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THE TILLMAN FRATRICIDE: WHAT THE LEADERSHIP OF THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT KNEW

Mr. Issa.

Mr. Issa. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

General Myers, just for the record, you are not in the chain -- you were not in the chain of command as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs; is that correct?

General Myers. No. The chairman is the principal military adviser to the President and the National Security Council, and I am not in the operational chain of command, no.

Mr. Issa. So your influence during your tenure there is designed to be to make policy recommendations to the President, to the Secretary, that then at their discretion are implemented. And as a result, even though you are informed, and obviously you have the respect of the men that you have served with for so many years, in fact, when we want to look at the chain of command, we should not be looking at you as part of that except to the extent that you knew about something; is that correct?

General Myers. I think that is substantially correct.

Mr. Issa. OK. And I am going to -- first of all, I am going to join with all of you in saying that we regret from the dais the heartburn, the heartache and the suffering that the Tillman family went through, and that is one of the reasons that Government Oversight and Reform has to take a role in seeing that this doesn't happen again, if at all possible.

I also want to make available for the record our assessment, which is out of 41 Members on the dais here today, there are only 8 who ever served in the military. And all of us who served in the military served, as far as I know, at the rank of captain or less. So I am not going to claim, as one of those, that we are especially knowledgeable of everything that could go wrong in every situation. But let's go through a couple of things that seem to be left unchanged.

We understand that a three-star general has lost a star as a result not just of ineptness during the process, but of false statements. Is that your understanding also?

Mr. Rumsfeld. No.

Mr. Issa. That has not happened yet?

Mr. Rumsfeld. Not to my knowledge. I read the paper this morning, and it said the issue as to whether or not he ought to keep his third star is something that should be given to a review panel, if I am not mistaken.

Mr. Issa. OK. I think I will join with the recommendation that the general's lies -- we are not a body in the military who accept false statements. Mistakes, yes; false statements, no. So I would hope that appropriate action is taken. But as far as I can tell, that is the only lie.

But there is an unresolved issue, and I hope that is the focus here today. As I understand it, the Army has a policy that during an investigation of a possible fratricide, you do inform the family that is a possibility. Is that all of your understanding here today for the Army?

Mr. Rumsfeld. I have no knowledge of what that Army reg says.

General Brown. It is my understanding and I think the policy is no later than 30 days from the time that the investigation -- that there is an investigation, you must immediately notify the family, but in no cases later than 30 days. I think that is a regulation that came into effect about 2003. And I don't know what the regulation was before 2003.

Mr. Issa. Army regulation 600-8-1 will be placed in the record without objection.

Chairman Waxman. Without objection, that will be the order.

[The information referred to follows:]

Army Regulation 600–8–1

Personnel—General
Army Casualty
Program

Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
30 April 2007

SUMMARY of CHANGE

AR 600–8–1
Army Casualty Program

This administrative revision, dated 30 April 2007--

o Updates DA Form 1156 (Casualty Feeder Card) (fig 4-1).
o Updates instructions for using DA Form 1156 (para 4-5).

This administrative revision dated 28 February 2007--

o Add paragraph to update guidance on IG requirements for fatal accident presentations of friendly fire casualties (para 3-10g).
o Updates administrative changes throughout the publication.
o Corrects typographical errors throughout the publication.

This administrative revision dated 17 May 2006-

o Changes fatal training briefs to fatal accident briefs (summary of change page).
o Adds hostile death 15-6 investigation requirements (para 2-9h).
o Adds hostile death 15-6 investigation requirements (para 2-9h).

This major revision dated 7 April 2006-

o Changes the title to Army Casualty Program.
o Incorporates a new format that more directly follows the course of casualty reporting, notification, and assistance as it actually occurs (throughout).
o Replaces references to PERSCOM and AR-PERSCOM with Army Human Resources Command (AHRC) and Army Human Resources Command-St. Louis (AHRC-STL), respectively (throughout).
o Consolidates DA Form 1155 (Witness Statement on Individual) and DA Form 1156 (Casualty Feeder Report) into the combined DA Form 1156 (Casualty Feeder Card) (paras 1-7 and 4-5).
o Combines information concerning Reserve and National Guard casualty reporting and notification (para 3-1).
o Updates reporting requirements for U.S. Army Reserve/Army National Guard Soldiers (para 3-1).
o Adds reference to fatal training briefs (para 3-10).
o Replaces message addresses for casualty reporting with e-mail addresses, along with references to Web site for up-to-date information on e-mail addresses (table 4-1).
o Adds warrant officers to the pool of eligible casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer personnel (para 6-3).
o Clarifies the use of active duty Soldiers only for casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer duties (para 6-3).
o Adds sample Commander’s Letter of Condolence (chap 8).
o Clarifies U.S. Army Reserve Soldier coverage to include those Soldiers who overnight en route to drill or duty (para 9-2).
o Establishes the importance of and explains DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data) (chap 11).
o Lists the Casualty Assistance Center’s responsibilities (app B).

Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
30 April 2007

*Army Regulation 600–8–1
Effective 15 May 2007

Personnel—General

Army Casualty Program

By Order of the Secretary of the Army: GEORGE W. CASEY, JR.
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff

Official:

JOYCE E. MORROW
Administrative Assistant to the
Secretary of the Army

History. This publication is an administrative revision. The portions affected by this administrative revision are listed in the summary of change.

Summary. This consolidated regulation prescribes policies and mandated tasks governing U.S. Army casualty operations, to include casualty reporting, casualty notification, and casualty assistance. It provides policy guidance and information to Soldiers who have been designated to perform the duties of a casualty notification officer or casualty assistance officer. Also, this regulation provides policies and information pertaining to casualty related documentation, specifically the DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data), Service members’ Group Life Insurance, and other life insurance programs administered by the Department of Veterans'  Affairs.

Applicability. This regulation applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.

Proponent and exception authority. The proponent of this regulation is the Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1. The proponent has the authority to approve exceptions or waivers to this regulation that are consistent with controlling law and regulations. The proponent may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a division chief within the proponent agency or its direct reporting unit or field operating agency, in the grade of colonel or the civilian equivalent. Activities may request a waiver to this regulation by providing justification that includes a full analysis of the expected benefits and must include formal review by the activity's senior  legal officer. All waiver requests will be endorsed by the commander or senior  leader of the requesting activity and forwarded through their higher headquarters to the policy proponent. Refer to AR  25–30 for specific guidance.

Army management control process. This regulation does not contain management control provisions.

Supplementation. Supplementation of  this regulation and establishment of command and local forms are prohibited without prior approval from HQDA, Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1, ATTN: DAPE–ZA, 300 Army Pentagon, 20310–0300.

Suggested improvements. Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and  Blank Forms) directly to Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, ATTN: AHRC-PEZ, Alexandria, VA 22332–0400.

Distribution. This publication is available in electronic media only and is intended for command levels A, B, C, D, and E for the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army  Reserve.

_______________

* This regulation supersedes AR 600–8–1, dated 28 February 2007.

Contents (Listed by paragraph and page number)

Chapter 1
Introduction
, page 1
Purpose • 1–1, page 1
References • 1–2, page 1
Explanation of abbreviations and terms • 1–3, page 1
Overview • 1–4, page 1
Principles of support • 1–5, page 1
Standards of service • 1–6, page 2
Wartime reporting standards • 1–7, page 2
Policies overview • 1–8, page 2
Public release of casualty information • 1–9, page 2
Requirements control exemption • 1–10, page 2
Casualty and mortuary affairs open allotment • 1–11, page 3

Chapter 2
Responsibilities
, page 3
The Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1 • 2–1, page 3
The Chief, National Guard Bureau • 2–2, page 3
The Chief, Army Reserve • 2–3, page 3
Department of Veterans’ Affairs • 2–4, page 4
Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance • 2–5, page 4
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command • 2–6, page 4
U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center • 2–7, page 4
U.S. Army Human Resources Command • 2–8, page 4
Commanders of all major Army commands and major subordinate commands • 2–9, page 4
The commandant, Adjutant General School • 2–10, page 5
Commanders of installations, overseas communities, and mobilization stations • 2–11, page 5
Casualty Assistance Centers • 2–12, page 5
Battalion commanders • 2–13, page 5
Unit commanders • 2–14, page 6
Casualty notification officer team • 2–15, page 6
Casualty assistance officer • 2–16, page 6

Chapter 3
Casualty Reporting
, page 6

Section I
Personnel Requiring a Casualty Report, page 6
Categories of reportable casualties • 3–1, page 6
Reporting Army general officers, Sergeants Major of the Army, and Medal of Honor recipients • 3–2, page 7
Reporting persons away from their station of assignment • 3–3, page 8
Reporting deaths of civilians residing overseas • 3–4, page 8
Reporting U.S. Army members attached to another Service • 3–5, page 8
Reporting members of other Services • 3–6, page 8
Joint Service casualty message • 3–7, page 8
Reporting enemy prisoners of war and civilian internees in U.S. Army custody • 3–8, page 8

Section II
Casualty Reporting—Special Circumstances, page 8
Casualty reporting during hostilities • 3–9, page 8
Reporting suspected friendly fire casualties • 3–10, page 9
Casualty reporting during movement by military air or sea, to or from overseas commands • 3–11, page 9
Casualty reporting during field exercises • 3–12, page 9
Casualty reporting during an attack on the continental United States • 3–13, page 10

Section III
Special Interest Casualty Reporting, page 10
Special interest casualty matters • 3–14, page 10
Reporting special interest casualty matters • 3–15, page 10

Section IV
Casualty Report Types and Submissions, page 10
Types of reports • 3–16, page 10
Submitting reports • 3–17, page 11
Reporting a person as deceased • 3–18, page 11
Determination of date and time of death • 3–19, page 11
Reporting a person as wounded, injured, or ill • 3–20, page 11

Chapter 4
Preparing and Sending Casualty Reports
, page 12
Security classification • 4–1, page 12
Dispatch of reports • 4–2, page 12
Rules for preparing an initial casualty report • 4–3, page 14
Steps for preparing initial casualty reports • 4–4, page 16
Steps for preparing initial theater casualty reports • 4–5, page 16
Rules for preparing a status change casualty report • 4–6, page 17
Steps for preparing a status change casualty report • 4–7, page 17
Rules for preparing a supplemental casualty report • 4–8, page 17
Steps for preparing a supplemental casualty report • 4–9, page 17
Rules for preparing a prognosis or progress report • 4–10, page 18
Steps for preparing a prognosis or progress report • 4–11, page 18
Preparation of prognosis or progress reports • 4–12, page 18
Content of prognosis or progress reports • 4–13, page 18
Health and welfare reports • 4–14, page 19
Rules for casualty report preparation using DCIPS–Forward • 4–15, page 19
Preparing the casualty report • 4–16, page 19

Chapter 5
Casualty Notification
, page 32

Section I
Actions Required for Notification of Deceased, Duty Status–Whereabouts Unknown and Missing Casualties, page 32
Line of succession to establish next of kin • 5–1, page 32
Rules for making notification to the next of kin of a casualty • 5–2, page 32
Casualty notification procedures (peacetime) • 5–3, page 33
Casualty notification procedures (contingency operations) • 5–4, page 34
Selection of the casualty notification officer/casualty notification team • 5–5, page 34
Hours of notification • 5–6, page 34
Manner of notification • 5–7, page 34
Notification information • 5–8, page 35
Notification scripts • 5–9, page 35
Don’ts of personal notification • 5–10, page 35

Section II
Actions Required for Notification on Injured or Ill Casualties, page 36
Rules for notification • 5–11, page 36
Responsibility for notification • 5–12, page 36
Identifying the primary next of kin • 5–13, page 36
Notification desires of the casualty victim • 5–14, page 36
Casualty status requiring notification • 5–15, page 37
Notification information • 5–16, page 37
Methods of notification • 5–17, page 37

Chapter 6
Casualty Assistance Program
, page 37

Section I
General, page 37
Objectives of the program • 6–1, page 37
Persons entitled to a casualty assistance officer • 6–2, page 38
Selection of casualty assistance officers • 6–3, page 38
Continuity of assistance • 6–4, page 39
Casualty assistance officer packets • 6–5, page 39
Assignment and transfer of person receiving casualty assistance • 6–6, page 39

Section II
Assistance to the next of kin of deceased individuals, page 40
Role of the casualty assistance officer • 6–7, page 40
Assistance to the next of kin of retired Soldiers • 6–8, page 41
Assistance to the next of kin of civilian employees • 6–9, page 41

Section III
Performance of Duties as the Casualty Assistance Officer in Deceased Cases, page 41
General • 6–10, page 41
Disposition of casualty assistance officer after action report • 6–11, page 42

Section IV
Obtaining Personal Information from the Next of Kin of a Deceased Individual, page 42
Obtaining information • 6–12, page 42
Advising the next of kin • 6–13, page 42

Chapter 7
Transportation and Travel Orders for Family Members of Very Seriously Wounded, Injured, or Ill and
Seriously Wounded, Injured, or Ill Soldiers
, page 42
Very seriously wounded, injured, or ill, seriously wounded, injured, or ill, not seriously injured travel and
transportation orders (invitational travel orders) • 7–1, page 42
Outside continental United States travel and transportation orders for family members • 7–2, page 42
Continental United States travel and transportation orders for family members • 7–3, page 44

Chapter 8
Preparation and Dispatch of Letters of Sympathy, Condolence, and Concern
, page 45

Section I
Letters of Sympathy, page 45
Description of letters of sympathy • 8–1, page 45
Procedures for preparing letters • 8–2, page 45
Content of letters • 8–3, page 45
Review of letters • 8–4, page 50

Section II
Letters of Condolence and Concern, page 51
Description of condolence letters • 8–5, page 51
Preparation of condolence letters • 8–6, page 51
Sending condolence letters • 8–7, page 51
Review of condolence letters • 8–8, page 51
Letters of concern • 8–9, page 51
Rules for preparing letters of sympathy, condolence, and concern • 8–10, page 51

Chapter 9
Death gratuity benefit and unpaid pay and allowances
, page 51
Eligibility • 9–1, page 51
Death gratuity • 9–2, page 51
Claims for unpaid pay and allowances • 9–3, page 52

Chapter 10
Report of Casualty
, page 53
Report of death • 10–1, page 53
Documentation • 10–2, page 53
Certification • 10–3, page 53
Report of casualty • 10–4, page 53

Chapter 11
DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data)
, page 54

Section I
Casualty–Related Documents, page 54
Overview • 11–1, page 54
Confidential data • 11–2, page 54
Importance of DD Form 93 • 11–3, page 54

Section II
Preparation, Review, Update, and Disposition of DD Form 93, page 54
Preparing DD Form 93 • 11–4, page 54
Review, update, and disposition of DD Form 93 • 11–5, page 54
Person authorized to direct disposition designation • 11–6, page 58

Chapter 12
Life Insurance
, page 59

Section I
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, page 59
Establishment • 12–1, page 59
Soldier responsibilities • 12–2, page 59
Application, type, and amount of insurance • 12–3, page 59
Soldiers eligible to be insured • 12–4, page 59
Termination of coverage • 12–5, page 60
Restoration of terminated coverage • 12–6, page 60
Forfeiture of coverage • 12–7, page 60
Payment of claims • 12–8, page 60

Section II
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance for Active Duty Soldiers, page 60
Premium rates • 12–9, page 60
Continuity of elections and designations • 12–10, page 60

Section III
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance for the U.S. Army Reserve, the Army National Guard, and the Reserve
Officers’ Training Corps, page 61
Who is covered • 12–11, page 61
Periods of coverage • 12–12, page 61
Beginning and ending dates of coverage • 12–13, page 61
Applying for insurance • 12–14, page 62
Payment of premiums • 12–15, page 62
Counseling for Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve coverage • 12–16, page 62

Section IV
Servicemembers’ Group Life Iinsurance Election and Certificate, page 62
Beneficiary designations • 12–17, page 62
Counseling on beneficiary designations • 12–18, page 62
Change or cancellation of beneficiary designation • 12–19, page 64
Automatic termination of beneficiary designation • 12–20, page 65
Election and review of coverage • 12–21, page 65
Restoration or reinstatement of waived coverage • 12–22, page 65

Section V
Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, page 66
General • 12–23, page 66
Eligible persons to be insured • 12–24, page 66
Coverage levels • 12–25, page 66
Effective date of coverage • 12–26, page 66
Premiums • 12–27, page 67
Termination of insurance • 12–28, page 67
Reduction and cancellation of Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance • 12–29, page 67
Restoring and increasing Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage • 12–30, page 67
Accelerated Benefits Option • 12–31, page 68
Other Government life insurance policies • 12–32, page 68
Amount of insurance • 12–33, page 69
Eligibility • 12–34, page 69
Application of Veteran’s Group Life Insurance • 12–35, page 69
Notification of insurance • 12–36, page 69
Traumatic injury protection • 12–37, page 69

