If you are a new user of HometownLink's on-line DD Form 2266, please review the following guidance. For more detailed instructions, refer to the DD Form 2266 Hometown News Release Guidebook.
We've provided you with the 'electronic' DD Form 2266. Simply complete the form as you would the standard, paper version with a few exceptions:
We have implemented a new system for assigning each form a unique number consisting of the service member's Last Name and the last four of their SSN. This is executed electronically once these fields are filled and is invisible to the user. Any accompanying photograph and other files associated with the form should be submitted with the same lastname/lastfour in the file name (example: Jones1234.jpg).
Before you hit the "Submit" button to send the completed form, we recommend you print a copy of the form, have the individual sign it, and maintain it on file locally for 90 days. This verifies that the service member agrees to release the information on the form to commercial media. Since the form is legal size in length, you will have to select to print just page one, or print on legal-sized paper.
Additional Guidance
Type of Hometown News story: Be as specific and brief as possible. Think of this as a headline. Don't use abbreviations or acronyms. If an explanation is needed for an award or achievement, use the comment block for further information. If the event involves something outside the realm of a normal release, such as an exercise, humanitarian event, or other timely coverage, attach a cover story by using the “Open Attachment Window” button, or e-mail a cover story with the release. If available, a scanned copy of award citations should be submitted for receipt of an award.
Next-of Kin Information: Make the relationship clear for each tie. If the service member is unsure about the exact street address, the name of the street is acceptable. Media coverage is determined by ZIP Code, so including the code with the address is vital. Do not include brothers and sisters at the same address as parents.
Duty Title: It's preferable to type the service member's duty title, rather than MOS or AFSC number.
Unit of Assignment/Post or Base: Don't abbreviate units. Instead of 1/67 AR, type in 1st Battalion, 67th Armor. If stationed overseas, type in a geographic location, e.g., Wurzburg, Germany, or Camp Red Cloud, South Korea. Do not include APOs.
Comments: Type in any additional information that will add to the story. Comments from a citation, additional awards or events, even specific newspapers to be included. This is also a good place to explain a potentially confusing next-of-kin tie.
PAO Code: Treat electronic forms the same way as those mailed to Hometown News. In order for us to authenticate a filled form and for you to get credit for a submission, it's important to place the appropriate PAO Code on the form.
Open Attachment Window Button: You can attach electronic files directly to the form. If you do attach file(s), ensure that you check the indicator box next to the ‘Open Attachment Window,’ otherwise the files may be missed. (Note: If you elect to email files instead of attaching them to the form you should still check the indicator box. This alerts the individual processing the form that additional files are being submitted via email.) After you have checked the indicator box, click the ‘Open Attachment Window’ button. This will open a new window. (NOTE: Once you open this window, whether you actually attach anything or not, you must exit the window by clicking FINISHED. If you click the X to close the window, you will also close your browser and lose the form.) To upload a file, click the BROWSE button next to the ‘Address’ block, browse to the location on your computer where the file you want to upload resides, and select the file. If the file is a photo, go to the TITLE field and change the photo name to the individual's last name and last four of SSN (example: Jones1234), then click ADD. You can attach more that one file by just repeating the process. Once you are finished adding the files, click the FINISH button to return to the form.
If you have photos or other material for a form that you want to email instead of uploading you can email to our hometown@dma.mil address. We again solicit your cooperation ahead of time that all files use the lastname/lastfive naming convention.