Blank Mil 174 PDF Template

1. What is the MIL Form 174?

   The MIL Form 174, also known as the Chronological Listing of Military Service, is a document used to record an individual's military service history. It lists the service member's assignments, including dates of service, branch of service, duty titles, MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) or AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) held, and the highest grade achieved.

2. Who needs to complete the MIL Form 174?

   This form is typically completed by military personnel who need to provide a comprehensive record of their service history. This may be required for various administrative processes within the military, veterans' affairs, or when seeking civilian employment that requires verification of military experience.

3. How do I fill out the MIL Form 174?

   • Dates of Service: Begin with your most recent assignment and work backward.

   • Branch of Service: Specify the branch you served in. Active service members should use abbreviations like USA, USAF, USMC, etc., while reserve members should use ARNG, USAR, and so forth.

   • Duty Title: Provide your working title along with a brief description of your duties.

   • MOS or AFSC Held: List any awarded specialties only.

   • Highest Grade: Indicate the highest military grade you held during that period.

4. Can I complete the MIL Form 174 online?

   Depending on your branch of service, you may be able to complete and submit the MIL Form 174 through your branch's personnel management system online. It’s best to check with your unit’s administrative office for specific instructions on how to access and submit the form electronically.

5. What is the purpose of completing the MIL Form 174?

   The primary purpose of the MIL Form 174 is to provide a detailed record of a service member's military history and achievements. This can be useful for promotions, reenlistments, transferring branches, or applying for civilian jobs that require military experience.

6. Do I need to keep a personal copy of the MIL Form 174?

   Yes, it is highly recommended that you keep a personal copy of the MIL Form 174 for your records. Having this document readily available can streamline the process of proving your military service and qualifications in future administrative or employment procedures.

7. How often should the MIL Form 174 be updated?

   It's a good practice to update the MIL Form 174 after any significant change in your service, such as a new assignment, promotion, or completion of training. Keeping your form current ensures that your military records accurately reflect your service and achievements.

8. What if I find an error in my MIL Form 174?

   If you discover an error on your MIL Form 174, you should promptly report it to your unit's personnel or administrative office. They can provide guidance on how to correct the mistake and update your service record accordingly.

9. Where can I find more information on completing the MIL Form 174?

   For more detailed instructions on completing the MIL Form 174, you should refer to the administrative guidelines provided by your specific branch of service. Additionally, your unit's administrative or personnel office can be a valuable resource for any questions or concerns regarding the form.

10. What replaces the MIL Form 174 if it's obsolete?

    The most current version of the MIL Form 174 supersedes any previous editions. If the form becomes obsolete, the military will issue a new form or direct personnel to use an alternative method for documenting service history. Always refer to the latest communications from your branch for the most up-to-date procedures.

Filling out the MIL Form 174 requires precise attention to detail and an accurate representation of one's military service records. Unfortunately, mistakes can occur that may lead to confusion or delays in processing. Here are six common mistakes individuals make when filling out this form:

1. Incorrect Dates of Service: Many individuals accidentally invert the month and year (MM/YY) or enter incorrect dates that do not accurately reflect their time in the service. It is crucial to double-check these dates, as inaccuracies can impact the assignment of benefits or recognition.
2. Omitting Branch of Service Codes: The form requires specific codes for both active and reserve service (e.g., USA for Army, USAF for Air Force). A common mistake is incorrectly entering these codes or omitting them entirely, which can complicate records or misrepresent an individual's service branch.
3. Incomplete Duty Titles and Descriptions: Often, individuals provide vague duty titles without a brief description of their duties, or they leave this section incomplete. It's important to provide both the working title and a concise description to accurately reflect one's roles and responsibilities.
4. Listing Non-Awarded MOS or AFSC: There is a tendency for individuals to list every MOS or AFSC they have trained for, rather than those awarded and officially recognized in their service records. Only specialties that were awarded should be listed to avoid inaccuracies in one’s service portrayal.
5. Failing to List the Highest Grade Held: Sometimes, individuals forget to include or incorrectly list their highest military grade held during the period in question. It is essential to accurately recount the highest grade achieved, as it is a significant aspect of one's military service record.
6. Working Backwards From the Most Recent Assignment: The form instructs to start with the most recent assignment and work backwards, but individuals often list their service chronologically from earliest to latest. This disregards the form's instructions and can lead to confusion for those processing the information.

To avoid these common errors:

• Always review each section of the form for accuracy before submission.
• Consult your official service records when in doubt, especially for dates and awarded specialties.
• Follow the form instructions carefully, paying close attention to the order and specifics of what is requested.