Chapter 13
Procedures for Casualties Involving Missing Persons (Non–Hostile and Hostile)
, page 70

Section I
General, page 70
Implementation • 13–1, page 70
Explanation of terms • 13–2, page 70
Reporting a person as duty status–whereabouts unknown • 13–3, page 71
Personnel files • 13–4, page 71

Section II
Boards of Inquiry, page 71
Appointment of boards of inquiry • 13–5, page 71
Initial board of inquiry • 13–6, page 72
Subsequent board of inquiry • 13–7, page 72
Next of kin rights • 13–8, page 72
Board procedures • 13–9, page 75
Legal advisor and counsel for missing persons • 13–10, page 75
Board findings and recommendations • 13–11, page 75
Record of board proceedings and legal review • 13–12, page 76
Final board action • 13–13, page 76
Further review board • 13–14, page 76

Appendixes

A. References, page 78
B. Casualty Assistance Centers, page 86
C. Location Codes, page 86
D. Reports of Investigations and Autopsy Reports, page 92
E. Survivor Benefit Plan/Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan, page 94
F. Social Security Payments, page 94
G. Education Benefits, page 95
H. Civil Service Employment for Survivors, page 96
I. Lapel Buttons, page 96
J. Posthumous Awards and Decorations, page 97
K. Checklist and Information for the Survivor, page 97
L. Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card, page 99
M. Checklist and Information for the Survivor, page 100
N. Preparation for Visit to Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Social Security Offices, page 101
O. Reimbursement of Funeral Expenses, page 102
P. Personal Effects, page 103
Q. Disposition Authority, page 104
R. Viewability, page 104

Table List

Table 4–1: Addresses for casualty reports, page 12
Table 4–2: Preparing an initial casualty report, page 16
Table 4–3: Preparing an initial casualty report for the theater casualties, page 17
Table 4–4: Instructions for completing the casualty report message, items 1 through 61, page 19
Table 4–5: Items to be included on a casualty report, page 29
Table 11–1: Preparation of DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data), page 55
Table 11–2: Preparation and distribution of DD Form 93, page 56

Figure List

Figure 4–1: DA Form 1156 (Casualty Feeder Card), page 15
Figure 8–1: Sample commander’s letter of sympathy to next of kin (non–hostile), page 47
Figure 8–1: Sample commander’s letter of sympathy to next of kin (non–hostile)—Continued, page 48
Figure 8–2: Sample commander’s letter of sympathy to next of kin (hostile), page 49
Figure 8–2: Sample commander’s letter of sympathy to next of kin (hostile)—Continued, page 50
Figure 13–1: Letter of election board procedures, page 74
Figure 13–2: Flow chart of the missing report process, page 77

Glossary

Chapter 1
Introduction

1–1. Purpose
This regulation prescribes the policies and mandated operating tasks, responsibilities, and procedures for casualty
operations functions of the military personnel system. The casualty operations functions include casualty reporting,
notification, assistance, and fatal accident family brief program.

1–2. References
Required and related publications and prescribed and referenced forms are listed in appendix A.

1–3. Explanation of abbreviations and terms
Abbreviations and special terms used in this regulation are explained in the glossary.

1–4. Overview
Casualty Assistance Centers (CACs) accomplish the administrative functions of the casualty operations, mortuary
affairs, and line of duty programs, the key subcomponents of the Army Casualty Program. They account for, report,
and document all casualties. The Casualty and Memorial Affairs Operations Center (CMAOC), U.S. Army Human
Resources Command (AHRC–PEZ), has technical supervision over CACs worldwide. The major functions of the Army
Casualty Program are described briefly as follows—
a. Casualty reporting. Casualty reporting is the source of information provided to the next of kin (NOK) concerning
a casualty incident. It is of the utmost importance to provide that information accurately, promptly, and in as much
detail as possible so that the NOK receive as full an accounting as possible of the casualty incident. Dispatch the initial
report within 12 hours from the time of the incident to CMAOC.
b. Casualty notification. The casualty notification officer (CNO) notifies the NOK of an individual who has been
reported as a casualty in a timely, professional, and dignified manner. The CNO will notify NOK within 4 hours of his/
her assignment as CNO. The method of notification varies, depending upon the type of casualty and circumstances
surrounding the incident. This regulation specifies duties of a person designated as a CNO for deceased, missing, or
duty status–whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN) Soldiers at chapter 5, section I, and for injured or ill Soldiers at
chapter 5, section II. Notification is made in person by a uniformed Soldier for deceased, missing, or DUSTWUN
Soldiers and telephonically for injured or ill Soldiers (chap 5). If there is a chance that the NOK may learn of the
casualty by other than official sources, the chief, CMAOC (AHRC–PEZ) may approve notification by the quickest
means, normally the telephone. In such an event, a Uniformed Services representative will render official condolences
(for death cases) or official expressions of concern (for missing or DUSTWUN cases) in person. The CAC should
make every effort to provide a chaplain to accompany the CNO. When a chaplain is not available, a second Soldier
will accompany the CNO on the notification mission.
c. Casualty assistance. Casualty assistance is always provided to those receiving benefits and/or entitlements in
death, missing, or DUSTWUN cases and to those NOK who have need for ongoing exchanges of information with the
Department of the Army (DA), such as parents who are secondary next of kin (SNOK). The casualty assistance officer
(CAO) provides these services. The main objectives of casualty assistance are—
(1) Assist the NOK during the period immediately following a casualty.
(2) Assist in settling claims and applying for and receipt of survivor benefits.
(3) Assist in other personnel–related affairs.
(4) Serve as the Army’s liaison to pass information relating to the Soldier or the incident between the Army and the
family.
d. Casualty assistance officer length of service. Casualty assistance varies greatly by case. Therefore, there are no
time limits on providing assistance. The person assigned casualty assistance duties will remain in contact until all
actions related to settling the decedent’s personal affairs have been completed and all benefits and entitlements have
been applied for and begin to flow. Document assistance in an after action report (AAR). The CAO and the family
member must agree to the completion of all CAO responsibilities, and the CAC will verify this agreement. During
contingency operations or for training–related casualties, the duties of a CAO may last 6 to 12 months or more.
e. Mortuary affairs. The Army’s Mortuary Affairs Program provides for the care and disposition of remains and for
the disposition of personal effects. This program is closely related to and dependent upon the Army Casualty Program
(see AR 638–2 and DA Pam 638–2 for detailed information about the Mortuary Affairs Program).
f. Line of duty determination. The Army’s Line of Duty Determination Program establishes a Soldier’s or surviving
family member’s eligibility for disability payments and other benefits provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
(see AR 600–8–4).

1–5. Principles of support
The Army will—
a. Operate the casualty reporting system in peacetime and wartime to ensure CACs expeditiously report all
individuals who become casualties to Director, CMAOC (AHRC–PEZ).
b. Operate the CMAOC 24–hours a day, 7 days a week. The CMAOC will manage the flow of all casualty
information.
c. Develop procedures to ensure timely notification to the primary next of kin (PNOK) for all reportable casualties,
as well as to the SNOK, the person authorized to direct disposition (PADD), and other designated beneficiaries for all
deceased, missing, or DUSTWUN personnel.
d. Provide casualty assistance to PNOK, PADD, parents who are SNOK, and other designated beneficiaries in the
case of all individuals who are reported as deceased, missing, or DUSTWUN through the casualty network.

1–6. Standards of service
a. Casualty Assistance Centers will expeditiously record, report, and account for every casualty in peacetime and
wartime.
b. Casualty Assistance Centers will have 24–hours a day, 7 days a week casualty operations capability.
c. A Uniformed Services representative will notify the individual’s PNOK, SNOK, and other designated beneficiaries
in person in the event of death, missing, or DUSTWUN cases.
d. A designated CAO will assist those receiving benefits and or entitlements.
e. Casualty notification will include information concerning the date, location, and detailed circumstances under
which the casualty occurred.
f. Every level of command (CMD) will initiate a heads–up phone call to the next higher level, then pass casualty
information to the responsible CAC, which will continually reconcile, verify, consolidate, and pass information to the
CMAOC.

1–7. Wartime reporting standards
a. Units will report all casualties found on the battlefield (that is, American civilians, personnel of other Services,
Allied forces, and Soldiers from other units). When the unit suspects that a death may have resulted from possible
friendly fire, it will report this possibility immediately to the CAC on an initial (INIT) or supplemental (SUPP)
casualty report.
b. Units will record casualties on DA Form 1156 (Casualty Feeder Card) and submit to battalion level without delay
or as the battlefield situation permits.
c. Units will forward each DA Form 1156 to the appropriate Adjutant (S–1) without delay or as the battlefield
situation permits.
d. The Adjutant will, upon receipt of a DA Form 1156, ensure accuracy and completeness of the casualty report and
forward it to the appropriate level headquarters without delay or as the battlefield permits.
e. The theater CAC will immediately place a heads–up phone call to the Army Human Resources Command
(AHRC) OC and then verify information and dispatch casualty reports to the OC as soon as possible.
f. Casualty liaison teams (CLTs) will be assigned where best suited to capture all casualties (field hospitals,
mortuary collection points, and so forth).
g. Wartime notification and assistance standards will be the same as peacetime until such time as the number of
casualties exceeds the one–on–one notification and assistance capabilities of the CAC, or until the Director, CMAOC
modifies standards.

1–8. Policies overview
This regulation provides an operating source document to the field. As such, it is binding on all communities involved
in Army casualty operations. Everyone providing information to the casualty system should be aware that all documentation,
reports, board findings, or investigative reports may be requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
All materials pertaining to a casualty should be well documented and properly filed and/or stored for immediate
retrieval upon request, in accordance with AR 25–400–2.

1–9. Public release of casualty information
Army Regulation 360–1, chapter 5, gives guidelines for public release of casualty information and precludes public
release of casualty information until the Army notifies NOK. In cases where there is or may be news media or public
interest, the CAC must advise the OC as well as the appropriate public affairs officer (PAO) concerned after
completing notification.

1–10. Requirements control exemption
The reports, notifications, and verifications prescribed in this regulation are exempt from requirements control action
under AR 335–15, paragraph 5–2b(5).

1–11. Casualty and mortuary affairs open allotment
a. Operations and Maintenance, Army (OMA) fund is controlled by CMAOC, AHRC. This open allotment is
established to provide funding for those expenses that are directly related to the casualty operations, disposition of
remains, disposition of personal effects programs; travel in support of certain casualty and mortuary affairs requirements
as authorized by AR 638–2, this regulation, and AR 600–34; and operational supplies and equipment during
contingency and military operations. The open allotment is used only for those expenses that cannot be foreseen or
programmed in advance. It is not intended to be used for normal or routine operating expenses.
b. The following expenses may be charged to the open allotment—
(1) Very seriously wounded, injured, or ill (VSI), seriously wounded, injured, or ill (SI), and not seriously injured,
wounded, or ill (NSI) travel and per diem as prescribed in chapter 7.
(2) Casualty notification officer travel and per diem expenses when more than 3 hours one–way from the installation
or place of residence for U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and Army National Guard (ARNG) Soldiers.
(3) Reimbursement of CAO cell phone expenses.
(4) Casualty assistance officer travel and per diem expenses when more than 3 hours one–way from the installation
or place of residence for USAR and ARNG Soldiers.
(5) Repatriation family travel for family members of Soldiers who are repatriated prisoners of war or recovered
missing Soldiers (see chap 13).
(6) Gold star lapel pins (both types) presented to family members of deceased Soldiers in accordance with AR
600–8–22.
c. See AR 638–2 for detailed information concerning the casualty and mortuary affairs open allotment. Questions
concerning the use of this allotment should be referred to Director, CMAOC.

Chapter 2
Responsibilities

2–1. The Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1
The Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1 (DCS, G–1) is the Army Staff proponent for the Servicemembers’ Group Life
Insurance (SGLI), Family SGLI (FSGLI) coverage, and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) programs. The DCS,
G–1 will establish personnel policies relating to Army casualty operations.

2–2. The Chief, National Guard Bureau
The Chief, National Guard Bureau (CNGB) will—
a. Establish policies and procedures within the National Guard to support the Army Casualty Program, based upon
this regulatory authority for all casualties.
b. Establish procedures within the ARNG to implement the Army Casualty Program for National Guard Soldiers
who die while not in an active duty status to—
(1) Properly dispose of the Soldier’s personnel records according to AR 600–8–104.
(2) Issue or have issued at State level, DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) for all deceased Guardsmen except those
identified in paragraph 3–1b, who are managed by DA CMAOC.
(3) Establish policies and procedures to ensure Soldiers are informed of their SGLI benefits.
(4) Establish procedures to ensure SGLI premiums are paid according to chapter 2, section III.
(5) Certify Soldier’s eligibility in the SGLI and family member eligibility for FSGLI to the Office of Servicemember’s
Group Life Insurance (OSGLI).

2–3. The Chief, Army Reserve
The Chief, Army Reserve (CAR) will—
a. Establish policies and procedures within the Army Reserve to support the Army Casualty Program, based on this
regulatory authority for all casualties.
b. Implement the Army Casualty Program within the Army Reserve to support Soldiers who die while not in an
active duty status to—
(1) Properly dispose of the Soldier’s personnel records according to AR 600–8–104.
(2) Issue or have issued by the commander (CDR), AHRC (AHRC–PAP–R), the DD Form 1300 for all deceased
USAR Soldiers except those identified in paragraph 3–1b. Additionally, the CDR, AHRC (AHRC–PAP–R) will issue
this form for all retired members, except those who die within 120 days of retirement and those identified in paragraph
3–1b.
(3) Establish policies and procedures to ensure Soldiers are informed of their SGLI benefits.
(4) Establish procedures to ensure OSGLI pays premiums according to chapter 12, section III.
(5) Certify Soldier’s eligibility for SGLI and dependent eligibility to the OSGLI.

2–4. Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will monitor all veteran and retirement insurance programs listed in this
regulation.

2–5. Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance
The Director, OSGLI will oversee SGLI, FSGLI, and VGLI payments.

2–6. U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command
The CDR, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) will inform Director, CMAOC of initiation of all CID
investigations involving a deceased Soldier and forward a copy of the completed report in redacted form to the CDR,
AHRC (AHRC–PEZ). This regulation is not intended to provide the PNOK with information not otherwise releasable
under 5 USC 552, 5 USC 552a, and the Act of 21 August 1996, Public Law 104–91, Health and Insurance Portability
and Accountability (HIPAA) (Act of 21 August 1996, PL 104–91). When necessary, this copy can be redacted to limit
confidential information.

2–7. U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center
The CDR, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center will inform Director, CMAOC of initiation of all accident investigations
involving a deceased Soldier and forward a copy of the completed accident report in redacted form to Director,
CMAOC. The release of information from accident investigation reports is limited (see AR 385–40, para 1–11 for
additional information on the proper release of information from accident investigation reports).

2–8. U.S. Army Human Resources Command
The CDR, AHRC (AHRC–PEZ) will establish standards and mandatory operating tasks for Army casualty operations.
Specifically the CDR, AHRC (AHRC–PEZ) will—
a. Publish peacetime and wartime policies and procedures, and establish standards for the Army Casualty Program.
b. Ensure accurate and timely casualty reporting.
c. Ensure prompt, accurate, and professionally executed casualty notification.
d. Administer the Army Casualty Assistance Program to include establishing minimum training and performance
standard for CAOs.
e. Designate CACs, in coordination with the Installation Management Agency (IMA), by geographical location.
f. Provide technical support and guidance to CACs worldwide.
g. Issue a DD Form 1300 on those categories of casualties identified in paragraphs 3–1a through 3–1n, except l.
h. Posthumously promote Soldiers according to applicable promotion regulations, and issue a DA Form 3168
(Posthumous Promotion).
i. Disseminate procedural guidance on the DVA laws concerning SGLI/FSGLI/VGLI/Traumatic Servicemembers’
Group Life Insurance (TSGLI).
j. Certify eligibility for SGLI and FSGLI to the OSGLI for those persons listed in paragraphs 3–1a through 3–1n,
except 3–1l.
k. Prepare letters of condolence for the Secretary of Army (SA) and the Chief of Staff, Army (CSA) signatures for
all military–related deaths.
l. Manage the Fatal Training and Operational Accident Presentation Program in accordance with regulatory guidance
(see AR 600–34, para 1–18 for the concept of collateral investigations of fatal training and/or operations accidents).

