Military Records for Pre-Employment Screening

Employers can ask limited questions about an applicant’s military service as part of a Military Service Verification. Questions about relevant work experience and training are permissible. However, an employer should avoid asking about the reason for an applicant’s military discharge during the screening process.

Employers can obtain military discharge information (DD-214) on a limited basis through our Military Service Verification. This information should only relate to the applicant’s job description and proposed duties. Care must be taken when asking about military discharge, as it may result in obtaining medical disability information, which is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, such questions could violate state military discharge anti-discrimination laws or lead to disparate impact based on race.