Because of operational security (OPSEC) it is not as easy to locate a service member as it used to be.
Contact a Service Member in an Emergency
If you can’t reach a family member on active duty in an emergency, contact the American Red Cross. Their Hero Care Center will get information from you and relay it to the service member. You can reach the Red Cross:
By phone at 1-877-272-7337
Through an online request (You’ll first need to create an account.)
Using its Hero Care app on your mobile device
Only three service branches still provide military personnel locator services. You may need to provide the military member's Social Security number for the locator to help you. If they find the member, they'll forward your request to them. Each locator has its own requirements.
U.S. Navy
U.S. Marine Corps (see Miscellaneous, then Personal Locator)
U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard no longer provide military locator services.
This Worldwide Military Locator service information is current as of 15 January 2020. It was found at the Robins Air Force Base Judge Advocates office in a pamphlet entitled Child Support Enforcement.
The pamphlet was prepared to answer frequently asked questions about Child Support Enforcement against military personnel. It will tell you how to locate a military member, the methods involved in collecting pay from a military member for child support, and the agencies that may assist you in this process.
Include the member’s name and social security number in the letter.
AIR FORCE
AFPC/MSIMDL
550 C Street, West, Suite 50
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4752
(210) 659-5774
www.afpc.randolph.af.mil
ARMY
Army Worldwide Locator
US Army Enlisted Records & Evaluation Center
8899 East 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-5301
(703) 325-3732
NAVY
Bureau of Navy Personnel
Attn: PERS-324
5720 Integrity Drive
Millington, TN 38055
(901) 874-3070
MARINE CORPS
Headquarters, U.S.M.C.
Personnel Mgmt. Support Branch MMSB-17
2008 Elliot Road
Quantico, VA 22134-5030
(703) 784-3942
COAST GUARD
Commandant, US Coast Guard
2100 2nd Street SW
Washington DC 20593-0001
(202) 267-1340