2–9. Commanders of all major Army commands and major subordinate commands
Commanders of major Army commands (MACOMs) and major subordinate commands (MSCs) will—
a. Monitor and assist in the administration of the Army Casualty Program to ensure compliance with policies and
mandatory tasks of this regulation.
b. Ensure subordinate CDRs train basic casualty reporting procedures and standards, down to the individual Soldier.
c. Ensure CDRs directing the deployment of a task force from whose area Army Soldiers are deployed, have trained
personnel to perform the casualty reporting functions.
d. Establish procedures to ensure Soldiers understand the purpose of the SGLI/FSGLI programs and the need to
maintain a current certificate.
e. Provide Soldiers the opportunity to apply for or decline SGLI/FSGLI.
f. Monitor the records custodian to ensure that Soldiers prepare insurance election forms and certificates in
accordance with chapter 12.
g. Ensure their Soldiers keep their DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data) and SGLI election form up–to–date at
all times.
h. Commanders of deployed forces will initiate AR 15–6 collateral investigations (formal or informal) for all hostile
deaths.

2–10. The commandant, Adjutant General School
The commandant, Adjutant General (AG) School will—
a. Appoint a casualty operations subject matter expert and doctrinal proponent.
b. Publish doctrinal literature for Army casualty reporting.
c. Serve as the branch proponent for the Army Casualty Program.
d. Develop doctrine and establish and conduct personnel training to support casualty operations, in coordination with
Director, CMAOC, AHRC–PEZ.

2–11. Commanders of installations, overseas communities, and mobilization stations
Only those installations or commands identified in appendix B are authorized to implement and operate the casualty
program (casualty reporting, notification, and assistance). These installations or CMDs will be called CACs. Installation
Management Agency CDRs and CDRs of overseas communities and mobilization (MOB) stations will—
a. Establish, resource, and operate a casualty operations program that accomplishes the requirements established by
this regulation.
b. Upon mobilization, activation, or deactivation of installations, the Director, CMAOC, in coordination with the
IMA, designate other installations or commands as CACs in support of contingency operations, as required.
c. Identify and train Soldiers and DA civilians from local CMD resources who may work as augmentee casualty
clerks during a mass casualty incident.

2–12. Casualty Assistance Centers
The CACs, as identified in appendix B (or as posted to the CMAOC Web site, https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/
TAGD/CMAOC/cmaoc.htm), will—
a. Operate all aspects of the casualty program.
b. Maintain liaison with local veterans’ hospitals regarding benefits for active duty service.
c. In fulfilling their responsibilities in casualty related matters, task both Active Army and Reserve Component (RC)
commands within their geographical area of jurisdiction to provide support, which will include CNOs, CAOs,
chaplains, unit escorts, summary court–martial officers, funeral honors details, and other funeral support.
c. Establish procedures within their geographical area of responsibility to designate and train individuals to perform
casualty notification and casualty assistance duties in death, DUSTWUN, and missing cases prior to being assigned a
notification or assistance mission.
d. Assist task force CDRs in all aspects of casualty reporting during a civil disturbance.
e. Develop and maintain a mass casualty operations plan (OPLAN) that identifies responsibilities in the event of a
mass casualty situation within the CAC area of responsibility.
f. Establish and operate an installation and/or community casualty working group.
g. Establish procedures to issue travel orders to the NOK of Soldiers identified by proper medical authority as SI or
VSI, or as otherwise determined eligible in accordance with chapter 5 of this regulation.
h. Establish procedures to maintain an accurate and current DD Form 93.
i. Assist task force CDRs in establishing a casualty reporting unit as an integral organizational element of the task
force. The duties of this element will be—
(1) Institute effective procedures to ensure that the casualty information flows quickly and accurately from elements
of the task force to the task force casualty reporting unit.
(2) Establish immediate communication with the CDR in whose area the task force is deployed, the CDR from
whose area Active Army personnel are deployed, and the home unit CDR of the ARNG and USAR Soldier.

2–13. Battalion commanders
Battalion CDRs or field designee will—
a. Ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information submitted on the DA Form 1156, which captures the
essential information used in making NOK notification.
b. Review and approve all initial or supplemental deceased, missing, and DUSTWUN casualty feeder reports with
particular focus on timely casualty reports, detailed circumstances, and, in the case of hostile casualties, on verification
of the accuracy of the reported inflicting force.
c. Request an exception of this requirement to Director, CMAOC. if units cannot meet this requirement due to
personnel shortages or unit structure limitations.
d. Be responsible, during hostilities, normally, for sending the letters of sympathy which provide detailed circumstances
surrounding death.

2–14. Unit commanders
a. Local Army CDRs in support of notification and assistance missions will—
(1) Have overall area responsibility for the Casualty Assistance Program.
(2) Appoint CNOs and CAOs.
(3) Release the CAO from all conflicting duties and requirements until the CAC reviews the CAO’s AAR, confirms
with the NOK that he or she is satisfied that all assistance matters have been properly completed, and releases the CAO
back to his/her unit.
b. Commanders of deceased Soldiers will—
(1) When practical, contact the family of the deceased Soldier by telephone (or other electronic means) within 1
week of the death to offer their condolences and to relate to the family the full circumstances concerning the incident
that resulted in the Soldier’s death, consistent with AR 600–34, para 1–18b.
(2) When an investigation is still pending, inform the family of such and contact the family again as soon as the
investigation is complete.
(3) When relating the circumstances to the family, be mindful of operational security. This should not greatly affect
the information that the family needs to hear.

2–15. Casualty notification officer team
The CNO team represents the SA. Casualty notification may create in the NOK any number of possible emotional
responses. Compassion and sensitivity to their loss will reflect the Army’s concern for its personnel and their families.
The CNO team will—
a. Be courteous, helpful, and compassionate toward the NOK while performing this sensitive mission.
b. Be trained and certified to perform this sensitive mission prior to conducting an actual CNO assignment.

2–16. Casualty assistance officer
The CAO represents the SA. The CAO’s role is dependent upon the needs of the assigned beneficiary or family
member. Refer to chapter 6 for specific guidance. The CAO will—
a. Be courteous, helpful, and compassionate toward the NOK while performing this sensitive mission.
b. Be trained and certified to perform this sensitive mission prior to conducting an actual CAO assignment.
c. Assist and counsel the PNOK or other designated beneficiary on all matters pertaining to the deceased.

Chapter 3
Casualty Reporting

Section I
Personnel Requiring a Casualty Report

3–1. Categories of reportable casualties
A casualty report is required when any of the personnel listed in the categories below becomes a casualty.
a. All Army members on active duty. The term “active duty” includes RC members in an Active Guard/Reserve
(AGR) status, Reserve and National Guard members mobilized under 10 USC, and RC Soldiers serving in a
“sanctuary” status or recalled retired Soldiers.
b. U.S. Army Reserve and ARNG Soldiers who die while en route to or from, or while participating in, any of the
following authorized training activities—
(1) Annual training (AT).
(2) Active duty for training (ADT).
(3) Full–time National Guard duty (FTNGD).
(4) Temporary tour of active duty (TTAD).
(5) Initial active duty training (IADT).
(6) Scheduled inactive duty training (IDT).
(7) Active duty for special work (ADSW).
(8) Special active duty for training (SADT).
c. Soldiers who die while en route to or from or at a place for final acceptance for entry on active duty (AD) with
the Army. This includes personnel in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) en route to or from Recruiting Command
approved activities.
d. Cadets and students enrolled in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) performing authorized training or
travel (5 USC 8140 or 36 USC 2110).
e. United States Military Academy (USMA) cadets.
f. Soldiers in an absent without leave (AWOL) status.
g. Soldiers in a deserter status.
h. Members of other Services (para 3–6).
i. Retired general officers of the Army.
j. Retired Soldiers who held the office of Sergeant Major of the Army.
k. Medal of Honor recipients.
l. Retired Soldiers with 100 percent disability who die within 1 year of separation from the Army (RETIRED—
Temporary Disability Retired List/Permanent Disability Retired List (TDRL/PDRL) 100 percent).
m. Retired, separated, or discharged Soldiers who die within 120 days of separation from the Army. This Includes
Soldiers with disability of less than 100 percent (released from active duty (REFRAD 120).
n. All other retirees, including those covered in accordance with 10 USC 1331 (grey area retirees—retired but not
yet receiving retirement pay).
o. Retirees who die after being continuously hospitalized, including hospice care facilities and veterans’ treatment
facilities, since the date of retirement or separation from service.
p. Department of the Army employees paid from appropriated funds who die during travel status or temporary duty
(TDY) within the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
q. Department of the Army employees paid from appropriated funds while assigned, deployed, or TDY outside the
continental United States (OCONUS).
r. Family members of DA employees paid from appropriated funds residing with the employee stationed outside of
the 50 states and the District of Columbia or while in transit to or from the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
s. Other U.S. civilians who become a casualty OCONUS and are—
(1) Non–appropriated fund employees of the DA.
(2) Contract field technicians or other contract employees working in support of the Armed Forces of the United
States or other U.S. Government agencies in a deployed theater of operations.
(3) Visiting dignitaries.
(4) Representatives of DA–sponsored organizations (such as the American Red Cross, the United Services Organization
(USO), and banking facilities).
(5) U.S. citizens for whom local State Department officials have requested the overseas CMD assume casualty
reporting responsibilities.
(6) Contract representatives of the DVA and the Department of Labor.
(7) Reporters who are embedded with deployed U.S. armed forces.
(8) Any other category of interest so designated by the SA or CSA as reportable.
t. All family members of active duty personnel. Family members are those who are entitled to military identification
(ID) cards or are claimed as dependents on the Soldier’s tax returns.
u. Allied government personnel who die in continental United States (CONUS).
v. Foreign military trainees who die in CONUS.
w. Family members of retired personnel who die in a medical treatment facility (MTF) within the United States
(does not include Alaska or Hawaii).

3–2. Reporting Army general officers, Sergeants Major of the Army, and Medal of Honor recipients
a. Casualty reports on personnel in the categories below will have additional information (3–2 c, below) included in
item 61 (Remarks) of the casualty report. The Director, CMAOC will provide this information to HQDA (DACS–DSP)
Protocol Office for release of an Army–wide message announcing the death of these personnel—
(1) Any general officer in active or retired status.
(2) Any past or present Sergeant Major of the Army.
(3) Any Medal of Honor recipient if the family requests a CAO.
b. Upon death of an active or retired 4–star general officer, if the family requests a CAS, appoint an active duty
general officer as the CAO. Director, CMAOC may grant exceptions to this policy, only when it is clearly not feasible
to appoint an active duty general officer.
c. Additional information required is as follows—
(1) Date, time, and location of the funeral.
(2) Date, time, and location of interment.
(3) The desires of the PNOK concerning expressions of sympathy, contributions, or memorials.
(4) The HQDA (DACS) statement in an Army–wide message that the NOK does or does not consent to the release
of the preceding information announcing the death of the Soldier concerned.
d. Do not delay the INIT report if this information is not immediately available. Submit a SUPP report as soon as
this information is available.

3–3. Reporting persons away from their station of assignment
When a person becomes a casualty while away from his or her permanent station (such as on leave), the CAC in whose
area the casualty occurs will submit a casualty report. Since the CAC may not be able to supply all the required items
of information, the following instructions apply—
a. Submit an INIT casualty report containing the items of information available to the—
(1) Normal addressees.
(2) Casualty Assistance Center responsible for the area in which the person’s permanent station is located.
(3) Commander of the individual’s permanent station.
b. Upon receipt of the casualty report, the CAC responsible for the area in which the individual’s permanent station
is located will obtain personal data from the Soldier’s records. The CAC will then submit that data, in the form of a
SUPP report, to the original addressees and to the CAC that submitted the INIT casualty report. Normal CAC
responsibilities are then in effect.

3–4. Reporting deaths of civilians residing overseas
a. Director, CMAOC will coordinate with American Embassy or consulate officials to provide casualty notification
or assistance for—
(1) Individuals listed in paragraph 3–1l through 3–1r.
(2) Their family members.
(3) Family members of active duty personnel.
b. When the NOK are not in reasonable distance to a CAC, CMAOC may request the Embassy or consulate
personnel to make notification and provide assistance as needed.
c. If death occurs in a designated contingency operational area, the contingency CAC will report the death and
coordinate with Embassy personnel as necessary.
d. After the initial report, should the deceased civilian be fond to be a retired Soldier or current RC member, the
servicing CAC for disposition will prepare a supplemental report and forward to CMAOC and appropriate Service
headquarters of the deceased.

3–5. Reporting U.S. Army members attached to another Service
Do not apply the reporting requirements of this regulation to Army members who become casualties while attached to
another Service. That Service, under its regulations will report those members to Army Casualty (AHRC–PEC).

3–6. Reporting members of other Services
When a person from another Service becomes a casualty and the sponsoring Service is not in the immediate area, the
CMD that would submit a report for Army personnel will handle the initial reporting. The format for these reports is
the same as when reporting Army personnel. The CAC will address the reports to Director, CMAOC, so it can
coordinate with the responsible Service.

3–7. Joint Service casualty message
When casualties occur in a situation involving personnel of more than 1 Service, each Service component will generate
an initial casualty message for its casualties. If other Service casualty reporting elements are not present, the Service
responsible for the area of incident will prepare reports for all casualties. The Joint operational CDR will ensure
consistency and accuracy of all information reported by each Service component.

3–8. Reporting enemy prisoners of war and civilian internees in U.S. Army custody
a. In the case of enemy prisoners of war (EPW), the camp CDR, hospital CDR, or other officers charged with the
custody of the EPW will report in accordance with AR 190–8.
b. When a civilian internee in U.S. Army custody dies or becomes seriously ill because of injury or disease, the
camp or hospital CDR will report in accordance with AR 190–8.

Section II
Casualty Reporting—Special Circumstances

3–9. Casualty reporting during hostilities
a. Commanders will prepare and periodically review, both prior to deployment and thereafter as battlefield conditions
permit, procedures for casualty reporting and casualty operations to determine how effective and responsive these
procedures will be during hostilities. Plans for a casualty reporting system during hostilities must include and provide
for—
(1) A method of collecting casualty data within the area of operation. The method will include using DA Form 1156
and the Defense Casualty Information Processing System–Forward (DCIPS–FWD).
(2) A means of verifying the casualty status of a person by comparing casualty information with military or civilian
personnel records. Such records include DD Form 93, strength reports, military police and straggler reports, prisoner of
war (PW) reports, MTF admission and disposition reports, graves registration and mortuary interment reports, and
intelligence information reports.
(3) A means of verifying the accuracy of all information reported on initial and supplemental casualty feeder
reports.
(4) Preparation of letters of sympathy, condolence, and concern.
b. Commanders at brigade and higher level of CACs preparing to support a mass casualty incident should develop a
memorandum of agreement (MOA) between each mortuary affairs collection point (MACP) and MTF within the
CAC’s or unit’s area of responsibility to allow for CLT involvement in the administration and processing of casualties
evacuated from an area of military operations or mass casualty incident site. This action will support DA casualty
operations requirements. Commanders at brigade and higher level or CACs preparing to support a mass casualty
incident should prepare and periodically review procedures to ensure—
(1) An effective mass casualty reporting system.
(2) Maintenance of a master casualty file.
(3) Maintenance of statistical data on casualties.
(4) Preparation of letters of sympathy, condolence, and concern.
(5) Timely determination of line of duty status for all casualties.
(6) Disposition of personnel records.
(7) Provision of cutoff and disposition instructions for casualty files.

