A Union Civil War compiled military service record

Compiled Military Service File (NATF 86)

NATF86

Fee (includes shipping & handling): $30.00

Compiled records based on military service in the United States Army for regular forces raised by the Federal Government (officers who served before June 30, 1917 and enlisted men who served before October 31, 1912), Confederate Armed Forces (officers and enlisted men, 1861-1865), and volunteer service during wars from the Revolutionary War through the Philippine Insurrection, (1775-1902).

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What reproduction quality can I expect if I select CD/DVD or Electronic Transfer as my delivery method?

All NARA reproductions contain the best available images of the original archival documents. Due to age, physical deterioration and equipment available at the time the original documents were imaged, some images may not be up to today’s standards of clarity. NARA makes every effort to provide customers a clear and accurate duplicate of the original microfilm master.

How long will an Electronic Transfer be available?

Files will be available for 30 days from date of upload; downloads of the files should take place within that period. Files will be deleted after that point.

What military service records can I request using Request and Order Reproductions ?

You can order online copies of military service records for - Volunteer enlisted men and officers whose military service was performed during an emergency and whose service was considered to be in the Federal interest, 1775 to 1902 - Volunteer enlisted men and officers who served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War - Regular Army enlisted personnel, serving 1798 - October 31, 1912 These records can also be requested using the NATF Form 86.

What do I get when I order a compiled service record?

A compiled military service record consists of a card or cards on which is recorded information about a solider that was collected from muster rolls, returns, pay vouchers, hospital registers, prison records, and other records. The abstracted information may include references to wounds, hospitalization, absence from the unit, court martials, and death. This will not represent all of the information about a soldier scattered among a variety of records.

What if my ancestor served in more than one war. Do I get one file?

No. The compiled military service record of each volunteer solider is filed with similar records for other soldiers who fought in the same war and regiment or other unit. The records of an individual’s service in more than one war are not consolidated. Therefore, if you know that individual served in more than one war and you desire copies of all of the military service records, you must submit a separate request for the service record for each war in which your ancestor served.

My ancestor re-enlisted in another unit during the same war. Do I get one file?

No. The compiled military service record of each volunteer solider is filed with similar records for other soldiers who fought in the same war and regiment or other unit. The records of an individual’s service in more than one organization (unit, regiment, etc.) are not consolidated, even during the same war. Therefore, if you know that individual served in more than one organization and you desire copies of all of the military service records, you must submit a separate request for the service record for each organization in which your ancestor served.

My ancestor’s unit was not associated with a single State or territory. How do I order his records?

Those organizations (regiment, unit, etc.) whose complements were not limited to a single State or territory are explicitly listed in the State From Which he Served field. From this list, please select the organization with which your ancestor was enlisted.

Can I obtain military service records for Galvanized Yankees from the National Archives?

Galvanized Yankees were Confederate prisoners of war who donned the Yankee uniform in exchange for freedom. Prior to the end of the Civil War they were sent west for duty against the Indians. The National Archives XXX

Are there pre-Federal military service records at the National Archives?

No. Records relating to military service begin in 1775 in the holdings of the National Archives. Records relating to men who served in the French and Indian War, for example, should contact the various state archives (https://www.archives.gov/locations/archival-research.html) from which the soldier served. If an ancestor fought with the British, researchers should contact the Public Record Office for possible information.

What if my ancestor served in a unit that was not federalized?

The National Archives does not have service records for men who served in various state militias that were not federalized. Researchers should contact the state archives (https://www.archives.gov/locations/archival-research.html) from which that soldier served.

What is the difference between regular and volunteer service?

Regular service means that a soldier enlists for a specific period of time, regardless of whether it’s during peacetime or during a conflict. Volunteer service is when there is a conflict and there is a need for more men. These “volunteers” sign up for a period of time (usually the duration of the conflict).