By avoiding these mistakes, individuals can ensure their MIL Form 174 is accurate and submitted correctly, facilitating a smoother processing experience.

When preparing for military administrative processes, the MIL Form 174 is commonly filled out to provide a detailed record of an individual's military service. However, to ensure thorough documentation and compliance with various requirements, several other forms and documents may need to be completed or gathered in conjunction. Here is a list of forms and documents that are often used alongside the MIL Form 174:

• DD Form 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. This document provides a comprehensive record of a service member's time in the military, including dates of service, branch, rank, awards, and reason for discharge.
• VA Form 21-526EZ - Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. Veterans use this form to apply for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• DD Form 2656 - Data for Payment of Retired Personnel. Required for service members applying for retirement benefits, detailing payment preferences and survivor benefit plan information.
• DD Form 4 - Enlistment/Reenlistment Document Armed Forces of the United States. This contract outlines the terms of enlistment or reenlistment into the military.
• NGB Form 22 - Report of Separation and Record of Service. For members of the National Guard, it serves a similar purpose as the DD Form 214, providing details of service and discharge.
• SF-180 - Request Pertaining to Military Records. Used to request copies of military records, including the MIL Form 174, from the National Personnel Records Center.
• DD Form 2808 - Report of Medical Examination. Documenting the results of a service member's medical exam, which is crucial for determining fitness for duty or processing disability claims.
• DD Form 1173 - Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card. Issued to dependents of active duty personnel, retired personnel, and others for access to military services and facilities.
• DD Form 2558 - Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change an Allotment. Allows service members to specify allotments from their pay for savings, family support, or other purposes.
• VA Form 10-10EZ - Application for Health Benefits. For veterans applying for health care services through the Veterans Health Administration.

To expedite various military and veterans' affairs processes, it's important to have these forms filled out accurately and kept up-to-date. Each document plays a critical role in ensuring service members and veterans receive the benefits, support, and recognition they have earned. Given the complexity of military service records and benefits administration, this paperwork often requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of the relevant procedures.

• DD Form 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty: Similar to the MIL Form 174, the DD Form 214 is a comprehensive document that provides a complete listing of a service member's time in the military, including dates of service, branch of service, duty titles, military occupational specialties (MOS) or Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC), and the highest grade achieved. Both forms are crucial for veterans when seeking employment, education benefits, and other veterans' benefits.

• VA Form 21-526EZ - Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits: This form, used by veterans to apply for disability benefits, requires detailed information about military service, similar to the MIL Form 174. Although the primary purpose is different, both forms necessitate a thorough documentation of military service and assignments which could affect the benefits.

• NA Form 13038 - Certificate of Military Service: This form provides a synopsis of a person's military service, including dates, branch, and capacity in which served, akin to the MIL Form 174. Both forms are used to validate military service and eligibility for certain benefits.

• Standard Form 180 (SF-180) - Request Pertaining to Military Records: SF-180 is used to request military records, including a service member's duty assignments, awards, and decorations, similar to the information outlined in MIL Form 174. While SF-180 is a request form, both it and the MIL Form 174 deal with the detailed history of a service member's career.

• DD Form 4 - Enlistment/Reenlistment Document Armed Forces of the United States: This document, while focusing on the contractual aspects of enlistment or reenlistment, contains details about the service obligation, including branch and terms of service, similar to data found in MIL Form 174. Both documents are essential for understanding a service member's commitment and career.

• DD Form 2807-1 - Report of Medical History: Though primarily a health-related document, DD Form 2807-1 complements the MIL Form 174 by providing a record of medical conditions that could have occurred during or impacted by the service member's duty assignments and periods of service.

• DD Form 2648 - Preseparation Counseling Checklist: DD Form 2648 is used to prepare service members for transitioning out of the military, requiring a review of their military skills and experience, similar to the career documentation found in MIL Form 174. Both forms assist in the transition to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of military service records.

• DD Form 215 - Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty: The DD Form 215 corrects any errors or adds information to the DD Form 214, mirroring the type of service history information found on the MIL Form 174. This form ensures the accuracy of a veteran's military service record.

• VA Form 22-1995 - Request for Change of Program or Place of Training: Veterans use this form when seeking to change their education program or location, which may leverage the military training and experience listed in MIL Form 174. Both documents connect military service with post-service benefits and opportunities.