3–10. Reporting suspected friendly fire casualties
Reporting units must report all suspected friendly fire incidents to the CMAOC as soon as evidence leads personnel on
the ground to believe that enemy fire might not have caused a casualty incident during hostilities. Suspected friendly
fire incidents will require—
a. Immediate telephonic heads up to the CMAOC.
b. An INIT or SUPP casualty report with detailed circumstances in item 39. Indicate either “Amigo” (Allied
Forces), “Buddy” (U.S. Forces), or “UNK” (Unknown) in item 40 on the casualty report. If a casualty results from
suspected friendly fire, but is unconfirmed, the casualty report will state “Unknown.” In the event the suspected
friendly fire is discovered after submitting the INIT casualty report or feeder report, the reporting unit must immediately
submit a SUPP casualty report to the CMAOC to update or correct the information provided in the INIT report.
c. Notification of incident through CMD channels to combatant CDR.
d. Notification of incident to CONUS Replacement Center (CRC).
e. Initiation of an AR 15–6. The CDR having general courts–martial jurisdiction over the unit to which the casualty
was assigned (or a higher authority designated by the combatant CDR or intermediate CDR authorized to make such
designation) will appoint an officer or a board of officers under AR 15–6 to inquire into the suspected friendly fire
incident. If a board is appointed, the board will consist of not less than 3 commissioned officers (field grade
recommended). The investigating officer or board will conduct the inquiry in accordance with AR 15–6, and once
approved by the combatant CDR, will submit proceedings, with the appropriate attachments, to the CMAOC on DA
Form 1574 (Report of Proceedings by Investigating Officer/Board of Officers).
f. As soon as the inflicting force is determined by the AR 15–6 or other investigation, the reporting unit must submit
a SUPP casualty report to AHRC (AHRC–PEZ), updating items 39 and 40, as well as provide a detailed explanation in
item 61.
g. Make presentations to next of kin in accordance with AR 600–34, paragraph 4–1. Units will coordinate with
CMAOC prior to giving presentations to the family. Detailed guidance concerning the coordination and execution of
these presentations is contained in AR 600–34, chapter 4.

3–11. Casualty reporting during movement by military air or sea, to or from overseas commands
Report casualties involving Army personnel occurring in the air, over water, or at sea, while traveling to or from an
overseas CMD as directed by CMAOC.

3–12. Casualty reporting during field exercises
a. Actual casualty reports. When conducting maneuvers or major exercises of division–size or larger units, the
maneuver or exercise director or the designated Army representative will establish a central casualty reporting agency.
This central agency will prepare and process reports for the responsible CAC on actual casualties incurred during the
exercise. Report actual casualties on DA Form 1156 and forward to the nearest CAC.
b. Simulated casualty reports. Simulated casualty reporting during field exercises is essential as a training device
that adds depth and realism to CMD exercises. Exercise special care and handling of such simulated reports to ensure
that exercise messages remain within exercise channels and are always clearly marked, “FOR EXERCISE ONLY” at
the top and bottom of the simulated report. Closely follow AR 25–11.
c. Actual casualties will be reported on DA Form 1156 to be forwarded to the nearest CAC.

3–13. Casualty reporting during an attack on the continental United States
In the event of an attack on the United States, its territories, or possessions, the scope of military support of civil
authorities in each geographical area will depend on the commitment of military resources to military operations, the
extent of damage sustained by the civilian communities and the status of the Active Army and RC forces. The DOD
will be prepared to provide forces and capabilities in support of civil authorities in domestic attacks. Casualty
Assistance Centers will prepare casualty reports as outlined in this regulation and be prepared to assist civil authorities
if directed to do so. In the event of an emergency—
a. Military personnel and their family members will be reported.
b. The DOD civilians will be reported by CAC in conjunction with the Civilian Personnel Office (CPO).
c. Other civilian persons will be the responsibility of civil authorities.
d. Soldiers on TDY will be reported by the CAC where incident took place and notification will be coordinated by
the home station CAC (HSCAC) where the Soldier’s records are located (see DODD 3025.1).

Section III
Special Interest Casualty Reporting

3–14. Special interest casualty matters
The following casualty incidents have been designated as special interest casualty matters:
a. Unique or bizarre circumstances resulting in a casualty that can be expected to generate media interest.
b. Any casualty incident involving a person subject to special interest. Persons subject to special interest include—
(1) Active duty general officers and general officer designees.
(2) Retired general officers.
(3) Officers commanding battalions (BNs)/brigades (BDEs) or higher units of similar size and responsibility in
hostile fire areas.
(4) Field grade officers in an advisory position in hostile fire areas.
(5) Former or present Sergeants Major of the Army.
(6) Any government official or public figure that becomes a casualty while under Army sponsorship.
(7) Returned prisoners of war (PW).
(8) Other persons who the Director, CMAOC identifies as subject to special interest.

3–15. Reporting special interest casualty matters
Immediately upon receipt of information concerning a special interest casualty matter, the responsible reporting CDR
will relay all available information by the fastest possible method (normally telephone) to Director, CMAOC. This
advance report (heads up) is designed primarily to alert casualty personnel of the casualty incident. Do not delay to
complete the details. The CMAOC may apply special interest designation in the DCIPS database after receipt of the
casualty report
a. Prepare the initial report with minimum required data fields in accordance with chapter 4 within 12 hours of
incident.
b. Report all persons involved in a multiple casualty event regardless of their desire or severity of the illness, injury,
or the wounds sustained.
c. Prepare additional reports as necessary as soon as information is available.
d. Follow procedures for notification and assistance as outlined in chapters 5 and 6.
e. The Director, CMAOC may consider it appropriate to direct a notification be made to the NOK without regard to
the normal hours of notification

Section IV
Casualty Report Types and Submissions

3–16. Types of reports
The casualty report is the source of information provided to the NOK concerning a casualty incident. The 4 types of
casualty reports are—
a. Initial (INIT) is the first report submitted for each person involved in a casualty incident, whether hostile or
non–hostile, as designated in paragraph 3–1.
b. Status change (STACH) reports casualty status change from any previously reported major casualty status to
another.
c. Supplemental (SUPP) reports any change or addition to any previous report immediately upon receipt.
d. Prognosis or Progress (PROG) Report provides the initial prognosis and medical progress of hospitalized, injured,
or ill persons in an NSI, SI, or VSI casualty status in order to keep NOK not at bedside informed of the medical
condition of casualties.

3–17. Submitting reports
a. The INIT casualty report is submitted by the responsible CAC in the area of incident within 12 hours of the
incident. During hostilities, the CLTs provide medical information for any casualty, regardless of Service affiliation, to
the established casualty channels. Prepare the INIT in accordance with chapter 4.
b. The STACH report is submitted for any major status change.
(1) Any status to deceased
(2) Missing to returned to military control (RMC).
(3) Duty status—whereabouts unknown to any other status.
c. The SUPP is submitted without delay as soon as information is available and verified. Specifically, submit a
SUPP if friendly fire is suspected or whenever an investigation is initiated concerning a fatality. These changes may
significantly change information necessary for the NOK.
d. The PROG report is submitted for injured, ill, and hospitalized personnel.
(1) Not seriously wounded, injured, or ill if hospitalized, at a minimum of every 5 days.
(2) Seriously wounded, injured, or ill and VSI every 24 hours until the status upgrade to NSI.
(3) On arrival at any MTF recording the admitting diagnosis.
(4) Final PROG is due upon discharge.

3–18. Reporting a person as deceased
The Armed Forces Medical Examiner will make official positive identification by means of deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) dental records, fingerprints, or other approved methods of identification
a. Report a person as deceased for the following situations—
(1) When remains recovered are visually identified.
(2) When remains have not been recovered but conclusive evidence of death exists.
(3) When remains recovered are not or cannot be visually identified, include a ‘believed to be’ statement in
Circumstances and “believed to be” notification will be conducted. This type of notification to the NOK will include an
explanation as to why the remains are “believed to be” the deceased, based on—
(a) Witness.
(b) Manifest.
(c) No known suspected or possible survivors.
b. Keep NOK updated on any findings concerning identification.

3–19. Determination of date and time of death
a. Date and time of death will be the official date and time the deceased was pronounced by medical personnel or as
determined by the medical examiner.
b. Explain any discrepancy between date and time of incident and date and time of death in the circumstances.
Example: Soldier dies at incident site and must be transported to a medical facility a distance away to be officially
pronounced deceased by medical personnel. Explain the difference in date and time of death and the date and time of
incident in circumstances.
c. When all available evidence cannot establish an actual date and time of death, select the latest date that death can
reasonably be presumed to have occurred. For example, death occurred in a particular month but can not determine
day, select the last day of that month as the date of death.
d. Soldiers on authorized leave and disappears, and an exact date of disappearance cannot be established, select the
last day of authorized leave so the Soldier will not be considered AWOL if determined to have died.
e. The date of death for individuals determined to be brain dead by competent medical authorities will be the date
the Soldier was removed from life support. Notification to the PNOK, however, will occur as in any other death.
Medical personnel will not, under any circumstances, contact the PNOK until after they receive confirmation from the
responsible CAC that notification to the PNOK is completed.

3–20. Reporting a person as wounded, injured, or ill
a. To report a person as wounded, injured, or ill, medical authorities must properly classify the individual in 1 of the
categories listed below. Medical facility CDRs will establish procedures for medical authorities to identify and report
these patients promptly. The categories are—
(1) VSI.
(2) SI.
(3) NSI.
b. During hostilities, report and track all hostile categories of wounded. Record whether the casulaty was—
(1) Treated and returned to duty.
(2) Hospitalized and transferred out of theater.
c. Report and track non-hostile injury or illness.
(1) SI and VSI are reportable
(2) NSI is reportable only if hospitalized.
d. The CAC responsible for the area in which hospitalized will prepare the initial report and any PROGs required
during hospitalization and upon final PROG on discharge or transfer.

Chapter 4
Preparing and Sending Casualty Reports

4–1. Security classification
Generally, casualty matters are unclassified, but they are assigned the protective marking of FOR OFFICIAL USE
ONLY (FOUO) per AR 380–5. In cases other than missing status, remove these markings after notification to the
NOK. A case concerning a person in a missing status will remain marked FOUO until the person is RMC or until his
or her status is changed to deceased, or to any other status listed in table 4–4, Message Item 3a.
4–2. Dispatch of reports
a. Send casualty reports electronically, without delay, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Table 4–1 contains the
addresses of where to send casualty reports.
b. Electronically transmit casualty reports using DCIPS–FWD.
(1) The DCIPS–FWD is the casualty database subordinate reporting commands use to create casualty reports and
transmit them forward through CMD channels to CMAOC.
(2) The DCIPS Headquarters (HQ) is a CMAOC–level database which receives the DCIPS–FWD reports. This is a
much larger database enabling casualty personnel to manage all reported casualty cases.

Table 4–1
Addresses for casualty reports

Category of person: All reportable persons
Casualty Status: Wounded, injured, or ill
Action: DA CASUALTY:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Home station CAC, if different from reporting CAC (see note 2)
Supporting CACs (see note 10)
Other ACTION addressees required by reporting CMD

Information: (See note 1)

Combat Readiness Center [email protected]
USARC: [email protected] (see note 9)
HRC–STL: (see note 6)
State Adjutant General (see note 3)
Other information addresses required by reporting CMD

Category of person: All reportable persons EXCEPT U.S. Army retired, separated, or discharged.
Casualty Status: Deceased, DUSTWUN, missing, or returned to military control.
Action: DA CASUALTY: [email protected] [email protected]
DA MORTUARY: [email protected]
THEATER MORTUARY: [email protected]
Supporting CACs (see note 10)
Home station CAC, if different from reporting CAC (see note 2)

Information: (See note 1)

DFAS (Active): dfas–[email protected]
DFAS (Retired): [email protected] (see note 8)
EREC: pcre–[email protected]
Armed Forces Medical Examiner: [email protected]
Combat Readiness Center
USARC: [email protected] (see note 9)
HRC–STL: (see note 6)
HRC–STL: (see note 7)
Other information addressees required by reporting CMD
State Adjutant General (see note 3)
Supporting CID (see note 4)

Category of person: AWOL and Deserters
Casualty Status: Deceased
Action: DA CASUALTY: [email protected] [email protected]
DA MORTUARY: [email protected]
THEATER MORTUARY: [email protected]
Supporting CACs (see note 10)
Other ACTION addressees required by reporting CMD

Information: (See note 1)

DFAS (Active): dfas–[email protected]
DFAS (Retired): [email protected] (see note 8)
State Adjutant General (see note 3)
USARC: [email protected] (see note 9)
HRC–STL: (see note 7)
Other information addressees required by reporting CMD

Category of person: Retired general officers and retired enlisted persons that have held position of Sergeant Major of the Army.
Casualty Status: Deceased
Action: DA CASUALTY: [email protected] [email protected]
DA MORTUARY: [email protected]
Supporting CACs (see note 10)
DFAS (Retired): [email protected]

Information: (See note 1)

DACS (GOMO): [email protected] (see note 5)
State Adjutant General (see note 3)
USARC: [email protected] (see note 9)
HRC–STL: (see note 7)
Other information addressees required by reporting CMD

Category of person: Retired, separated, or discharged person who dies within 120 days. Report those persons retired with 100 percent
disability (TDRL) up to 1 year after retirement.
Casualty Status: Deceased
Action: DA CASUALTY: [email protected] [email protected]
DA MORTUARY: [email protected]
Supporting CACs (see note 10)
DFAS (Retired): [email protected]

Information: (See note 1)

State Adjutant General (see note 3)
USARC: [email protected] (see note 9)
HRC–STL: (see note 7)
HRC–STL: (see note 6)
Other information addressees required by reporting CMD

Category of person: All other retired persons (includes persons on TDRL)
Casualty Status: Deceased
Action: DA CASUALTY: [email protected] [email protected]
DA MORTUARY: [email protected]
Supporting CACs (see note 10)
DFAS (Retired): [email protected]

Information: (See note 1)

State Adjutant General (see note 3)
USARC: [email protected] (see note 9)
HRC–STL: (see note 7)
HRC–STL: (see note 6)
Other information addressees required by reporting CMD

Category of person: Family members of retired persons who die in a MTF within the United States.
Casualty Status: Deceased
Action: DA CASUALTY: [email protected] [email protected]
DA MORTUARY: [email protected]

Information: (See note 1) Other information addressees required by reporting CMD

Notes:
1 Information addressees will not accomplish any notification action solely on the basis of a casualty report.
2 For individuals who become casualties while away from their permanent station, the CAC having jurisdiction over the unit of assignment will be an action
addressee (para 2–4). This also includes those individuals who are mobilized and deployed in support of a contingency operation. The MOB CAC is the home
station CAC.
3 The State Adjutant General will be an information addressee on all casualty reports pertaining to ARNG personnel of the State.
4 The supporting CID activity will be an information addressee on all casualties when medical authorities cannot determine that a non–combat death resulted from
natural causes.
5 To be included ONLY for general officer casualties.
6 CDR, AHRC–STL, ATTN: AHRC–AR will be an information addressee for all USAR Soldiers on active duty in an AGR status.
7 CDR, AHRC–STL, ATTN: AHRC–PA will be an information addressee for all USAR deceased personnel.
8 Do not include DFAS as an information addressee on reports of civilians who die overseas.
9 The United States Army Reserve Command (USARC) will be an information addressee on all casualty reports pertaining to USAR personnel.
10 Any CAC, other than the home station CAC or reporting CAC, which provides support (that is, notification or interment location, and so forth.)

4–3. Rules for preparing an initial casualty report
a. Prepare casualty reports using DCIPS–FWD for reportable casualties as described in paragraph 3–1.
b. Report items of information in table 4–5.
c. The CACs will electronically transmit casualty reports with, at minimum, addresses in table 4–1.
d. Prepare theater casualty reports in the above manner, using information recorded on DA Form 1156 or similar
CMAOC–authorized checklist.

Figure 4–1. DA Form 1156 (Casualty Feeder Card)

4–4. Steps for preparing initial casualty reports
Table 4–2 shows the steps required for preparing an INIT casualty report for non–theater casualties.

Table 4–2
Preparing an initial casualty report

Step Work Center Required Actions
1 UNIT/BNS1/MTFA/HOSP/
Provost Marshal Office
(PMO)
Receive information concerning a casualty incident.
2 UNIT/BNS1/MTFA/HOSP/
PMO
Pass casualty information to CAC.
3 CAC Verify facts of the incident; obtain personnel data from records or personnel database.
4 CAC Telephonically inform CDR and CMOAC of the casualty incident. Provide names and
SSNs of individuals involved in incident.
5 CMAOC/CAC/ HSCAC Immediately transmit DD Form 93, SGLV Form 8285 (Request for Insurance), and SGLV
Form 8286 (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate) to CDR and
CMAOC (AHRC–PEZ). Extract appropriate personnel information from personnel records
to prepare INIT casualty report.
6 CAC Prepare casualty report, review for accuracy and completeness. Transmit within 12 hours
in accordance with table 4–1. Establish suspense for SUPP, PROG, STACH reports as
needed; dispatch report in accordance with table 4–1.
7 CAC/HSCAC Prepare for notification and assistance in accordance with chapters 5, 6, and 7.
8 CMAOC Review and submit casualty report into DCIPS. Transmit report to HSCAC and any supporting
CAC. Oversee notification and assistance process.

