DD214 is the identification number for a United States Department of Defense Certificate of Discharge from Active Duty, though the DD214 serves as more than this. It is often considered by servicemen to be one of the most important personnel documents in the military. The DD214 form contains an official record of a servicemember's service dates, sorted by location, and in what capacity they served. It contains records of all authorized awards, ribbons, medals, ranks and promotions, any combat service or overseas service, and Military Occupational Specialty identifiers. The document is required for virtually all processing with the Department of Veterans Affairs. To suggest a relevant news story for the main page, refer to the criteria then add your suggestion at the candidates page. ... The United States Department of Defense, abbreviated as DoD or DOD and sometimes called the Defense Department, is a civilian Cabinet organization of the United States government. ... A Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is a job classification in use in the U. S. Army and the U. S. Marine Corps. ... The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a Cabinet department of the United States government responsible for administering programs of veterans benefits for veterans, their families, and survivors. ...

Generally, servicemembers are awarded a DD214 upon completion of their first tour of active duty. National Guardsmen and reservists are awarded a DD214 upon completion of their "Active Duty for Initial Entry Training" period. After completion of any federal activation, they will receive an updated DD214. Their DD214 form will be updated and finalized upon completion of their service.

The DD214 should not be confused with the similar looking DD215 file: The DD215 is used to amend the DD214, and does not require all blocks to be completely filled. Thus, while the DD215 may be good for a quick glimpse of a servicemember's record, any official changes, or any verification relying on an official record of service, will need to consult a DD214.