Discharge documents

DD-214

A federal form titled "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" issued to every US servicemember leaving active service. Records dates of service, character of service, awards, and is the master document for almost every veterans benefit claim.

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Related terms — Discharge documents

About this glossary

This term is part of a 100+ entry veteran/military terminology glossary maintained by Wounded Warriors / Warriors Fund. Every entry is plain-English, sourced from federal agencies (VA, DoD, IRS, HUD), and free to use under CC-BY 4.0. Browse all terms →