Personnel Records Enquiries

CARO is concerned to ensure the privacy of ex-service members' is not impinged upon. CARO adheres to the Commonwealth Privacy Act and the values of the Information Privacy Principles for all records under its control. In this respect, copies of information held on personnel files may be provided upon receipt of written authorisation from the ex-member.

If the ex-member is deceased, information may be released upon receipt of written authorisation from the next of kin. In certain other circumstances CARO may be able to issue summarised information. Written requests should include as much of the following details as possible such as:

  • Surname and all given names, including any possible names the person may have served under
  • Date and place of birth
  • Date of death
  • Regimental service number(s)
  • State of enlistment
  • Enlistment and discharge dates
  • Rank attained
  • Unit(s) served with and location
  • Date/s and period/s served
  • Details inscribed on any medals or badges, if held.

The enquirer should also provide their:

  • Title (Mr/Ms/Mrs/Miss/Dr etc.)
  • Name
  • Postal address
  • Daytime contact telephone number (if available)
  • Relationship to person of whom details are being sought
  • Reason for seeking information.

Postal Address for Personal Records Enquiries:

Name Central Army Records Office
Postal Address Soldier Career Management Agency
GPO Box 393D
Melbourne VIC 3001
Telephone Numbers: 03 9282 5393
03 9282 6235
Facsimile Number: 03 9282 5434
E-mail: caro.hq@defence.gov.au