Notes:
1 Home station CAC is the permanent duty station for the source of records for the casualty.
2 Non–hostile hospitalized injuries are reportable, as transportation and travel order (T&TO), may be extended to family members by the attending physician.
3 Completion of a casualty case is addressed in other areas of this regulation.

4–5. Steps for preparing initial theater casualty reports
a. Using DA Form 1156 for casualty reporting.
(1) Use DA Form 1156 as a casualty checklist to assist creating reports, letters of sympathy, and awards documentation
as well as a field casualty report in the event of electronic failure (see fig 4–1).
(2) The 2007 version of DA Form 1156 is also the witness card. Persons having firsthand knowledge of a reportable
casualty should prepare the casualty feeder card.
b. Preparing DA Form 1156.
(1) Data fields align with the DCIPS–FWD (see table 4–4).
(2) Data fields marked by an asterisk (*) indicate minimum requirements to send a casualty report forward.
(3) Fill in all required fields (*) and include body armor worn at the time of the incident.
(4) Fill in as much information as available to include weapons causing injury, and vehicle information.
(5) “DUSTWUN/missing/captured.” Include date, time, and place last seen, and identifying marks.
(6) “Investigation required” refers to all investigations conducted concerning the circumstances of a casualty
incident (for example, a nonhostile fatal accident, AR 15–6 collateral investigation). All hostile deaths require
investigation.
(7) “Identification of remains.” Include the means of identification: ID tags, name tag, personal recognition, other.
(8) “Date/time of death.” Enter the date and time of death that the medical officer provides, and the name of the
medical officer who pronounced the person deceased. Also enter the place of death if outside a medical facility, and the
name of the hospital if a medical facility. .
(9) Field grade battalion-level CDR , or field grade designee authenticates the casualty information for accuracy and
thoroughness of casualty type, circumstances, and inflicting force for all deceased and DUSTWUN cases prior to
submission of the report.
(10) Include the name of the preparer and the officer authenticating in remarks on the casualty report.
c. Table 4–3 shows the steps required to submit an INIT casualty report for theater casualties.

Table 4–3
Preparing an initial casualty report for the theater casualties

Step Work Center Required Actions
1 Soldier/Unit Complete DA Form 1156 minimum required fields. Other information if available.
2 Unit/BNS1/ BDES1 Receive, review, and authenticate DA Form 1156. Telephonically alert next reporting
level of casualty incident.
3 CLT/BNS1/BDES1 Prepare casualty report using DCIPS–FWD Transmit electronically to next reporting
level.
4 Corps/Theater Army Area Command
(TAACOM) AG
Review and prepare report to send forward using DCIPS–FWD, transmit to theater
CAC.
5 Theater CAC Theater CAC will dispatch within 12 hours of incident to AHRC–CMAOC and other
distribution in accordance with table 4–1.
6 AHRC–CMAOC Review and submit casualty report into DCIPS. Transmit report to HSCAC and any
supporting CAC to prepare for notification and any additional reports (see note 2).
7 HSCAC/ MOB CAC Transmit DD Form 93 and SGLV 8286 by fax or other electronic means to
AHRC–CMAOC upon receipt of telephonic notification of incident.
8 CMAOC/HSCAC/ supporting
CAC
Prepare for notification and assistance as appropriate in accordance with chapter
5,6, and 7. Oversee notification and assistance process.

Notes:
1 Unit reporting levels are pre–defined by CMD level S–1. Theater reporting levels are defined by theater CMD.
2 Each reporting level will telephonically contact the next level up to CMAOC. CMAOC will contact home station and supporting CACs of a casualty incident
and request DD Form 93 and SGLV 8286.
3 DCIPS is the CMAOC level database for casualty cases.
4 CMAOC. Casualty and Memorial Affairs Operation Center.
5 HSCAC. Home Station CAC.
6 MOB CAC. Mobilization point for USAR and ARNG Soldiers.
7 Completion of a casualty case is addressed in other areas of this regulation.

4–6. Rules for preparing a status change casualty report
a. Electronically transmit STACH casualty reports.
b. Submit STACH casualty reports when there is a definite change in the person’s status from the initial report as
described in paragraphs 3–16 and 3–17.

4–7. Steps for preparing a status change casualty report
Take the following required steps for preparing a STACH casualty report—
a. Upon notification that a change has occurred in the previously reported status of a casualty, verify the new status.
b. Once status has been verified, prepare a STACH casualty report in accordance with table 4–5.
c. Review the report for accuracy and completeness and dispatch in accordance with paragraph 4–2.
d. File a copy of the STACH in appropriate casualty file for the Soldier.

4–8. Rules for preparing a supplemental casualty report
a. The SUPP reports are submitted after an initial report to provide additional or corrected information, other than
medical, previously submitted.
b. The SUPP reports are required whenever additional or corrected information is obtained for circumstances of the
casualty incident.
c. No SUPP is required to be submitted if source document is in case file at AHRC–CMAOC and entered into
DCIPS(HQ). Example: CMAOC case manager has current Enlisted Records Brief (ERB) and enters data into case file.
Supporting CAC need not prepare a SUPP for verified information on the source document.
d. Number SUPP report sequentially using established format, that is, SUPP01, S01.
e. Electronically submit SUPP reports.

4–9. Steps for preparing a supplemental casualty report
Prepare a SUPP casualty report as follows—
a. As soon as additional information is available, prepare a SUPP casualty report in accordance with table 4–5.
b. Review the completed SUPP casualty report for accuracy and completeness; dispatch in accordance with table
4–1 without delay.
c. File a copy of the SUPP casualty report with the original in case file.
d. Supplemental reports should not include medical information which is reported on the PROG report.
e. Supplemental reports should only include excerpts of a CID or other investigative reports to update any changes
of previously submitted reports.
(1) If additional or corrected information changed any information previously furnished to the NOK, determine if
the notifier should return to the PNOK and SNOK to provide the new information. Example: Date of death changed,
status changed from DUSTWUN to deceased.
(2) If the notifier should revisit PNOK and SNOK, he or she will coordinate with the appropriate CAC for a briefing
of the changed information, and revisit NOK immediately.
(3) Confirm notification to the PNOK of individuals who are reported injured/ill in accordance with chapter 5,
section II.
(4) Confirm personal notification to PNOK and SNOK of deceased, DUSTWUN, and missing casualties in accordance
with chapter 5, Section I.

4–10. Rules for preparing a prognosis or progress report
a. Casualty Assistance Centers will electronically transmit PROG reports.
b. Reportable items of information are in table 4–5 and paragraph 3–16.
c. Furnish PROG reports as paragraphs 3–16 and 3–17 require.
d. Establish contact with MTF or hospital (HOSP) in reporting area of responsibility. This applies to theater CAC
and any supporting CAC.

4–11. Steps for preparing a prognosis or progress report
Prepare a PROG report as follows—
a. Use the PROG screen for prognosis of injured or ill on initial report.
b. Contact MTFA or HOSP for update of medical status. At a minimum, establish a 5–day suspense for PROG
reports. For critical injuries, more often. Daily is suggested, in order to provide NOK with up to date status.
c. Use DCIPS–FWD, replicating the latest report, SUPP, or PROG for specific casualty, and update medical
information.
d. Review the PROG report for accuracy and completeness, and submit.
e. Place a copy of the PROG report in the case file.

4–12. Preparation of prognosis or progress reports
a. Control. Each PROG report will deal with only 1 patient and will be sequentially numbered for control purposes.
b. Details. Reporting CMDs will include all relevant details about the health, well–being, and medical progress of
patients.
c. Final. Clearly identify these reports as final.

4–13. Content of prognosis or progress reports
a. Report the initial prognosis and medical progress of hospitalized injured or ill personnel in an NSI, VSI or SI
category.
b. In addition to the required PROG Message Items (table 4–5) also provide the following information—
(1) Patient’s morale.
(2) Current and anticipated treatments, to include surgical operations (type and whether or not successful).
(3) Additional and terminal diagnosis.
(4) Anticipated period of hospitalization.
(5) Any evacuation plans, including dates and destination.
(6) If an OCONUS CMD has issued a transportation and travel order (T&TO) to the NOK, each PROG report will
indicate whether the NOK is at bedside or has departed.
(7) Include any information that might reduce NOK anxiety. Examples are—
(a) State of consciousness and mental disposition.
(b) Degree of alertness.
(c) Whether the patient is taking nourishment.
(d) Whether the patient is ambulatory.
(e) Type of diet.
(f) Whether patient is on life support equipment (type of life support equipment and medical status).
c. In most cases, when a person becomes a casualty, the NOK are located a considerable distance from the person,
particularly during the early and usually the most critical period of the person’s medical treatment. As a result, the
NOK are unable to obtain information regarding the person’s status through their own resources. The PROG report is
designed to furnish the NOK with information that they would normally acquire if they were physically present at the
medical facility. Note that when the presence of the NOK is considered necessary for the health and welfare of a
Soldier classified as VSI or SI, the Director, CMAOC, (AHRC–PEZ) may issue a T&TO. The T&TO may be extended
to NOK of Soldiers classified as NSI and hospitalized in a CONUS MTF (see chap 7 for requirements and procedures
for requesting T&TOs).

4–14. Health and welfare reports
a. Most health and welfare reports are generated at the request of the NOK as a result of a person having been—
(1) A casualty, but not injured severely enough for the Soldier to have been hospitalized.
(2) Hospitalized or medically evacuated.
(3) The subject of a hoax.
b. Only process health and welfare reports during peacetime.

4–15. Rules for casualty report preparation using DCIPS–Forward
a. There are 92 possible items of information involved in casualty reporting and 5 separate screens for body armor,
awards, PROG, NOK, and CAO. Instructions for each item are in table 4–4. Not all of the items pertain to every type
of casualty report. Table 4–5 lists those items required for each type of casualty report. Follow the information in these
tables exactly.
b. Emphasize the accuracy and completeness of casualty reporting. These items may be the only sources of
information for the NOK concerning the facts surrounding the person’s death or injury.
c. “CASUALTY REPORT” is the subject of each report.
d. List Message Item numbers vertically in ascending order on the completed casualty report.
e. If manually preparing a report, list each item on a separate line using the same format as DCIPS–FWD. For
example, date and time of incident DD MMM YYYY hh:mm.

4–16. Preparing the casualty report
Table 4–4 provides detailed instructions for each Message Item. For each item it gives the item name, data description
(within parenthesis), item instructions, codes, and a format example. Follow the instructions exactly as shown. The
DCIPS–FWD data fields are formatted for easy entry and drop–down menu selections keyed to the casualty status and
type. All fields do not apply to every casualty.

Table 4–4
Instructions for completing the casualty report message, items 1 through 61

Message Item: 01
Item Name/Description: Casualty Report Type
Instructions: Enter 1 of the following casualty report type codes.
Codes: INIT initial report
SUPP supplemental report
STACH status change report
PROG progress report

Format Example: 01. INIT
01. SUPP

Message Item: 02
Item Name/Description: Type of Casualty
Instructions: Enter 1 of the following type casualty codes.
Codes: HOSTILE. A person who is the victim of a terrorist activity or who becomes a casualty in action. “In action” characterizes the casualty
as having been the direct result of hostile action, sustained in combat or relating thereto, or sustained going to or returning from a combat
mission, provided that the occurrence was directly related to hostile action. Included are persons killed or wounded mistakenly or accidentally
by friendly fire directed at a hostile force or what is thought to be a hostile force. However, do not consider as sustained in action and do not
interpret as hostile casualties injuries or death due to the elements, self–inflicted wounds, combat fatigue, and except in unusual cases,
wounds or death inflicted by a friendly force while the individual is in an AWOL, deserter, or dropped–from–rolls status, or is voluntarily absent
from a place of duty.
NON–HOSTILE. A person who becomes a casualty under circumstances not qualifying as a hostile casualty. Casualties due to the elements,
self–inflicted wounds, and combat fatigue are non–hostile casualties.
PENDING. A person whose casualty circumstances are insufficient to make a selection between “hostile” and “non–hostile.” This type must
be updated to “hostile” or “non–hostile” upon receiving sufficient information.

Format Example: 02. HOSTILE
02. NON–HOSTILE
02. PENDING

Message Item: 03
Item Name/Description: Casualty Status
Instructions: Enter 1 of the following casualty status codes and an applicable casualty category.
Codes: (Leave Blank)
BESIEGED—Besieged by a hostile force. The type casualty code must be hostile
BELEAGURED—Beleagured by a hostile force. The type casualty code must be hostile.
CAPTURED—Captured by a hostile force. The type casualty code must be hostile.
DETAINED—Individual is detained in a foreign country. The type casualty code can be either hostile or non–hostile.
DECEASED—Individual casualty is dead. The type casualty code can be either hostile or non–hostile.
DUSTWUN—Individual whereabouts unknown. The type casualty code can be either hostile or non–hostile.
INTERNED—Individual is interned in a foreign country. The type casualty code must be non–hostile.
MIA—Individual whose whereabouts and status are unknown but are attributable to hostile activity. The type casualty code must be hostile.
MISSING—Individual whose whereabouts and status are unknown, provided the absence appears to be involuntary. The type casualty code
can be either hostile or non–hostile.
NSI—Not seriously injured or ill. Treated at a medical facility and released. The type casualty code can be either hostile or non–hostile.
RMC—Returned to military control. The type casualty code can be either hostile or non–hostile.
SI—Seriously injured, wounded, or ill. The type casualty code can be either hostile or non–hostile.
VSI—Very seriously injured, wounded, or ill. The type casualty code can be either hostile or non–hostile.

Format Example: 03. DECEASED
03. VSI

Message Item: 04
Item Name/Description: Report number (up to 8 characters)
INIT and STACH reports: Each agency submitting reports to CMAOC will establish, on a calendar–year basis, a sequential numbering
system for INIT and STACH reports. Enter the current number in this item. SUPP reports: Enter the number of SUPP reports (including this
one) submitted on the person. For example, if this was the 5th SUPP to the INIT report submitted, the correct entry would be “5” PROG
reports: Enter the number of PROG reports submitted on the person, including this one, in the same manner as for SUPP reports.
Instructions: NA
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 04. 06–00001 04.SUPP01 or SO1
04. PROG01 or PO1

Message Item: 05a and 05b. Used only with the DCIPS–FWD stand–alone database.
Item Name/Description: Previous Casualty Status or Previous Category
Instructions: System will auto populate these fields for subsequent reports, SUPP or STACH.
Codes: Same as item 3.
Format Example: Same as item 3.

Message Item: 06 (6A)
Item Name/Description: Multiple Casualty Event Code
Instructions: Six to eight alpha and/or numeric characters. Used for 2 or more Soldiers in same incident.
Codes: NA
Format Example: 06. 06–001 FY and multiple casualty sequential number.
06. BH061 Blackhawk, FY and sequential number for Blackhawk incidents.

Message Item: 07a through c
Item Name/Description: Personnel Type (Component) Affiliation/Category
Instructions: Select from available options in DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 07a. ACTIVE DUTY/Reserve/Guard/Civilian
07b. Active/non–active/retired/DOD/Federal employee, and so forth.
07c. Obligated/voluntary; Recalled/mobilized, and so forth.

