Is there a fee for obtaining military personnel files?

There is generally no fee for obtaining military personnel files from the National Archives and Records Administration, as these records are considered public documents. Individuals can request access to their own military records or those of deceased relatives without incurring any costs. However, if a request involves extensive research or if it requires specific formats, fees may apply for copying or reproducing certain documents. It is advisable for individuals to review any current information on the relevant web page for insights on potential fees and procedures related to obtaining these records. Additionally, there may be specific forms or requirements that must be met to ensure a smooth request process.