First, I would like to define a couple of things so readers understand where I am coming from.
Record retriever: Someone who will copy or scan specific records requested by a client, usually based off an 'Add to cart' option of specific, non-flexible record requests. This person may or may not have any idea how to reconstruct military histories because they specialize in pulling specific records only. Usually they do not provide context for the records or explain what they mean. Their job is to obtain records for a client only.
Full service researcher: Someone who obtains various records, customized to a client's specific needs, questions, concerns, and project, to reconstruct military service. This type of researcher provides a fully sourced research report with the documents that show military service. Often you can also request trip planning suggestions if you wish to travel in Europe in your soldier's footsteps. Some firms, like mine, have a network of tour guides and researchers overseas. These researchers should provide you with a contract for work that outlines what is being done, your fees, and time estimates at the bare minimum.
Most professionals are aware of what is happening in their area of work, usually within their own company or locale, or even the world. Paying attention provides clues as to where we can grow and change, especially if we are running our own businesses. For almost a decade I have watched the genealogy and military research world grow, change, turn upside down at times - like any area. I have always created my business based on the energy of what was light, what no one else in the country was creating, and filling gaps. Every professional serves a purpose and contributes in some way. However, there has to be some education at this point on military research versus genealogical research.
Obtaining records for genealogy questions is not the same as obtaining records for military questions. I'm seeing more genealogy and military record retrieval people advertising specific record sets they will get for you - without appearing to have any concept of how to reconstruct military service.
This bothers me because I hate to see people waste their money and not get the answers I know are available. Additionally, many of the people searching for answers are older and are ready to discover answers now. Not in a year from now.
I have always provided full research services customized to a client's needs. It is not a one size fits all or click this one record and you have your answers business. I have spent a decade studying WWI and WWII military records for all branches and doing client work that extends beyond this to Korea and Vietnam. I developed a proven system being taught in the country or written about in books, on how to reconstruct service history start to finish for WWI - Vietnam. I have spent two decades studying and researching genealogy for my family and clients.
So what do I mean by genealogy and military record retrievals are not equal?
In the genealogy world we may have a question like, 'Did my great uncle Albert have a wife and kids? or Who was his second wife?' With that, a record retrieval person can be hired to obtain specific records from an archive which may answer those questions. Obituaries. Vital Records. Probate files. Church records. Land records. Just to name a few examples.
Now, if we want to know, 'What did my uncle Albert do in the Army in WWII?' That requires multiple records, especially if the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF or service file) burned in 1973. One military record never gives us the whole story. Not even the discharge paper because the unit on that document is a final unit - not necessarily the only unit or even the one the man saw combat with. Learn more about this by watching the RootsTech video on the main page of my website.
Example
There are record retrieval firms advertising they will pull Company Morning reports - one fee - and you HAVE to take the full month you request. There is no other option. Click to add to cart. You also have to know what company your soldier was with to get the reports.
What is wrong with this scenario and why are you wasting your money and time if you choose this option?
Morning Reports document changes in a soldier or airman's service. If they had no change in a month - they will not show up in a report. See below for a link to several articles about these reports.
Read several articles about Morning Reports here that explain further why you require these records and why one month will not fill your needs.
Retrieving Morning Reports is one example, but there are many others I could go into. So how do you know if you need a record retriever or a full service researcher?
Record retrievers are good if you want an OMPF (if it did not burn), Burial File, or IDPF. Those are larger files that contain a lot of information about a service member for any branch and any war. Also, if you need specific unit records or specific records from specialized repositories other than our National Archives. Be cautious about having other records retrieved because in a 'click to add to cart' situation, you often will not get everything you require and end up wasting a lot of money and time waiting for answers.
Full service researchers are good if you want answers to multiple questions, reconstruction of service, an exploration of unit records, connections to overseas researchers, and someone who will provide a fully sourced research report and answer your questions, along with providing documentation. Full service researchers will pull the appropriate military records that will help answer your questions. It is not a one size fits all click to add to cart experience.
Which researcher do I need?
Additional resource: When and Why Do I Need to Hire a Military Researcher?
Final tips. Whatever research firm you end up choosing is up to your questions and research goals.
Would you like help learning about your military family member's service? Feel free to contact me to discuss possibilities with research projects. Also explore all our services. Finally, learn more about Jennifer with two videos on the main page of this website.
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