Description
What Is an OMPF and Why Is It Important?
(If you want general information regarding the separation papers issued to veterans, known as a DD214, visit DD214.US)
The Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs) hold the stories of millions of individuals who defended our nation throughout the many wars of the 20th century. They contain such documents as enlistment contracts, duty locations, performance evaluations, award citations, training records, and the especially important Report of Separation (DD Form 214 or earlier equivalent).
Complete OMPFs are available for more than 34 million veterans, plus several million more partial files and supplemental records regarding individual military service. Most folders that were retired before the early 1990s also include records of routine physical exams and outpatient medical and dental treatment. Such health records now go directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The most common OMPF container is a stiff 12-by-9½-inch brown file folder. Because the army calls its folder Form 201, a popular term for all military personnel folders is “the 201 file.” Many of the folders from the past quarter-century contain microfiche images of the personnel documents that were sent to NPRC either in place of the original paper records or with them. OMPFs reside in hundreds of thousands of cubic-foot cardboard boxes on 11-foot-high shelves in immense storage areas.
Touchstone’s Express Service is a personal research service. We act as your authorized agent and request your 201 File at the appropriate archives facility, physically, in person. If your order is received before 10 am Eastern Time, in many cases we can both fax a copy to you of your DD214 the same day and FedEx your complete 201 File for your in-hand receipt the very next day.
Your records will be kept at one or more of well over 100 different government records repositories, each of which will have its own processing procedure – and processing times. The time in which the Government will provide our on-premises researchers with your “chart” will vary from facility to facility. Many records can be obtained the same day. Many others cannot. However, in well over 95% of cases, we will deliver your complete 201 File to you within 7 business days.
You should take these Government internal delays into consideration when you place your order.
As a part of our personal Express Service, if problems are encountered, we will either e-mail or call you to discuss and resolve any difficulties. This speeds the process over snail-mail correspondence.
Questions? Or order by phone!
How can our researchers get you your record so fast? We encourage you to read our FAQ (Click HERE) for any questions or concerns.
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The simplest and easiest way to obtain your DD214 is to order it here, online 24/7. But if you still have any questions or concerns … you can access our on-line chat by clicking the chat button at left. Or call us toll-free: 800-At DD214 (800-283-3214). |
Our call center hours are M-F 08:30am to 6:00pm Eastern time, but is closed federal holidays. Our back-office operations are working 24/7 to move your order forward. The earlier you place your order, the sooner we will retrieve your documents.
Roy Hollinsworth –
My comments are: I ran into a blank wall with the VA when I tried to order these things. Even though I had to pay a charge you came through for me. I worked as a contractor for a while and I completely understand the charge. It will help you stay in business helping people like myself sail the dark seas of government red tape.
THANK YOU
Glen Cothran –
While needing a DD-214 to secure a V.A. loan while out at sea Touchstone was instrumental in helping me secure the finances needed. I was not able to obtain the papers from military records needed while being out here. They obtained all the documents I requested in a very quick and professional manner. I was very surprised when the papers were delivered to me so quickly. If I ever need to obtain other documents for business this is the company I personally will go through. Quick, professional, courteous and reliable. I could not ask for anything more.
All I can say is thank you Touchstone. You are a valuable asset.
Glen Cothran.
Scott Cook –
Considering the work, which I am sure was extensive, it really is a great deal! I could have never done this myself! I give this service one GREAT BIG thumbs up!!!!!!
Ronnie Tatum –
Trying to obtain my dad’s military records for his burial during the holidays was difficult, not only for the family but for the folks at Touchstone. Because of the things we were going though, I missed a download window for some of his records. After contacting Touchstone, they came thru and shipped his 201 (OMPF). I am very proud to have my dads records.
Thanks
Ronnie
Michael Healy –
The staff at Touchtone did a good job delivering my DD214 and other service records. I ordered the DD214 Express Service, and while it took quite a bit longer than I had hoped, they were responsive to phone and email and kept me up to date throughout the process. My records were at a less common storage facility and the delays were certainly understandable. I am thankful for their helpful service.
Robert Jones –
Touchstone Research provided a great service. All of the military records (not just the dd-214) were obtained. The researcher did a very good job. I appreciate the job that was done and would highly recommend Touchstone to others who are interested in obtaining their military records.
Bert Leighton –
Fast and prompt service. But you need to inform the recepient agencies about yourselves so the next time Social Security tells a client to get a copy of a needed document they do not as I had to spend a month trying to find someone to locate said document. Social Security said to ask the Veterans Affairs for the file and the VA sent me back to Social Security saying that was not their job.
Alexandra Collison –
Wow! Fabulous, professional service. Couldn’t be more pleased. Courteous, helpful, called me to confirm order….and FAST. Don’t hesitate to use this service for all of your service record needs. Thanks so much.
Zachary Marsalis –
Was very skeptical at first but you guys did an excellent job. Actually did everything you said you would with no disappointments. Thanks Again
Christopher Akstin –
Hey there,
You all did a good job and I am now well on my way to college. Thank you very much and keep up the good work.
Christopher Akstin
Stephen Holmes –
I like this service but I did not receive my DD 214 that I paid for I did receive all of my military records and I did not receive a retirement card and former military service car. Steve holmes. sgholmes@bellsouth.net. 403-317-2253 I served in the Air Force from 72 to 78 six years active military service why can I not get a DD 214?
Willard (Christian Capdevielle) Capdevielle (John B. Minnick) –
The service is very helpful and fairly quick. However I received no notice or email when the documents were ready to be downloaded from the website. Also questions made online generally were not answered.
James Cassel –
After applying for a VA mortgage, I was unable to find my required DD-214. I enlisted the services of Touchstone to track down the form and they did not disappoint. Not only was the follow up thorough and timely, they had the form to me in a matter of days. With the newly found form in hand, I was able to complete my home purchase without any issues. In addition to the quick turnaround, the customer service was very succinct and courteous.
Roberto josafat –
Excellent service that was provided and I appreciate it very much. Thank you
Freddy Morgan –
Excellent experience with this group. Delivered exactly what they promised. Very pleased!!!
larry waggerman –
very pleased with the service they delivered as promised
William Price –
These guys pulled off, what was to me impossible. They reconstructed my DD-214 from my records that they had to locate in a repository other than St. Louis.
Total time from start to finish was one week. The VA says that they would have taken from two weeks to two months. I’m buying a house using my VA benefit. If I had to wait on the VA my financing would have fallen through.
Thanks you Touchstone
Pat Price
Ronald Waller –
Hsd lost original 201 file in residence move. Needed the information as reference. Needed it and eventually got the DD forms and assignment record sheets along with assignment letters from units involved with assignment, training, re-assignment, & release from service.
I very much appreciate the service you provide. Though not cheap, a needed and obviously accurate compilation of my USAR history.
Thank you so much,
Ronald A. Waller
ER17741835
William Ankley –
Dear fellow Vets,
Touchstone is a truly awesome service and worth every penny!!!! I have Agent Orange related aggressive prostate cancer and severe neuropathy in both arms and legs from two straight years as an infantryman in the 101st ABN in Vietnam. As I had lost my records, I first applied through a letter to the Retired Records in St Louis, but never received word as to whether they even received my request, so after 10 weeks, I contacted Touchstone and I received my records quickly.
That is so important, as VA’s claim process is long but will be back-dated for benefits to the date you applied!
Sincerely,
Jeff Ankley
Virginia baech, Va
Randy Berke –
Excellent Service, exactly what I ordered and all of my documents arrived when promised.
James Penick –
I am very happy with you work.you work is allway on time
Robert Terry –
Thank you for your prompt sercive, I received the documents in two weeks as promised! Would have taken months otherwise. Keep up the good work!
John Preslar –
Thank you for my copy of my 201 file. For some reason I was expecting a brown folder to contain my file in its proper order. Also there was not a microfiche/cd copy as shown in your picture of the service you provide. Overall I am happy with the service. [We provide hardcopies of any contents, including contents of any microfilm/microfiche. 201 Files vary greatly in their contents, so we never know in advance what any particular file will contain until we look.]
Jeffrey Snitzer –
I needed my DD214 for a VA home loan app. Somehow I lost all my originals. I discovered that I had lost all of then on a Wednesday and needed a copy for the following Tuesday. Touchstone did their job and I received a digital copy Monday night and in time. Molly was helpful too. When you need your DD214 ASAP, Touchstone can help.
Lewis Pasternak –
I had been trying for months to get copies of my service records from the 1990’s – I went through myriad government internet sites to no avail. Came across Touchstone on a Google search and it was exceptionally smooth sailing from there (yes, I was Navy). Prompt service. So glad to have my complete records – am also able to share them with my father (WW II infantry).
Harry Gilbert –
After initially taking about 3 weeks to get my DD214, I ordered my 201 File and received it within a week which I felt was outstanding. I was disappointed in taking so long to get the DD214 and had paid for express service but to my mind did not get it though they said circumstances can vary for each order. Overall, Touchstone can be a dependable source for military records and they are professional in the final product. The one negative was expecting express. Highly recommend the service they provide overall. [Thank you. Each record request is unique. This is after all military record keeping. We work on average response times. Some come in earlier, some later. The holidays, too, generally result in slower response times; the records facilities personnel are taking vacations. We encourage all of our clients to read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) before ordering to understand what we do, how we do it, and the systematic parameters under which we operate.]
Asher Hinrichs –
Touchstone did an excellent job helping me acquire my Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). After waiting for my documents for over 2 months via the traditional channels, I found Touchstone & they were able to deliver in 1 week. Not only that, but their customer service walked me through everything I needed to know, allowed me to adjust my order when I discovered that I had made some mistakes in the initial request, and replied promptly to all my questions. My experience with this company was absolutely everything that I had hoped for! Thank you, Touchstone!
rodney washington –
Touchstone has a great service and it was pretty quick. The agents were at their best and I want to give a big thanks to agent Shelley, she was a great help to me she deserves a big raise
William Bromley –
Delivery took longer than advertised. It took about 15 business days. [Each request is unique. Some records take longer to retrieve than others. We work on average response times and, unfortunately, your request took longer than most. We encourage everyone to read our Frequently Asked Questions section for potential delay issues.]
Richard Armistead –
I’m completely satisfied with Touchstone’s service. I received my documents within the specified timeline. I will recommend Touchstone to anyone needing to retrieve military service records.
Richard Chaumier –
Finally got my 201 file. It took a while and some communication on the delay would have been nice but it came and was complete. Thanks for the help.
Wayne Gorell –
Great package of information, seems to be the majority of my file from when serving back in the late 60’s early 70’s. It was kind of fun going through the papers and remembering people and places referenced.
It took longer than I expected but it was well worth the very reasonable fee. [Each case is unique, and we work on average retrieval times. Some do take longer. Thank you for your service.]
Paul Ragan –
I am well satisfied with Touchstone Research Group. I placed my order on a Saturday, and got PDF copy of DD-214 on the 6th business day which I was then able to send to licensing board. There was some type of problem with online application and a couple of errors crept in, sent then corrections which they quickly acknowledged. I would recommend using this service.