The difference between the two is that the long form contains information about the service member’s discharge.

Long form (also called the undeleted Form of Separation).

Short form (also called the deleted Form of Separation or edited Form of Separation).

One important note about the DD214 is that the government issues two versions of the form:

Job specialties, education, decorations, awards, and citations related to military service.

Service credited to the veteran, both domestic and foreign.

The vet’s home addresses both when joining the service and departing from it.

When and where the veteran left active duty service.

When and where the veteran entered active duty service.In addition to discharge situation, the report might include information such as: The form is also sometimes referred to as the Report of Separation, as it documents the military personnel’s separation from active duty status. If you are discharged “other than honorable,” you still have a right to benefits, making the type of discharge very important. The only type of discharge that will disqualify you from VA burial benefits is a dishonorable discharge. The form acts to record that the vet was officially discharged from his or her service, and it also records the manner in which the discharge occurred.

If there are certain actions you’d like to take regarding your military history, it is likely that you’ll need this form.

Since January 1, 1950, the Department of Defense has issued these forms to veterans upon discharge. The DD214 is formally called the DD Form 214.

Dd214 member 4