How to Make a Statement of Military Service for Loan Purposes

When applying for a home loan, as a military professional, you will be required to submit a Statement of Service or SOS.  The SOS must be specifically for home loans and can be requested through your military personnel office.

What Statement of Military Service for Loan Purposes Do You Need?

So, what exactly is a SOS? This is a

document that certifies that you are active in the military or that you are retired from the military and have put in at least 6 years of active service before your retirement or discharge. It would be very easy for anyone to just walk into a loan office and say they are in the military and get the special financing and options that are available if lenders did not require this SOS. Therefore, to protect the military service members and to prevent fraud or false information, you are required to provide the SOS when you apply for a home loan.

Once you get the SOS, you need to fill it out completely and then have it signed by your commanding officer. If the form is not filled out in its entirety or is not signed, your application will be denied and you will have to start the process all over. This can delay or cause you to miss out on the home that you want to buy.

 As an active duty serviceman, the Statement of Service must be an original, signed by your unit commander or personnel officer.  It should identify you and include your social security number, the date you entered active service and note any time out of service. If you have been discharged, your SOS must include proof of at least six years honorable service. 

One of the benefits of getting a home loan and providing your SOS is that there are usually no down payments for home loans. There are many other benefits to these loans. You should research and get all the information that you can about these loans to see how they can benefit you.

This will also ensure that you get all the necessary information and paperwork. It can save a lot of time and hassle later. Loan applications are processed much faster this way and you get your loan and your new house faster and with much fewer headaches. Also, this starts a relationship between you and the lender.

We have all heard it said many times that the first impression is the lasting impression. If you go into a loan office with no paperwork, no idea what you need, and no specifics, you are more than likely going to make a not so good impression that can have a lasting effect. Lenders like applicants that are organized, know what they want, and have everything needed to make the loan process go smoothly and quickly.

Sample of a Statement of Military Service for Loans

An example of a Statement of Service is below:
MEMO TO VA REGIONAL OFFICE
SUBJECT: Statement of Active Military Duty Service
1. I certify that I, as Commanding Officer, am the official custodian for the personnel records of:  <insert name>
a. Name: b. Social Security ID: c. Service Serial Number (If different to b.) d. D.O.B. : e. Rank/Rating:

2. Below is an entire Statement of Service of active duty periods of service by the Veteran stated above.
A. From (date of service entry) b. To: c. Status: d. Separations and Forms Issued: e. ETS:

3. I certify the veteran stated above has lost ____ days of active service during their current period.

4. Service member is not barred from re-enlistment.
a. Type / Print Name: b. Signature: c. Title: d. Date: