military records

How far back to military records go (if any)? If Anders was a soldier, and there are military records would they list where he was from or parents. I have not looked into this, but I loved your hunch, it was great and I will pursue it further. Also would church records show him leaving the church for awhile (just another thought)? Again thank you for all of the information to digest. I wish I had old family member to throw this at, but I don't. Leta