How to Search for a Dishonorable Discharge
- 1). Ask the veteran. Because this information is not open to the public, the best way to find out about his service history is to inquire directly. This may not be a foolproof method, as he may wish to guard his own dignity and personal information.
- 2). Look at the veteran's DD-214 form. This is the document that military personnel are given when they are discharged from service. There are several pages included in the DD-214 form. The first page contains general information, and the fourth page contains detailed information about the discharge, such as the nature of the discharge, and whether it was honorable, dishonorable, general or undesirable.
- 3). Request a SF-180 form. This option is not open to everyone. The veteran will have to approve the release of her information in writing, or the form must include her signature or that of her next of kin if she is deceased. An employer may choose this option if the veteran refuses to submit his DD-214. You must provide information about the veteran's service, such as name, branch of service, Social Security number and the dates of service. You can obtain an SF-180 form from the Department of Defense, Veteran's Administrative, Federal Information Center or from the government archives website.
