Documents You Need

The #1 reason veterans get delayed or denied: incomplete documentation. Gather these while you're still in — it's 10× harder after separation.

The Experience Verification Letter

This is the single hardest document to get after separation. Your CO or maintenance officer signs it. Once you're out, tracking down that supervisor — especially if they've also PCS'd or separated — can take months. Get this letter before you leave your unit.

FAA Form 8610-2

REQUIRED

Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application. The central document for the entire process. Complete two original copies in permanent dark ink.

Phase 2 (3-6 months before/after separation)Get it here

DD-214

REQUIRED

Certificate of Release or Discharge. Block 11 shows primary specialty code; Block 12 shows service dates. Proves assignment to a qualifying specialty.

Available after separationGet it here

Experience Verification Letter

REQUIRED

From CO, XO, maintenance officer, or classification officer. Must certify: length of service, time in each specialty, aircraft/engine types, locations. Get this BEFORE separating.

While still in unit — hardest document to recreate post-separationDownload template

Joint Services Transcript (JST)

REQUIRED

Official training/course documentation for Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard. Free to order.

Phase 2Get it here

CCAF Transcript (Air Force)

Community College of the Air Force transcript. Order through Air University/Parchment.

Phase 2Get it here

VMET (DD Form 2586)

Verification of Military Experience and Training. Access through milConnect.

Phase 2Get it here

JSAMTCC Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Form CG-G-EAE-4. The single most powerful document — eliminates FSDO evaluation entirely. Complete JSAMTCC program through CCAF.

Phase 1 (6-18 months before separation)

Enroll in JSAMTCC: ccaf.faa@us.af.mil / (334) 649-5020

Training Records by Branch

REQUIRED

Air Force: AF Form 623, AF IMT 797. Army: NAVPERS 1070/604. Marines: T&R Matrix, MCTFS. Coast Guard: CG-G-EAE-2.

Phase 2

Obtaining Records After Separation

eVetRecs
Online record requests
vetrecs.archives.gov
SF-180
Mail/fax requests
www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180
milConnect
Recently separated veterans
milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil
NPRC
Complex records, record reconstruction

1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138; (314) 801-0800. Allow 90+ days.

1973 NPRC Fire — Army & Air Force

The 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center destroyed 16–18 million Army and Air Force records for personnel discharged between 1912 and 1964. If you're affected:

  • Reconstruction is possible using final pay vouchers, organizational records, and VA files
  • Provide as much identifying info as possible (SSN, DOB, unit, dates)
  • Expect longer timelines

Documents Ready?

Once your documents are assembled, it's time to study and test.

Back to the 7-Phase Roadmap