Q: Context: There are eight original DD214 copies. All but Member 1, the "short form" copy, contain information as to the nature and type of discharge, and the re-enlistment code. This code is used to determine whether or not the service member can go back into the service. For unemployment benefits, veterans affairs benefits, as well as for several other services, the "Member's Copy 4" is usually requested but any other "long form" copy is acceptable. All eight copies are identical except Member 1, the "short form," which lacks this critical information. The military will not provide a replacement "Member's Copy 4" (it is the service member's personal copy and physically given to him at separation) and any request for a replacement is always honored by providing a "Service 2," "Service 7" or "Service 8" copy. All but Member 1 are acceptable legal substitutes for Member 4.

Question: how many copies of the dd214 are there? Let's give stream of consciousness first:
To answer this question, we should know that: There are eight original DD214 copies. Therefore, the final answer is eight original DD214 copies.