Best Way to Make A Back Up of Personnel Records

[MIKE]

What is the best way to make a back up copy of ones personnel records to be retained by the member in the event that the original records are lost or destroyed?  Assuming the member didn't get or did not retain one for one paper copies of everything that should be included with a CAPF 45 and/or CAPF 66.

Other than a paper hard copy of everything, what sort of other media would be a good long term storage option?  I was thinking about asking to have my stuff scanned and put on a CD/DVD or flash drive instead of paper... If it's in PDFs I can print it later if needed, but I still want something that is reasonably survivable.

[Short Field]

I keep a paper copy of my personnel record in a file folder at home.  Our unit makes it easy as everyone gets a personal copy of anything going into the personnel record.  If you want something more - then scan your copies into pdf and write to a CD every year or so.

[pixelwonk]

I think you already have the best options in mind already: Scan 'n PDF.
Whatever media you choose, consider getting a small fire-resistant safe if you don't already have one.
 
IMO, Thumbdrives are great for regs 'n manuals, etc,  but until a better technology presents itself, I'd  I'd opt for the optical storage media for my own records.
Scan, burn and stick in the safe.
Lot's of other personal stuff you can put in it too.  Like that Teletubbies Boxed Set you've been talking about. 

[MIKE]

I keep a paper copy of my personnel record in a file folder at home.  Our unit makes it easy as everyone gets a personal copy of anything going into the personnel record.  If you want something more - then scan your copies into pdf and write to a CD every year or so.

I got and retained paper on some stuff, but I also didn't get copies of a lot of other stuff that is in there.  The thing that I've come to realize is that is if they get lost, I'm up a creek without a paddle... and may have to start over.

[SDF_Specialist]

Everyone has great suggestions. Everytime you get something that has to go in your file, make an extra copy of it, and put it in a file that you've started at home. I wouldn't worry too much about your files being lost. I'd worry more about your Admin/Personnel officer not doing their job.

[RogueLeader]

We have a saying around here.

There is only ONE person responsible for getting things done.  YOU.  If you do nothing, how can you expect others to do it for you?

You deserve to be promoted, and you aren't?  Fill out the 2a.  You want a copy of the Personnel Authorization?  Ask the Admin for a copy.  You want to go to the FTX?  Check with Logistics/OPs or ESO- depending on unit flow.  Don't understand something ask somebody. 

[O-Rex]

There's nothing like going to a new unit, where they ask you for your personnel file, and you hand them a CD.

I did that once, and the look on the Personnel Officer's face was priceless.