Vet Records' Privacy and Safety Assessment
Headline: The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Safeguards Veterans' Files and Military Records
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), an independent federal agency, places a high value on the privacy of veterans' files and DD 214s. To ensure the protection of these sensitive documents, NARA employs strict records management policies that include approved retention and disposal schedules, secure data storage conforming to federal security protocols, and controlled access to records.
The agency works closely with the Department of Defense to identify authorized users and maintains a secure, encrypted channel on the eVetRecs website for customer interactions. NARA requires a signature on requests for information, including DD 214s, and veterans' authorization for third-party disclosures.
Recently, a data breach involving veterans' information occurred at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), not NARA. In response, the VA has set up a manned call center to provide information about the data breach. The toll-free number for the VA call center is 1-800-FED INFO (333-4636) and operates from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (ET), Monday-Saturday.
NARA's policies allow individuals to request notification if records pertain to them, and they establish clear procedures for veterans or their authorized representatives to obtain military personnel records, including DD 214 forms. While veterans and certain authorized parties can access their records, general public access is governed by federal privacy laws and records schedules that often restrict access to sensitive information for a specified period, typically to protect privacy and national security.
Records still containing personally identifiable information (PII) or protected under privacy laws are not freely accessible by the public. NARA aligns with mandates such as the Privacy Act and partners with agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs to safeguard veterans' information. The transfer and destruction of records are only authorized following an approved records control schedule to ensure proper preservation or secure disposal.
In summary, NARA protects veterans' files and DD 214s through authorized retention schedules, secured VA Enterprise Cloud storage, strict access controls, and privacy safeguards. Public access policies are controlled based on legal requirements and schedules, with privacy protections limiting immediate public access. Individuals with a personal connection can request access or notification about records related to them.
- The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) not only safeguards veterans' files but also ensures the privacy of sensitive business information related to these documents.
- NARA's strict records management policies, including approved retention schedules and secure data storage, are crucial in the finance sector as they protect the confidentiality and integrity of veterans' personally identifiable information (PII).
