The DD-214 or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty is a Department of Defense document issued upon a military service member's retirement, separation or discharge from active-duty military. The DD-214 documents a service member's time in the military, discharge status, awards and medals, promotions, combat service, Military Occupational Specialties, and training.
Many benefits claims and veterans' program applications require veterans to submit their DD-214. A copy of a veteran's DD-214 can be requested from the National Archives.