What is the primary goal of the DD 214?

The primary goal of the DD 214 is to provide a summary of military service. This document is issued upon separation from active duty and serves as an official record of a service member's time in the military. It includes essential information such as dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and the reason for discharge. The DD 214 is crucial for veterans as it may be required for the benefits and entitlements that are available to them after their service, such as access to veterans' healthcare, education benefits, and other assistance programs.

In contrast, while training achievements, unit deployment history, and health and medical records are important aspects of military service, they are not the primary focus of the DD 214. Instead, the DD 214 consolidates the broader scope of a service member's overall military experience into a single document.