Hey everyone, I’m an honorably discharged Air Force Reservist, and I’m trying to figure out what my serial number was. My discharge date was November 5, 1985, and I’ve got my DD 214 and Honorable Discharge Certificate, but there’s no serial number listed, just my social security number. Anyone know how I can track down my serial number or if the SSN is it now?
I think I can help! From what I know, the military started using social security numbers instead of service numbers for records after 1969. Since you were discharged in 1985, your SSN would be your service number now.
Just wanted to add that the National Archives can help if you need further confirmation. They keep track of all that info. You can check out their site for more details.
For what it’s worth, the changeover dates were 1969 for Army and Air Force, 1972 for Navy and Marines, and 1974 for the Coast Guard. Since you were discharged in 1985, the SSN is definitely your identifier.
That’s really helpful info! I’m in the same boat with the Air Force, so this clears things up. Thanks!
Just to confirm, does that mean no one has a military serial number anymore unless they served before 1969? Crazy how much things changed.