Message Item: 08
Item Name/Description: Social Security Number
Instructions: Enter the person’s SSN, to include dashes.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 08. 123–45–6789

Message Item: 09a through 09d
Item Name/Description: Name
Instructions: Enter the person’s last name/first name/middle name/suffix (Jr., Sr., III, and so forth). Do not enter initials unless the initial is the
complete first or middle name.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 09. DOE/JOHN/PAUL/JR. (Complete name)
09. ROSE/MARIA/ROSANNA DANNA/ (Two middle names)
09. DOE/JOHN//JR. (No middle name)
09. DOE/JOHN// (No middle name, no suffix)

Message Item: 10a through 10d
Item Name/Description: Race/Ethnicity/Sex/Religious Preference
Instructions: Select from available options in DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 10a through 10d. Black/Latin/Female/Baptist
10a through 10d. White/None/Male/No Preference

Message Item: 11a through 11e
Item Name/Description: Date and Place of Birth (city, state, country), citizenship
Instructions: Enter the person’s date and place of birth in the following manner– YYYYMMDD/birth city/birth state/birth country. Manually
type birth city. Select state and country from the pull–down menu. Citizenship may be left blank if unknown or not verified.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 11. 19521018/BALTIMORE/MD/US
11. 19521018//MD/US (birth city unknown)/US
11. 19521018///US (birth city/state unknown)
11. 19521018/KARLSRUHE/XX/GE (Individual was born in Germany)
11. //NY/US (date and birth city unknown)

Message Item: 12a and 12b
Item Name/Description: grade
Instructions: Select from available options in DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu. Includes historical grades for prior conflicts. Select correct
grade for the casualty.
Codes: See DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu.
Format Example: 12a. SSG Staff Sergeant
12b.E6
12a. CPT Captain
12b. 03
12a. PFC Private First Class
12b. E3

Message Item: 13
Item Name/Description: Service
Instructions: Select from available options in DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 13. U.S. Army

Message Item: 14a and 14b
Item Name/Description: Military Unit of Assignment
Instructions: Enter the person’s organization down to company level, including UIC, if applicable. Include installation name and state.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: CO B 307th ENGR BN (W3VS99), FORT BRAGG, NC
CO A, 1st BN, 8th INF, 3rd BCT, (101st AA), Fort Carson, CO

Message Item: 15a and 15b
Item Name/Description: Duty Military Occupational Specialty (DMOS)/Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS)
Instructions: Enter the Soldier’s DMOS. Use 5 characters in all cases (enlisted, warrant officer, and officer).
Codes: Enter valid DMOS.
Format Example: 15. Enlisted— 42A4O
15. Warrant officer—150AO
15. Officer—13A00

Message Item: 16 Deleted. See NOK Tab
Item Name/Description: For a family member casualty, enter as NOK on the NOK screen.
Instructions: If the person being reported is a dependent or family member, enter the sponsor’s grade.
Codes: NA
Format Example: NA

Message Item: 17
Item Name/Description: Deleted
Instructions: See NOK Tab
Codes: NA
Format Example: NA

Message Item: 18
Item Name/Description: Deleted
Instructions: See NOK Tab
Codes: NA
Format Example: NA

Message Item: 19
Item Name/Description: Deleted
Instructions: See NOK Tab
Codes: NA
Format Example: NA

Message Item: 20
Item Name/Description: Deleted
Instructions: See NOK Tab
Codes: NA
Format Example: NA

Message Item: 21a
Item Name/Description: Retirement/Separation Date
Instructions: Enter the retirement or separation date (YYYYMMDD) from the Service.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 21a. 19671018

Message Item: 21b, c
Item Name/Description: TDRL or PDRL/Percentage
Instructions: If the person being reported was on the TDRL or the PDRL, enter the list that the casualty was on, including the percentage of
disability.
Codes: TDRL Temporary Disability Retired List.
Format Example: 22.b.TDRL/c. 100
22.b. PDRL/c. 100

Message Item: 21d
Item Name/Description: Date Placed on TDRL/PDRL
Instructions: Enter the date the casualty was actually placed on the TDRL or PDRL.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 21d. 19891018

Message Item: 24a
Item Name/Description: Died in an MTF
Instructions: Enter “YES” or “NO” as to whether the casualty died while a patient in an MTF.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 24. YES

Message Item: 24b (Previously Item 62 in DCIPS–FWD)
Item Name/Description: Continuously hospitalized
Instructions: Select Yes or No whether the deceased was continuously hospitalized from onset of injury or illness.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 24b. NO

Message Item: 25a through 25c
Item Name/Description: Home of Record (HOR)
Instructions: Enter the casualty’s HOR in the following format: Home City/Home State/Country (city must be manually typed. Select state
and Country from the pull–down menu.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 25. BALTIMORE/MD/US
25. /MD/US (city unknown)
25. //US (city and state unknown)
25. KARLSRUHE/XX/GE (When person’s HOR is in a foreign country use “XX” for the home state code). For the purposes of reporting,
Alaska and Hawaii are OCONUS.

Message Item: 26a
Item Name/Description: Civilian Type
Instructions: Select from the DCIPS/DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu.
Codes: AFE Appropriated Fund Employee
DOD Dependent School Employee
FND Foreign National Direct Hire Employee
FNI Foreign National Indirect Hire Employee
NAF Non–appropriated Fund Employee
Format Example: 26a. AFE

Message Item: 26b
Item Name/Description: Civilian Pay Table
Instructions: Select from the DCIPS/DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu.
Codes: AFE, General Schedule, and so forth
Format Example: 26b. General Schedule

Message Item: 26c
Item Name/Description: Civilian Pay Grade
Instructions: Enter the pay grade of the civilian casualty. This may not apply to contractors.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 26c. GS 12

Message Item: 26d
Item Name/Description: Civilian Contract Agency
Instructions: If the person being reported is a civilian, enter his or her name and address.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 26d. AAFES, KARLSRUHE GE
26d. AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY INC., DALLAS TX

Message Item: 26e
Item Name/Description: Civilian Organization
Instructions: If the person being reported is a civilian, enter his or her employer name and address. Abbreviate as necessary.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 26e. KBR, 120 Wall Street, New York, New York
26e. DynCorp, 5021 Wise Street, Baltimore, Maryland

Message Item: 28 Item no longer numbered
Item Name/Description: NOK to be notified
Instructions: Enter the full name, social security number, relationship, date of birth, complete address (including zip code), and telephone
number (including area code) of the NOK to be notified. Indicate if parents are deceased.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 28. MRS. PAULA A. TENTPEG, 123–45–6789, WIFE, 5312 TERRACE COURT, BALTIMORE, MD 21221, (301)
684–8888; MRS. MARY E.TENTPEG, 456–56–7823, MOTHER, DECEASED; SGM–USA, THOMAS E. TENTPEG, 212–56–7897,
FATHER, 2122 CUB HILL RD., FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28302, (717) 939–0092.

Message Item: 29 Item no longer numbered
Item Name/Description: NOK notification completed
Instructions: Select NOK Tab. Enter notification method, notifying CC, notifier name, date/time of notification.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: Same as Message NOK to be notified.

Message Item: 30a and 30b
Item Name/Description: Preparation/Review date of DD Form 93
Instructions: Enter the preparation date of the DD Form 93 and the latest review date. If no review date, repeat the preparation date.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 30a. 19891018/b.19901018
30a. 20020315/b. 20020315

Message Item: 31a
Item Name/Description: Vehicular Group
Instructions: Select from available options in DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 31a. HMMWV

Message Item: 31b
Item Name/Description: Type of vehicle
Instructions: Select from available options in DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 31b. M1114

Message Item: 31c
Item Name/Description: Armor level
Instructions: Select from options in pull–down menu
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 31c. Level 1, Up–Armored

Message Item: 31d
Item Name/Description: Vehicle ownership
Instructions: Enter the code that reflects the ownership of the vehicle. Select from available options in DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 31d. COMMERCIAL

Message Item: 31e
Item Name/Description: Position aboard vehicle
Instructions: Enter the person’s position aboard the vehicle. Select from available options in DCIPS–FWD pull–down menu.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 31e. Passenger

Message Item: 34a–c
Item Name/Description: Duty status at time of incident/dates to and from
Instructions: Enter the person’s duty status at the time of the incident in the following format– Duty status/from date/to date.
Codes: No codes used.
AWL Absent Without Leave
DFR Dropped from the Rolls
PDY Present for Duty
HOS Hospitalized
LEA Leave
OFF Off Duty
PAS Pass/Liberty
TDY Temporary Duty
Format Example: 34a–c. AWL/19891015/19891018
34a–c. LEA/19921015/19921018
34a–c. PDY//

Message Item: 35a–c
Item Name/Description: Training Type/Start Date/End Date
Instructions: This field is for Reserve and National Guard Soldiers performing duty other than recall/mobilized or AGR. Select the Soldier’s
Training Type at the time of the incident in the following from the pull–down menu. The end date should reflect the full period of duty for which
there is an order, as the date of Casualty must fall within that date to be reportable.
Codes: AT, ADT, IDT, IADT, ADSW, SADT
Format Example: 35a. AT
35b. 2005/12/20
35c. 2006/01/07

Message Item: 36
Item Name/Description: Date/time of incident (YYYYMMDD/HHMM)
Instructions: Enter the local date and time (24 Hour) of incident. do not use zulu times.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 36. 19921018/1203
36. 20030415/0125

Message Item: 37a
Item Name/Description: Place of incident/city/state/country
Instructions: Enter the city/state/country location of the incident in the following format—
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: (a/b/c)
37a–c. BALTIMORE/MD/US
37a–c. /MD/US (Incident City Unknown)
37a–c. //US (Incident City/State Unknown)
37a–c. KARLSRUHE/XX/GE (If incident occurred OCONUS the incident state must be “XX”). For reporting purposes, Alaska and Hawaii are
OCONUS.
37a–c. PACIFIC OCEAN/X112Y223 (If the incident occurred over water, enter the body of water name along with an 8–digit grid coordinate.)

Message Item: 38a–c
Item Name/Description: Grid Coordinates; Latitude/Longitude; Location
Instructions: Enter data provided by incident reporting element. If Item 37 is unknown, enter 1 of these data fields.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 38a. MB 32120 87590
38b. 30NNW
38c. FOB Summerall

Message Item: 39
Item Name/Description: Circumstances
Instructions: Report all known facts. If circumstantial evidence exists that can’t be confirmed, include it but clearly show where fact ends and
supposition begins. Provide as much information as possible addressing the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, and why). Include information on
type of protective gear worn and details regarding protective equipment on any vehicle involved. Don’t delay initial reports to gather more
details, but continue to submit SUPP reports as circumstances become clear and complete. During hostilities enter the cause and
circumstances here to include as much unclassified information about the mission and purpose as possible. During hostilities use of the
“Hasty Report” or Tab 1 “Casualty” in web–based DCIPS–FWD (Edf) may be more beneficial. Include the place of incident and diagnosis or
cause of death when using the “Hasty Report”. Only edit for spelling/grammar errors. Don’t change content provided by the DA Form 1156 or
other approved incident statement. Include names of persons who pronounced and identified the deceased.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 39. While performing unit PT, SGT Jones began having chest pains. He stopped running to rest. While resting along the
road, he collapsed and apparently suffered a massive heart attack. Medical aid was summoned. Unit personnel performed CPR. He was
transported to Womack Army Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Message Item: Body Armor Tab
Item Name/Description: Personal Protective Gear Worn by the Casualty
Instructions: Select from the Vest, Helmet, Eye pull–down menus and check–select attachments if appropriate.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: Vest: OTV Attachments: DAP, Groin, SAPI

Message Item: 40
Item Name/Description: Inflicting Force
Instructions: If casualty occurred as a result of hostile activities, enter the inflicting force code.
Codes: AMIGO Allied Forces, 15–6 investigation required
BUDDY U.S. Forces, 15–6 investigation required
ENEMY Enemy Force
UNK Unknown, 15–6 investigation required
Format Example: 40. ENEMY

Message Item: 41
Item Name/Description: Diagnosis
Instructions: For VSI, SI, NSI and SPECAT patients, enter complete diagnosis (to include all injuries and ailments) in non–technical
language. Do not use medical abbreviations. Include causes and circumstances in the description of injuries. The NOK and their family
physician extensively scrutinize the information reported. Be certain to report complete information and proper identification, such as right or
left.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 41. SGT Johnnie Jones has extensive burns over 40 percent of his body. The burns are mainly on left leg, stomach and
lower left arm. Soldier has lost 10 pounds from not eating.

Message Item: 42 Item no longer numbered
Item Name/Description: Place hospitalized
Instructions: Select PROG Tab
Codes: NA
Format Example: NA

Message Item: 44 Item no longer numbered
Item Name/Description: Medical progress and prognosis report
Instructions: Enter the code that reflects the person’s medical progress. Also enter a detailed narrative statement in lay terms, indicating the
medical progress, dates placed on or removed from the VSI or SI list, period of hospitalization, evacuation plans, etc. On all VSI reports,
include a statement whether the SM is or is not on life support and the type (such as respirator). Include name and commercial phone number
of attending physician. Report codes are not required, but if not using them, the slash (/) is required. Other information can include: patient’s
morale; current and anticipated treatments; to include surgical operations (type and whether or not successful); anticipated period of
hospitalization; state of consciousness and mental disposition; degree of alertness; whether the patient is ambulatory; and type of diet.
Codes: (Leave Blank)
A Making Normal Progress (AGATE)
L SI or VSI and evacuated or transferred (BROKE)
C Not Making Normal Progress (CRIMP)
I Released from Hospital (ERECT)
K VSI (previously SI) (IMPEL)
J SI (previously VSI) (PROVE)
M Removed from SI or VSI list and will be evacuated to United States (SCRAM)
D Condition Remains the Same (STALE)
H Removed from SI List, Not Placed on VSI List (WRITE)
F Complication Classified as Serious after Battle Wound (RHINO)
B Convalescing (BIBLE)
N Evacuated to the United States (EVENT)
E SI (Not SI or VSI Last Report) (RISKY)
G Sinking Rapidly (ROGUE)
Format Example: 44. AGATE/Patient is starting to come around. He is conscious and beginning to complain about the food, a sure sign of
improvement. Patient will remain hospitalized for approximately 1 week. ECECT/Released from Hospital. Soldier was treated and returned to
duty.

Message Item: 45 Item no longer numbered
Item Name/Description: Casualty Assistance
Instructions: Select CAO Tab.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: NA

Message Item: 46a and b
Item Name/Description: a. PEBD/b. BASD (YYYYMMDD/YYYYMMDD)
Instructions: Using the format shown, enter the Soldier’s pay entry basic date (PEBD) followed by the Soldier’s basic active service date
(BASD). (Not required for ARNG/USAR Soldiers).
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 46a, b. 19901231/19901101
46a, b. /19901101(PEBD unknown)

Message Item: 47 See Item 10d
Item Name/Description: NA
Instructions: NA
Codes: NA
Format Example: NA

Message Item: 48 Deleted
Item Name/Description: NA
Instructions: NA
Codes: NA
Format Example: NA

Message Item: 49 Awards Tab Item no longer numbered
Item Name/Description: Decorations and Awards
Instructions: Select from the Menu in the database.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 49. NDSM, VCM, Exp–M–16, VSM, MSM

Message Item: 50
Item Name/Description: Training related
Instructions: Enter “YES” or “NO” to indicate if the incident was training related.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 50. YES
50. NO

Message Item: 51a
Item Name/Description: Date recommended/selected for promotion (YYYYMMDD)
Instructions: Enter the date recommended or selected for promotion. For Second Lieutenants and Warrant Officers 1, enter the date of the
DA Form 78 (Recommendation for Promotion of Officer) (AR 624–100). For enlisted personnel, enter the date of the approved selection list
on which the Soldier’s name appears or the date the Soldier’s CDR recommends. If Soldier hasn’t been selected for promotion, don’t report
this item.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 51a. 19911112

Message Item: 51b
Item Name/Description: Rank to which recommended
Instructions: Enter the grade to which recommended.
Codes: Refer to item 12 for valid military grade codes.
Format Example: 51b. SSG

Message Item: 53a–c
Item Name/Description: Held higher grade; dates held from and to
Instructions: If the individual previously held a higher grade enter the highest grade held.
Codes: Refer to Item 12 for valid grade codes.
Format Example: 53a. LTC
53b. 2003/04/24
53c. 2009/01/05

Message Item: 54
Item Name/Description: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (YYYYMMDD)
Instructions: Enter the date the Soldier’s SGLV Form 8286 (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate) was last
prepared or reviewed.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 54. 19911231

Message Item: 55
Item Name/Description: Death GratuityRemarks
Instructions: Enter to whom the Death Gratuity should be paid and any other information necessary.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: Pay the Spouse of the Soldier. DFAS determination

Message Item: 56
Item Name/Description: Investigation Required
Instructions: Enter “YES” or “NO” to indicate whether any investigation has been initiated (for example, LOD, collateral 15–6, accident/
safety, CID, and so forth). Enter type(s) of investigation(s) in item 61. When investigation(s) complete, submit a SUPP to update items 36, 37,
39, and 40, as necessary. (By law, NOK must be informed of any death investigations initiated by DOD and provided a redacted copy of the
completed report. Therefore, it is essential to report any and all such investigations that have been initiated and to SUPP once those
investigations have been completed)
Codes: YES, NO, PENDING
Format Example: 56. YES
56. NO
56. PENDING

Message Item: 57
Item Name/Description: Date/Time of Death (YYYYMMDD/HHMM)
Instructions: Enter the Date and Time (24 Hour) of death.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 57. 19921018/1203

Message Item: 58A–C
Item Name/Description: Place of Death: City/State/Country
Instructions: Enter the Hospital/City/State/Country in which the death occurred in the following format–Hospital/Death City/Death State/
Death Country.
Codes: State and country codes are listed in appendix C.
Format Example: 58. FRANKLIN SQUARE/BALTIMORE/MD/US
58. //MD/US (Hospital/Death City Unknown)
58. //US (Hospital/Death City/State Unknown)
58. /BALTIMORE/MD/US (Casualty died at the scene)
58. KARLSRUHE KLINK/KARLSRUHE/XX/GE (If death occurred OCONUS the death state must be “XX”). For the purposes of reporting,
report Alaska and Hawaii as OCONUS.
58. PACIFIC OCEAN/X112Y223 (If the death occurred over a body of water, enter the body of water name along with an 8–digit grid
coordinate).

