How to Find Lost Military Orders

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One of the first things that a new military member is taught is to always keep copies of every document that you receive during your military career. This includes your military orders for any trip or duty you perform. Sometimes, however, orders can get lost or misplaced, and you need an extra copy. There are several places you can go to find lost military orders.

1 Check with your supervisor

Check with your supervisor. Many times, supervisors will keep copies of their subordinates’ military orders for a year or more in the office files. If your orders are fairly recent, your supervisor may still have them on hand.

2 Check

Check with your unit’s orderly room, commander’s support staff or administration section. Depending on which branch of the military you are in, this office is required to keep copies of orders for all personnel for up to five years.

3 Talk to the military personnel flight

Talk to the military personnel flight, personnel service branch, personnel service detachment or other similar office on your military installation. These offices may also have a copy of your orders on hand.

4 Visit your service s

Visit your service’s Internet portal. If the orders were issued less than a year ago, they should still be available online. If you are unsure how to log on to the portal for your branch of service, your supervisor or orderly room will be able to point you in the right direction.

Based in Oklahoma, Maggie O'Leary has been writing professionally since 2001. O'Leary has served in the United States military since 1997 and is a two-time OIF veteran. She has been published in several local military and civilian newspapers and national media outlets including "The Washington Post" and CNN. O'Leary has a Bachelor of Arts in history and legal studies.

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