I was told from the day I joined to save a copy of every document of service or performance. I often used my own files to fill in holes in the official record when it converted to microfiche or later to database.
I must say though that when the conversions took place my official hard copy files were forwarded to me by St. Louis.
Did not know that forty years later they are still recovering burned files. That’s a good thing.
Shortly before I retired, a few years ago, I could access my online records and download/print performance reports and other documents. Due to my position, I could also pull copies of anyone on base.