The acronym "NPRC" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ɛn pi ɑr si/. The first sound, /ɛn/, represents the letter "N" and the second sound, /pi/, represents the letter "P." The third sound, /ɑr/, represents the letter "R" and the fourth sound, /si/, represents the letters "C". This spelling is used to clarify pronunciation, particularly for non-native English speakers, and to avoid confusion with similarly spelled words or acronyms.
NPRC stands for National Personnel Records Center. It is an agency under the purview of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in the United States. The NPRC serves as the central repository for the archiving, preservation, and dissemination of military personnel and medical records of individuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
The primary function of the NPRC is to provide access to historical and service-related information to veterans, their families, and authorized government agencies. Its extensive collection includes records dating back to the American Revolution, encompassing Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel records. These records document various aspects such as service dates, rank, awards, military schooling, and other relevant details.
The NPRC plays a crucial role in facilitating benefit claims, retirement requests, and family history research for veterans and their loved ones. It provides efficient and accurate record retrieval services, responding to countless requests each year. Additionally, the center assists with the issuance of replacement medals and awards to eligible veterans.
To ensure the security and confidentiality of the records, the NPRC strictly adheres to privacy laws and regulations. Its mission is to preserve and protect the historical records that honor the service and sacrifices of members of the U.S. armed forces, providing essential support to veterans, researchers, and the public.