our service members. http://www.ourmilitary.mil/

SURVIVOR SUPPORT

What resources are available to survivors?
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides a variety of resources for those coping with the loss of a beloved service member. http://www.taps.org/

Military One Source also provides resources for survivors, including over-the-phone counseling services, which are available around the clock. Visit their website for information, or for counseling, call 1-800-342-9647. http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/Topic/Issue/
Material.aspx?MaterialTypeID=10&MaterialID=13429


TRANSPORATION

Can civilians ride aboard military aircraft?
Only in certain circumstances, such as civilian aides accompanying the Secretary when he travels overseas. In today's environment, operational requirements override civilian rides as a priority. Media rides are occasionally permitted in order to help educate the public about the capabilities of our various Defense Department aircraft and the men and women who fly them. In the case of film and television productions, we sometimes offer orientation flights, as well as technical advice, to help ensure the accuracy of military scenes and depictions in the final productions. On rare occasions, other U.S. citizens are granted rides on military aircraft if we feel that they can also make a positive contribution to public understanding of the roles and missions of the Defense Department; again, within the context of operational requirements and, of course, safety.

TRICARE

I have some questions regarding TRICARE. Where can I go online for answers?
Visit the Communications and Customer Service Page of the TRICARE Management Activity website. http://www.tricare.mil/tma/CCS.aspx

UNIFORM POLICY

What is the proper way to wear the American Flag Patch on military uniforms?
Army Regulation 670-1, "Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia," as of February 2005, addresses the proper and lawful placement of the U.S. flag patch on the Army uniform. American flag patch is to be worn, right or left shoulder, so that "the star field faces forward, or to the flag's own right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer's right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward.

For more information regarding the Army uniform, visit the site below. http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/uniform/

VERIFICATION

I need to verify if someone is a member of the military. What Department should I contact?
Please contact the Defense Manpower Data Center for assistance with military verification. Their telephone number is (703) 696-6762 and their website, which allows you to search for members of the military, is located here: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/scra/owa/home

VETERANS ISSUES

Are there opportunities for active duty veterans with the National Guard or Reserve?
Yes, but there are certain qualifications. Visit this Army Reserve recruitment website to learn about continuing service in the Army Reserve.
http://www.goarmy.com/reserve/nps/prior_service.jsp

Visit the website of your state's National Guard to learn about continuing your service with them.

How can I access my DD 214 online?
People with an AKO account can access their records on the Human Resources Command website. https://www.hrc.army.mil/portal/

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military can also request their records online. A new web-based application provides faster service by eliminating processing delays and ensuring the requestor enters all the needed information on the first submission. http://vetrecs.archives.gov/

Individuals other than military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members should download the Standard Form 180 to request personnel records. http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html

WEAPONS

Where do I find information on Army equipment and weapons?
To find information on Army equipment and weapons, visit http://www.army.mil/factfiles/

WOMEN IN THE MILITARY

How can I find information on women in the Army?
Visit the homepage for Women in the Army http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/wita/