Free Military Research Resources Document Access And Genealogy Materials

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Military research is a specialized field that can provide valuable insights into family history, military service, and historical events. For those interested in exploring their family's military heritage or conducting historical research, various free resources are available. This article examines the types of free military research materials accessible to researchers, including document services, digital databases, and physical resources.

Military Research Service (MRS) and Document Access

Military Research Service (MRS) previously offered a service providing free photocopies of military documents to interested individuals. According to their website updates, during 2021 and 2022, MRS sent 1-3 free documents to many interested persons who contacted them. The organization noted that these freebies would continue to be available on their website, with additional freebies added periodically.

However, MRS has announced significant changes to their operations. The organization stated that increasing costs and complexity have made their service uneconomical for the amount of business they perform. As of January 2023, MRS is no longer taking orders. Despite this, they indicated that they may still be able to assist in obtaining documents from their collection upon request.

The organization is transitioning from a mailed hard copy only business to an email electronic copy only business. In the future, all orders will be emailed to customers in PDF or similar document format, with payments processed through electronic systems like PayPal. This transition is intended to accommodate customers worldwide, though the completion timeline has been subject to disruptions.

Notably, MRS has indicated that the link to their Ordering Instructions is no longer available, but the Photocopy Index remains accessible as a historical reference. They have requested that individuals neither mail nor email any orders to MRS, as they will not be filled, and any personal checks or money orders included will be destroyed without return to the customer.

Individuals with questions about MRS services or document availability are directed to contact the organization through their provided contact methods.

Free Military Databases and Digital Resources

Several digital resources offer free access to military records and information. One significant resource is Ancestry, which periodically opens its military databases for free access during special events such as Veterans Day weekends. This provides an opportunity for researchers to explore military records at no cost.

To maximize the benefits of these free access periods, researchers are advised to prepare in advance by identifying specific ancestors and determining what information they hope to find in the records. Creating a research plan before a free access weekend allows researchers to begin their work immediately without time lost trying to recall their research objectives.

In addition to Ancestry, various military websites offer free resources including royalty-free photographs, fact sheets, news articles, and clip art images depicting military equipment, insignia, and related subjects. These sites also often contain links to military installations worldwide, which may include bases where family members previously served.

For individuals with access to military installations in their area or during travel, contacting the public affairs office can provide information about available tours. Similarly, the historical agencies of various military services offer substantial information resources and may assist researchers in overcoming research obstacles.

Physical Resources for Military Research

Beyond digital resources, numerous physical materials are available for military research. Unit histories, for example, typically include photographs of unit members, details about deployments and training, firsthand accounts of combat actions, and memorials for those who did not return. These materials may be found through rare book dealers, university libraries (particularly those near military bases), or by subscribing to unit association newsletters, which are usually available for a nominal fee.

Attending reunions can also provide valuable information, though researchers should request permission beforehand. Many unit associations publish or post firsthand accounts, original combat reports, and official unit histories. Additional materials may include newspaper articles, diaries, and local histories published near battlefields, towns where units were formed, or old military outposts.

Living history units represent another valuable resource for information about America's historical wars. Re-enactors invest considerable time and resources researching details about uniforms, equipment, tactics, battles, and camp life. For specific historical questions, such as what equipment a particular military unit might have used, consulting with a living historian can provide accurate insights.

Many military units maintain their own websites and are responsive to email queries. When contacting such sources or individuals, researchers should ensure they record contact information for future reference.

Conclusion

Military research resources are available through various channels, including document services like MRS (though with limitations), digital databases with periodic free access, and physical materials from libraries, associations, and living history groups. While some resources like MRS have transitioned their services or changed their operational model, opportunities for accessing free military research materials continue to exist.

Researchers can maximize their effectiveness by preparing in advance for limited-time free database access, maintaining records of contacts and sources, and exploring multiple types of resources including digital archives, physical documents, and living history expertise. By leveraging these various resources, individuals can piece together comprehensive information about military service, historical events, and personal family connections to military history.

Sources

1. Military Research Service - What's New
2. Family Tree Magazine - How to Honor Your Family's Military Heritage
3. Lisa Lisson - How to Do Free Genealogy Research
4. On Military Matters