Message Item: 59
Item Name/Description: Cause of Death
Instructions: Enter the specific medical diagnosis and cause of death, once confirmed using diagnostic nomenclature. In cases where the
person was previously reported as wounded, include a notation to that effect.
Codes: No codes used.
Format Example: 59. CARDIAC ARREST
59. GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE HEAD. INVESTIGATION PENDING.

Message Item: 60
Item Name/Description: Body recovered
Instructions: Select “Yes” or “No”
Codes: NA
Format Example: NA

Message Item: 61
Item Name/Description: Remarks. Will be mapped to the Journal in DCIPS
Instructions: Use this item for reporting data not recorded elsewhere, include for example—
Name of person who prepared the casualty report.
Name of person who prepared DA Form 1156.
Name of officer who authenticated DA Form 1156.
Any information needed to clarify the preceding items, explain corrections or additions.
Invitational travel order requests.
Names of other persons involved in the same incident.
Whether remains are pending individual identification, and so on.
For family members, indicate if sponsor desires notification.
If the report is on the death of a general officer in active service, a retired 3– or 4–star general, or a Soldier who holds or has held the position
of Sergeant Major of the Army, include date, time, and location of funeral; date, time, and location of interment; a statement that surviving
NOK information on the DD Form 93 is correct; the PNOK’s desires regarding expressions of sympathy, contributions, or memorials; and a
statement that the PNOK does or does not consent to release of preceding information in an HQDA Army–wide message, announcing the
death of the concerned person.
If non–combat death and medical authorities cannot determine that death resulted from natural causes, state name, address, and telephone
numbers of CID activity that will investigate the death.
In cases involving Soldiers of the USAR/ARNG who die while on active duty status or while participating in authorized training, the report will
also contain the following additional information: type of training being performed, the training dates, sex, branch of service, date and place of
last entry on active duty.
Describe any and all investigations initiated into the circumstances of death and indicate name and contact information of IO.
Codes: NA
Format Example: Report prepared by SGT Smith. Next of kin does not want information released by HQDA Army–wide message.

Table 4–5
Items to be included on a casualty report

INIT REPORT STACH REPORT
Report Item Military Civilian Family Member Non RMC
to
Hosp
Dead MIS WND Dead MIS WND Dead Dead MIS WND
War Conflict X X X X X X X
Ops Incident X X X X X X X
Event X X X X X X X
Minimum Required fields to send an Initial report
01Field Report Type X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
02 Casualty Type X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
03a Casualty Status X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
03b Casualty Category X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
04 Field Report Number X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
06 Multiple Casualty Code (if applicable) X X X X X X X X X X
07a Personnel Type X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
07b Personnel Affiliation X X X X X X X X
07c Personnel Category X X X X X X X X
08 SSN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
09a Last Name X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
09b First Name X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
09c Middle Name X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
09d Suffix X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
12a Military Rank X X X X X X
12b Military Grade X X X X X X
13 Service X X X X X X X X X X
14a Military Unit of Assignment X X X
14b Military UIC X X X
36 Date/Time of Incident X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
39 Circumstances X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
40 Inflicting Force10 (Hostile Onlu) X X X X X X X X X
61 Remarks (used for any report)
Items to be SUPPd if not included on the Initial Report
10a Race X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
10b Ethnicity X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
10c Sex X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
10d Religious Preference X X
11a Birth Date X X X X X X X X
11b Birth City X X X X X X X X
11c Birth State X X X X X X X X
11d Birth Country X X X X X X X X X
11e Citizenship X X X X X X X X X
14c In Support of Other Service X
15a DMOS/AFSC X X X X X X X
15b PMOS X X X X X X X
21a Retirement/Sep Date X X
21b TDRL/PDRL X X X X X X X X X
21c TDRL/PDRL Percent X X X X X X X X X
21d TDRL/PDRL Date X X X X X X X X x
24a Died in/out of Medical Treatment Facility
X X X X X X
24b Continuously Hospitalized Y/N X X X X X X X
25a HOR City X X X X X X
25b HOR State X X X X X X
25c HOR Country X X X X X X
26a Civilian Type X X X
26b Civilian Pay Table X X X
26c Civilian Pay Grade X X X
26d Civilian Contract Agency X X X
26e Civilian Organization X X X
30a DD Form 93 Date X X X X X
30b DD Form 93 Review Date X X X X X
31a Vehicle Group X X X X X X
31b Vehicle Type X X X X X X X
31c Armor Level X X X X X X X
31d Vehicle Owner X X X X X X X
31e Position in Vehicle X X X X X X X
34a Training Type (ANG/USAR) X X X X X X
34b Training Start Date (ANG/USAR) X X X X X X
34c Training End Date (ANG/USAR) X X X X X X
35a Duty Status X X X X X X X
35b Start Date X X X
35c End Date X X X
37a Incident City X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
37b Incident State X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
37c Incident Country X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
38a Grid (required with no city)
38b LAT/LONG (required with no city)
38c Location (further detail of location)
41 Diagnosis X X
46a PEBD X X X X X
46b BASD/ADBD X X X X X
50 TRNG/Duty Related X X X X X
51a Posthumous Recommend Date X X X
51b Posthumous Rank Recommended X X X
53a Higher Rank Held X X X
53b Higher Rank Held from Date X X X
53c Higher Rank Held to Date X X X
54 SGLI Date X X X
55 Death Gratuity Remarks X X X
56 Investigation Required X X X X X X
57 Date/Time of Death X X X X X X
58a Place of Death City X X X X X X
58b Place of Death State X X X X X X
58c Place of Death Country X X X x X x
59 Cause of Death X X
60 Body Recovered X X X X
01b Closed Date (all reports at any reporting
level)
NEW Body Armor Tab X X X
NOK Tab (Sponsor of Dependents) X X X X X X X X X X
CAO Tab X X X X
Prognosis and Progress Tab X X
Awards Tab X X X X
Legend for Table 4-5:
MIS—Missing, WND—Wounded, VIS, SI, NSI, RMC—Returned to Military Control, NON—Not VSI or SI, RET—Retired.

Chapter 5
Casualty Notification

Section I
Actions Required for Notification of Deceased, Duty Status–Whereabouts Unknown and Missing
Casualties

5–1. Line of succession to establish next of kin
The person most closely related to the casualty is considered the PNOK for casualty notification and assistance
purposes. This is normally the spouse of married persons or parents of unmarried individuals who have no children.
The parent or legal guardian will exercise the rights of their minor children. Use the following order of precedence to
identify the PNOK—
a. Spouse, even if a minor.
b. Natural, adopted, and illegitimate children (if acknowledged by the member or paternity/maternity has been
judicially decreed). Children are considered PNOK along with spouse, if applicable.
c. Eldest parent, unless legal exclusive (sole) custody was granted to a person by a court decree or statutory
provision.
d. Person standing in loco parentis at least 1 year.
e. Persons granted legal custody of the member by a court decree or statutory provision.
f. Brothers and sisters, to include half–blood and those acquired through adoption.
g. Grandparents.
h. Other relatives in order of relationship to the individual according to the laws of the deceased’s state of domicile.
(1) If no other persons are available, the Secretary of the Military Department may be deemed to act on the behalf
of the individual.
(2) The SNOK is any NOK other than the PNOK. The line of succession used to determine SNOK is the same line
of succession in a through h, above. An example of SNOK would be the parents of a deceased Soldier who has a
surviving spouse or the younger parent of a deceased Soldier without a surviving spouse or child.
(3) The adult next of kin (ANOK) is normally the adult who is highest in the line of succession listed in a, above,
provided there is no adult PNOK or SNOK. Normally, to be considered an ANOK, a person must have reached the age
of 18. An ANOK would be designated if there were surviving minor children, but no surviving spouse or parent.

5–2. Rules for making notification to the next of kin of a casualty
a. Make notification to the NOK within 4 hours of receipt of the INIT casualty report by the CAC. Communicate
any delay in notification to the CMAOC promptly, with an explanation for the delay by the CAC responsible for
notification.
b. A Uniformed Services representative in Class A uniform will make personal notification to the PNOK, SNOK,
and ANOK (if applicable) in ALL death, DUSTWUN, and missing cases. Making notification is a matter of highest
priority, taking precedence over all other responsibilities.
c. If at the time of notification, it is known that the NOK is not fluent in the English language, obtain a qualified
linguist to accompany the CNO team, if available. Instruct the linguist to interpret only what is spoken between the
CNO and the NOK.
d. Make the visit as inconspicuous as possible without calling undue attention to the unusual presence of the
military.
e. When notifying, be as natural as possible in speech, manner, and method of delivery.
f. Be alert for any adverse reaction to the news. If there seems to be no other adult member of the family at home
and the news produces a shock, it may be helpful for someone to be with the NOK. If so, ask, “Is there anything I can
do to assist you?” In case of severe reaction say, “May I call someone or ask a neighbor to step in?” The CNO should
have on hand the name of the local hospital and the telephone numbers for the local ambulance service and fire
department rescue squad.
g. Use good judgment by not passing gory or embarrassing details about the casualty incident.
h. Inform the PNOK that a CAO will contact them as soon as possible to provide assistance. However, do not
specify the date or time of that contact.
i. In death cases, unless otherwise instructed, take the following action—
(1) If remains have been recovered, inform the PADD that the CAO will present them with information concerning
the status of remains, information concerning identification and autopsy of remains, and burial entitlements, and will
assist the PADD (use the PADD’s given name) in staying apprised on the status of remains and in making burial
arrangements.
(2) If a notification is based on “believed to be” identification and the NOK has asked whether or not remains were
recovered, tell the NOK that the CAO may have additional information and will discuss how memorial services are
conducted when he or she visits.
(3) Advise the NOK (if asked) that the CAO will have or may obtain information on the return of remains from an
overseas area to the final destination.
j. If the NOK is not at home, get help from neighbors, friends, clergy, postmaster, or the police, if necessary. Take
care not to disclose the full purpose of your mission except to the NOK. If the NOK’s absence is temporary, you may
await their return. If the NOK is out of town and not expected to return shortly, contact the CAC for further guidance.
k. Inform the PNOK that military personnel will personally notify the SNOK.
l. Inform the SNOK that military personnel have already informed the PNOK. (Ensure the PNOK is notified first
unless the CAC directs otherwise.)
m. Provide the CAC the completed notification checklist immediately upon return.
n. After making notification, locate the nearest telephone away from the NOK premises and call the CAC to confirm
that the notification has been made. Do this immediately after leaving the premises where notification was made and
provide as much detail about the notification and family situation as possible so the CAC can update the CAO.

5–3. Casualty notification procedures (peacetime)
When a deceased, DUSTWUN, or missing casualty occurs, take the following actions—
a. The CAC in whose area the casualty occurred is the reporting CAC. The reporting CAC’s first action upon
learning of the casualty is to phone in a “heads up” to the AHRC CMAOC.
b. Upon receiving the heads up from the reporting CAC, CMAOC will verify personal data and contact the HSCAC.
c. The HSCAC will obtain the Soldier’s DD Form 93 and SGLV 8286 certificate for use by the CMAOC to
determine PNOK, SNOK, PADD, and other individuals that may require notification.
d. The CMAOC will identify the location of all people requiring notification and the corresponding supporting CAC
in whose area of responsibility they reside.
e. The supporting CAC will identify a suitable trained CNO and make every attempt at obtaining a military chaplain
to assist in the notification. If a chaplain cannot be located without unduly delaying notification, the CAC will identify
a mature Soldier to accompany and assist the CNO.
f. Make no notifications until the CMAOC receives a hard copy casualty report unless otherwise directed by
CMAOC in instances where there is danger of other sources revealing the casualty.
g. Upon receipt of the INIT casualty report, the supporting CAC responsible for notifying the PNOK will direct the
CNO to make notification to the PNOK.
h. Upon successful notification of the PNOK, the CMAOC will authorize notification of the SNOKs and other
designated beneficiaries residing in the other supporting CAC’s area of responsibility.
i. Upon completion of notification, the supporting CACs will notify the CMAOC. Once all supporting CACs have
completed the notification of all NOK, CMAOC will send the “notification complete” e–mail to all CACs involved in
the notification mission.

5–4. Casualty notification procedures (contingency operations)
a. When a deceased, missing, or DUSTWUN casualty occurs, those individuals most knowledgeable about the
casualty incident will complete DA Form 1156.
b. Casualty Feeder Cards are reported through unit personnel channels to BN and BDE Adjutants.
c. The BDE Adjutant is responsible for the preparation and accuracy of casualty reports.
d. Casualty reports will flow up through personnel channels to the contingency CAC.
e. The contingency CAC, as the reporting CAC, submits the casualty report to CMAOC.
f. See paragraph 5–3 for follow–on procedures.

5–5. Selection of the casualty notification officer/casualty notification team
The CNO represents the SA. The notification officer will be courteous, helpful and compassionate toward the NOK
and will reflect the Army’s concern for its personnel and their families while performing this sensitive mission.
Casualty notification may create any number of possible emotional responses.
a. With few exceptions, use trained active duty officers in the grade of captain and higher, warrant officers in the
grade of chief warrant officer two and higher, and senior noncommissioned officers (NCOs) in the grade of sergeant
first class through command sergeant major to personally notify NOK. This group includes Army personnel assigned to
DOD or Joint agencies and activities, USAR advisors, ARNG advisors, and ROTC instructors. The CMAOC will
approve exceptions to this policy.
b. The grade of the CNO will, whenever possible, be equal to or higher than the grade of the casualty. If known that
the PNOK is also a Soldier or retiree from any branch of Service, the grade of the CNO will be equal to or higher than
the grade of the PNOK.
c. A casualty notification team is composed of the CNO and chaplain (or other clergy). When chaplain is not
available or locating a chaplain may unduly delay notification, the second member of the team may be a staff sergeant
or above. The purpose of the second soldier will be to support the CNO.
d. Do not use the personnel listed below as CNOs—
(1) Persons assigned to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. Persons assigned to the Retention and Transition Force
(Army Reserve/AGR, PMOS 79V).
(2) Persons assigned to the U.S. Army Military Entrance Processing Command.
(3) Students at military or civilian schools.
(4) Personnel whose duties do not require them to wear a uniform. (example: CID undercover personnel).
(5) Inspectors General.
(6) Chaplains (precluded by AR 165–1). However, chaplains should accompany the CNO as the second member of
the CNO team to provide solace to the bereaved NOK whenever possible.
e. Members of the Army Medical Corps, except when they and the NOK are both present at the place of death.

5–6. Hours of notification
Make notification with urgency and with utmost sensitivity. Except when the NOK is physically present at the place of
death, make personal notification from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Director, CMAOC must approve exceptions to this
time period. The CACs will maintain the capability to report and coordinate notification duties on a 24–hour–a–day,
7–day–a–week basis. Report casualties that occur during non–notification hours; and brief and dispatch CNOs so that
they can notify NOK at 6 a.m. This means dispatching the CNO well before 6 a.m. The intent is to notify the NOK
while at home, not while on the job.

5–7. Manner of notification
a. Procedures. A Uniformed Services representative will promptly notify the NOK in an appropriate and dignified
manner. Make personal notification to the PNOK of separated and retired personnel when these personnel become a
casualty overseas and the PNOK is located in CONUS or vice versa, if requested.
(1) Always notify the PNOK first unless all efforts to contact him or her have been unsuccessful. In cases where the
PNOK are minors, notify the SNOK before the minor PNOKs.
(2) The same CNO will personally notify the SNOK who resides near the PNOK.
b. Deviations from prescribed procedures. It is important to spare the NOK the shock of learning unofficially of the
casualty through public information sources. Exceptions may include lifting the restriction on hours for notifications or
using the telephone for notification. If using telephonic notification, a uniformed Army representative will offer official
condolences or expressions of concern at the earliest opportunity. Director, CMAOC must approve deviations to
uniformed personal notification. Therefore with the Director, CMAOC’s concurrence, apply the following notification
deviations—
(1) When the news media may release specific casualty information before the notifying officer can personally
notify the NOK (due to time and distance).
(2) When there is a strong likelihood that the NOK may learn of the casualty through unofficial sources.
(3) When a casualty dies in a military hospital, the hospital CDR will follow the notification procedures prescribed
for notifying the NOK, if they are present at the time of death.
c. Adverse medical reaction caused by notification. Should an NOK suffer an adverse medical reaction that appears
to be directly attributable to a casualty notification, after contacting appropriate emergency personnel, immediately
notify the CAC.
d. Action when the NOK cannot be determined or located. If there is no record of a person to be notified and the
NOK cannot be determined locally, immediately relay any information that may help in finding the NOK to the
supporting CAC.

