Reps. Mace, Pappas Introduce Bill to Standardize Military Service Records for Guard, Reserves

WASHINGTON – Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Rep. Chris Pappas’ (D-N.H.) introduced the Record of Military Service for Members of the Armed Forces Act, to standardize DD-214s for members of the National Guard and Reserves. 

“For too long, our National Guard and Reserves have been unable to easily apply for benefits they’ve earned because there was no standard form similar to the DD214 Proof of Service Requirements, the form used by Active Duty. Having a standard form for everyone who serves in our military will make the transition to civilian life, employment, housing, access to VA benefits easier. Our service men and women all swear the same oath to protect the Constitution, and they all deserve the ability to access the benefits they have earned,”said Rep. Nancy Mace. 

“Members of the National Guard and Reserves who have sworn the same oath as other members of our Armed Services should not face undue barriers to the care, services, and benefits they have earned,” said Congressman Pappas. “Providing all those who have served our country the same record of their service, one of the most valuable documents for a veteran to possess, is essential to ensuring equitable access to benefits following their service. I’m committed to fighting for equity for our Guard and Reservists on all fronts, and will keep working with my colleagues to advance this legislation through Congress.”

“It’s critical that all servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve members, receive a standard record of their service when they separate from the military, but that doesn’t currently happen in a clear and consistent way for everyone,” said Congressman Levin. “Our bill will help ensure that everyone who serves in our military has the record they need before returning to civilian life, which will make it easier to pursue employment, VA benefits, and more.”

According to Veterans Affairs (VA), “there is no one form used by the Reserves or National Guard that is similar to a DD Form 214 that meets Proof of Service Requirements.” For example, members of the Reserves receive a Discharge Certificate, but it doesn’t fully detail the service record. Members of the National Guard, meanwhile, receive a National Guard Bureau form that does detail characterization of service, but the other reserve components do not have a similar form, and most agencies are unfamiliar with it.

The Record of Military Service for Members of the Armed Forces Act will ensure all members of the Reserve Components – including the National Guard – receive a DD-214 form following their retirement or completion of service.

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