When filling out the MIL 174 form, a careful approach is required to ensure that all the information is accurate and presented well. The form, which records the chronological listing of military service, requires attention to detail. Here are essential dos and don'ts to consider:

Do:

• Begin with the most recent assignment and work backwards, providing a clear and accurate historical record of military service.
• Specify the branch of service appropriately, using the correct acronyms (e.g., USA for U.S. Army, USN for U.S. Navy) for active service or reserves as applicable.
• Include a working title with a brief but comprehensive description of duties for each duty title listed.
• Only list awarded specialties for the MOS or AFSC held, ensuring the highest military grade held during that period is correctly recorded.

Don't:

• Overlook the importance of listing assignments in reverse chronological order, as failing to do so could lead to confusion or inaccuracies in your military history.
• Use incorrect abbreviations or acronyms for branches of service, as this could lead to misunderstandings about one's service record.
• Provide vague or lengthy descriptions for duty titles; clarity and conciseness are key.
• Include specialties or grades not officially awarded or recognized, as this could misrepresent one’s service history.

Understanding the MIL Form 174 is crucial for accurately documenting military service. However, there are widespread misconceptions about this form that can lead to errors or misunderstandings. Below is a list of nine common misconceptions and clarifications to set the record straight.

• It’s only for active duty personnel: This form is not exclusive to active duty members. It is designed to document service for both active and reserve components, including the National Guard and Reserves.
• It lists every assignment in a service member’s career: While the form is comprehensive, it focuses on capturing the most crucial assignments, particularly those that reflect special qualifications, highest grades, and significant roles rather than every assignment.
• All military training is listed: The form primarily documents duty assignments and highest grades achieved. Specific training courses are only indirectly reflected through MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) or AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) listings.
• Personal information is unnecessary: Personal identifiers such as the service member's name and Social Security Number (SSN) are essential for accurate records and ensuring the document is attributed to the correct individual.
• It must be completed upon discharge: Updating the form can occur at various stages of a service member's career, especially after significant assignments or changes in grade, not only upon discharge.
• It’s submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs: The primary use of the form is within the Department of Defense for documenting and managing military careers. While it might be used to support claims or applications to the VA, it’s not directly submitted there by default.
• Electronic signatures aren’t allowed: As digital processing becomes more prevalent, electronic signatures are increasingly accepted, provided they meet security and verification standards.
• It doesn’t reflect reservist service accurately: The form is designed to capture both active and reserve service comprehensively. Careful completion ensures reserve service is accurately and fully documented.
• It’s only relevant for the individual service member: While the form primarily benefits the individual service member, it’s also a critical document for military administration, benefits processing, and historical record-keeping.

Understanding these misconceptions allows for better preparation and accuracy when completing or reviewing the MIL Form 174. It’s a vital tool for ensuring that military service is accurately and thoroughly documented, benefiting both the individual service member and military organizations.

Filling out the MIL Form 174 correctly is crucial for a comprehensive record of your military service. Understanding the key elements will help ensure accuracy and completeness of your military history documentation. Here are some vital takeaways for completing and using the MIL Form 174.

• Start With Your Most Recent Service: When filling out your dates of service, always begin with your most recent assignment and work backward. This chronological order helps maintain a clear historical record of your military career.
• Specify Branch of Service Correctly: Enter the appropriate abbreviation for your branch of service. For active duty, use abbreviations such as USA (Army), USAF (Air Force), USMC (Marine Corps), USN (Navy), or USCC (Coast Guard). For reserve components, use ARNG (Army National Guard), USAR (Army Reserve), ANG (Air National Guard), USAFR (Air Force Reserve), USNR (Navy Reserve), USCCR (Coast Guard Reserve), or USMCR (Marine Corps Reserve).
• Detail Your Duty Title: Provide your working title along with a brief description of your duties to give a clear understanding of the role you held.
• Awarded Specialties Only: For the section on MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) or AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) held, only include specialties that you were officially awarded.
• Include Your Highest Grade: Record the highest military grade you held during each period of service to accurately reflect your career progression.
• Keep It Updated: Regular updates to the MIL Form 174 ensure your military service record remains current and comprehensive. This is especially important for documenting promotions, reassignments, or changes in duty status.
• Use It for Verification: The completed MIL Form 174 serves as a key document for verifying military service in various contexts, including job applications, veterans' benefits, and official military correspondence.
• Accuracy is Key: Ensure all information provided on the form is accurate to the best of your knowledge. Inaccuracies can lead to complications or delays in service verification and benefits.
• Retain Copies: Always keep a copy of your completed MIL Form 174 for your personal records. This will be invaluable for future reference, especially when accessing veterans' services or benefits.

By following these guidelines, your MIL Form 174 will serve as a detailed and accurate record of your military service, aiding you in both your career and in accessing veteran benefits.