5–8. Notification information
The CAC will furnish the CNO with a copy of the casualty notification checklist and a script tailored to the specific
casualty incident, using items 31 through 44 of the casualty report. The CNO will relay the information to the family
member or beneficiary being notified and will exercise judgment to preclude passing gory or embarrassing details. The
CNO will internalize the script provided by the CAC before proceeding to make notification and will relay the
information orally and in person in a calm and sensitive manner to the person being notified.

5–9. Notification scripts
The CACs will provide the casualty notification team with individualized scripts tailored to the specific incident, based
on items 31–44 of the casualty report, and to the family members being notified, using the following templates—
a. Death cases. “The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your (relationship; son,
John or husband, Edward; and so forth) (died/was killed in action) in (country/state) on (date). (State the circumstances.)
The Secretary extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family in your tragic loss.”
b. Suspected friendly fire death cases. “The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your
(relationship) (died/was killed in action) in (country) on (date). (State the circumstances). His/her death is a result of
suspected friendly fire. A formal investigation is being conducted. You will be further advised as additional information
is received. The Secretary extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family in your tragic loss.”
c. Suspected friendly fire death cases–suspected after initial notification of death. “The Secretary of the Army has
asked me to express his deep regret that information has come to light that indicates your (relationship) may have died
as a result of suspected friendly fire. A formal investigation is being conducted. You will be further advised as
additional information is received. The Secretary extends his sincerest condolences to you and your family in your
tragic loss.”
d. Casualties not involving death. “The Secretary of the Army has asked me to inform you that your (relationship;
son, John or daughter, Janet; and so forth) has been reported duty status—whereabouts unknown in (country/state)
since (date). (State the circumstances.) When we receive more information, you will be promptly notified. The
Secretary extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family during this trying period.”
e. Death, identification not complete. “The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your
(relationship of deceased to NOK—son/daughter/husband/wife) is believed to (have died) or (been killed in action) on
(date of death). Preliminary investigations revealed that (state circumstances surrounding the death). (Whenever the
Soldier’s name or relationship is mentioned it must be preceded by “BELIEVED TO BE.”) The investigation
surrounding this incident is ongoing. You will be further advised as additional information is received. The Secretary
extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family during this trying period.”

5–10. Don’ts of personal notification
a. Do not notify PNOK by telephone unless the Director, CMAOC authorizes or unique circumstances dictate
spontaneous telephonic release (for example, a Soldier is VSI, just died, and family calls for status update).
b. Do not call for an appointment prior to making the initial personal notification.
c. Do not hold your notes or a prepared speech in hand when approaching the residence of the PNOK.
d. Do not disclose your message except to the NOK concerned.
e. Do not leave word or notes with neighbors or other persons to have the NOK call you.
f. Do not speak hurriedly, or continuously refer to notes when talking to the NOK.
g. Do not use code words or acronyms that may have been used in the casualty report.
h. Do not touch the NOK in a manner that may be misunderstood. If the NOK faints or has an extreme emotional
response, assist the NOK as required and request appropriate assistance.
i. Do not discuss entitlements for death cases at this time. If asked, advise the NOK that a CAO will be assigned to
discuss such matters.
j. Do not discuss disposition of remains or personal effects at this time.
k. Do not inform the SNOK that they will receive a visit from the CAO. Do tell parents who are SNOK that the
casualty notification team will remain available as needed to render assistance and to keep them updated on the
situation.
l. Do not commit your organization or CDR, AHRC (AHRC–PEZ) to a given time to carry out an action or obtain
particular information. Promptly forward all requests for information or other assistance to the proper agency or
through the casualty reporting chain of command.
m. The CNO team members should not have alcohol on their breath or be inebriated.

Section II
Actions Required for Notification on Injured or Ill Casualties

5–11. Rules for notification
a. Accomplish casualty notification to the NOK of an individual who has been reported as a casualty in a timely,
professional, dignified and understanding manner.
b. Telephonically notify the Soldier’s NOK in the event of illness or injury.
c. Accomplish notification within 2 hours of receipt of INIT casualty report. When 2 hours has lapsed with no
indication that the PNOK has been notified, the CAC or CDR will explain the reason for the delay and describe those
actions that have been initiated to preclude further delay.
d. Make notification with urgency between 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time in the area of the PNOK. No notification is
required if the PNOK is physically present at the time of incident or accompanies the casualty to a medical facility.
The CMAOC must approve exceptions to this time period.
e. Notify CMAOC immediately if—
(1) The PNOK cannot be identified or located.
(2) The DD Form 93 is unavailable or illegible.
f. If notification apparently causes an adverse medical reaction—
(1) Immediately contact the CAC and the CAC will contact the CMAOC.
(2) Provide the physician’s name and contact information and condition of the PNOK.

5–12. Responsibility for notification
a. Peacetime.
(1) Primary responsibility for notification rests with the officials listed below—
(a) In CONUS (includes Alaska and Hawaii), it rests with the CDR of the MTF in which the casualty is located, or
with the MTF CDR having administrative responsibility for the non–military medical facility in which the casualty is
located.
(b) In overseas CMDs, it rests with the CDR of the major overseas CMD within whose area of responsibility the
casualty is located.
(c) In other areas, it rests with the senior Army representative.
(2) When the responsible hospital CDR cannot notify the PNOK, relay the casualty information to the CAC. The
CAC will send a casualty report to Director, CMAOC. The CMAOC will then assume responsibility to notify the
PNOK when the casualty occurs in—
(a) CONUS and the NOK to be notified resides outside CONUS or vice versa.
(b) An overseas CMD and the PNOK to be notified resides in a different overseas CMD.
b. During hostilities.
(1) Primary responsibility rests with CMAOC.
(a) The CMAOC will contact the HSCAC to contact the rear detachment of the casualty.
(b) Rear detachment CMDs will be offered the opportunity to complete notification.
(2) Notification will be completed by CMAOC if—
(a) Rear detachment does not complete in reasonable time, normally 2 hours and unable to explain delay.
(b) Rear detachment elects to have CMAOC make notification.
(3) Responsible CAC will establish communication with the rear detachment to assist with notification and inform
CMAOC immediately of completion or delay.

5–13. Identifying the primary next of kin
a. The HSCAC with access to personnel records will transmit DD Form 93 and SGLV 8286 to CMAOC.
b. Verify persons listed on the DD Form 93, and officially notify them when a person becomes a casualty.

5–14. Notification desires of the casualty victim
a. A Soldier listed as non–hostile, NSI, and returned to duty may elect, at the time of treatment, to have their PNOK
notified.
b. A person may list on the DD Form 93 not to notify PNOK in the event of injury or illness, or that the individual
identified as the PNOK not be notified due to ill health. The CMAOC will make the final determination for notification
for casualties in status VSI, SI, or non–responsive Soldiers, regardless of their election stated on the DD Form 93.
c. The attending physician or CMAOC will notify PNOK of Soldiers listed in line 39 as under psychiatric care for
attempted suicide. The unit will not make this notification.

5–15. Casualty status requiring notification
Notify the PNOK of the following categories of wounded, injured, or ill personnel—
a. Very seriously injured.
b. Seriously injured or ill.
c. Not seriously injured or ill as a result of hostile action.
d. Not seriously injured or ill as a result of non–hostile actions and hospitalized or subject to special interest (in
accordance with DODI 1300.18, para 6.1.1.3).

5–16. Notification information
a. Notify PNOK of the information contained in the INIT report, precluding any gory or embarrassing details. Be
careful to fully disclose all facts to lessen the concern and anxiety of the PNOK.
b. Casualty items to disclose—
(1) 31. Vehicle information (if applicable to the incident).
(2) 36. Date and time of incident.
(3) 37. Place of incident.
(4) 39. Circumstances.
(5) 41. Diagnosis.
(6) PROG screen–prognosis and place hospitalized or treated.
c. Provide SUPP and PROG information to the PNOK as soon as it is available.
(1) Seriously wounded, injured, or ill VSI at a minimum of every 24 hours.
(2) Not seriously injured as a minimum of every 5 days or until released from the medical facility.
d. Confirmation of notification.
(1) The CAC will prepare a SUPP using DCIPS–FWD transmitted DCIPS.
(2) Manual entry by CMAOC into NOK screen.
(3) Confirmation will contain—
(a) Date and time of notification.
(b) Who made the notification.
(c) Forty–five days address and phone number for PNOK.

5–17. Methods of notification
a. When a person is in an MTF and classified as VSI, it is always desirable for the attending physician to speak
directly with the PNOK. In CONUS, the MTF CDR is responsible for the notification to the PNOK of an injury or
illness. For an OCONUS MTF, if PNOK is in CONUS, either the attending physician or CMAOC will notify. After
CMAOC notification, CMAOC will facilitate follow–up communication between the PNOK and the attending physician.
It is imperative that notification be made expeditiously to PNOK and contact information be provided in order to
aid connection with attending physician.
b. If a newsworthy person or other special interest case dictates haste in notification, use the quickest means
possible that the PNOK does not learn of the incident through other than official channels.
c. The attending physician or CMAOC will notify PNOK of persons under psychiatric care or attempted suicide.
Notification will not be made at unit level.

Chapter 6
Casualty Assistance Program

Section I
General

6–1. Objectives of the program
The objectives of the casualty assistance program are to—
a. Assist the PADD with coordinating funeral honors support, remains information, and filing of interment claims.
b. Assist the PADD and NOK receiving benefits or entitlements during the period immediately following a casualty.
c. Assist in settling claims and payment of survivor benefits to the NOK.
d. Assist the PNOK in other personal affairs.
e. Assist personnel eligible to receive effects (PERE) with shipping status and delivery of the personnel effects (PE).
f. Assist in keeping NOK informed on status of any ongoing investigations and assist with obtaining copies of final
investigation reports.

6–2. Persons entitled to a casualty assistance officer
a. The PERE and NOK receiving benefits or entitlements of the persons described below are entitled to a CAO.
(1) All Army members on active duty. The term “active duty” includes Reserve members in an AGR status and
Reserve and ARNG Soldiers mobilized under 10 USC.
(2) The USAR and ARNG Soldiers who die while en route or while participating in any of the following authorized
training activities—
(a) Annual training.
(b) Active duty for training.
(c) Scheduled inactive duty training.
(d) Full time National Guard duty.
(e) Temporary tour of active duty.
(f) Initial active duty training.
(g) Active duty for special work.
(h) Special active duty for training.
(i) Soldiers who die while en route to or from or at a place for final acceptance for entry on active duty with the
Army; includes personnel in DEP attending Recruiting Command sanctioned activities.
(j) Cadets and students enrolled in ROTC performing authorized training or travel (5 USC 8140 or 36 USC 2110).
(k) USMA cadets.
(3) Soldiers in an AWOL status.
(4) Retired general officers of the Army.
(5) Retired Soldiers who held the office of Sergeant Major of the Army.
(6) Retired Soldiers collecting retired pay as required in paragraph 6–6.
(7) Department of the Army civilian personnel who become a casualty while assigned, deployed, or TDY outside
the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Department of the Army civilian personnel who become a casualty while
TDY inside CONUS.
(8) Anyone as directed by Director, CMAOC
(9) Medal of Honor recipients, if requested.
b. While the Casualty Assistance Program provides assistance to the PNOK, a CAO may also provide advice and
guidance to other NOK, if warranted by the situation. Some of the most common situations where additional assistance
will be furnished are—
(1) The parents or children of a deceased or missing individual, who are not the PNOK.
(2) Separated or discharged persons who die within 120 days of discharge or separation. In this case, provide
assistance to verify the death and to provide the CAC with the information needed to submit a casualty report and to
assist the NOK in applying for any authorized benefits such as SGLV.
c. When 2 or more persons at different addresses should be provided assistance, more than 1 CAO may be necessary
to provide assistance. Careful coordination in these cases is extremely important.
d. When parents die, are incapacitated or unavailable, and the their minor children are being returned to CONUS, a
responsible person will be designated by the Soldier’s CDR to accompany the children to their final destination (see
JFTR, Vol 1).
e. Provide assistance to the NOK of those Soldiers who die while in a suspected of desertion status. However, if the
CDR, U.S. Army Deserter Point (USADIP) determines that the Soldier was indeed a deserter, withdraw casualty
assistance. When the CDR, USADIP makes an AWOL or a desertion determination and submits it to CMAOC
(AHRC–PEZ), relay the determination to the appropriate CAC in the area nearest the NOK. The CAO or CAC will
notify the NOK.

6–3. Selection of casualty assistance officers
a. The CAC having responsibility for the geographical area in which the PNOK or PADD resides will appoint a
CAO from trained and certified active duty personnel. The CAOs will be knowledgeable, competent, dependable,
sympathetic, and, if possible, able to communicate in the same language as the PNOK or PADD. Director, CMAOC
may approve exceptions to qualifications, but CAOs should approximate the following qualifications:
(1) Mature Soldiers with 6 or more years of service.
(2) Officers in the grade of captain or higher, chief warrant officers in the grade of chief warrant officer two or
higher, and NCOs in the grade of sergeant first class or higher.
(3) The grade of the CAO will, whenever possible, be equal to or higher that the grade of the casualty and equal to
or higher than the grade of the PNOK when applicable.
(4) Of similar military or professional background as the deceased, especially when death is mission- or training-related.
(5) Possess a neat, military appearance and bearing.
(6) Commanders will release Soldiers appointed as CAOs from conflicting duties and/or requirements so that they
can give the NOK all possible and meaningful assistance. The CAO duties will take precedence over peacetime
military duties, to include TDY, duty roster and detail assignments, ordinary leaves and passes, and field exercise
requirements.
b. Do not assign as a CAO—
(1) A relative.
(2) A close personal friend.
(3) Anyone scheduled for deployment, reassignment, retirement, or release from active duty within the next 6
months.
c. Do not use civilian personnel and retirees as CAOS for Army personnel without prior coordination with the
Director, CMAOC.
d. The CDR of the installation nearest the residence of the NOK will assign DOD civilian casualty assistance
personnel to provide casualty assistance to the PNOK of DOD civilian casualties. Where possible, they will abide by
the same guidelines as for military casualty assistance.
e. Contracting agencies have the responsibility to provide their own casualty assistance personnel to provide casualty
assistance to the PNOK of their contract employees.
f. The CACs may use Soldiers used in the casualty notification as CAOs, except those specifically listed in
paragraph 5–5d(1) through 5–5d(6). However, do not assign an individual who was the CNO to a family as the CAO to
assist the same family where they made a notification. Exception is use of CNOs for parents who are SNOK. The
CNOs who notify parents who are SNOK, will stay on to provide continued assistance and information updates through
the funeral and any investigation process.
g. Upon death of an active or retired 4–star general officer, appoint an active duty general officer as the CAO.
Director, CMAOC may grant exceptions to this policy only when it is clearly not feasible to appoint an active duty
general officer.
h. The CAOs will assist NOK as this regulation and the situation requires.

6–4. Continuity of assistance
When a CAO must be replaced because of reassignment, separation, extended absence, or by request of the NOK—
a. Provide explanation for the change of CAO request to CMAOC for decision.
b. Ensure that the NOK is prepared for the change.
c. Ensure that the new officer has time to become thoroughly familiar with the case and is ready to continue
assistance without interruption. A 60–day lead time is desirable, when possible.
d. Ensure the CAO accompanies the new officer on initial contact with the NOK—
(1) Review CAO checklist thoroughly.
(2) Confirm status of benefits requests.
(3) Review contact list.
(4) Address any questions with the family.

6–5. Casualty assistance officer packets
To ensure consistency and appropriate standards within its geographical area of responsibility, each CAC will develop
casualty assistance officer packets, and keep them up to date. These packets will include—
a. The HQDA Casualty Assistance Officer Guide.
b. The location and telephone number of the nearest Department of Veterans’ Affairs CAO and Social Security
Administration (SSA) offices and the centralized expedited claims offices of DVA and SSA.
c. Telephone numbers and addresses (e–mail) of officials who can coordinate and provide information on all aspects
of the Casualty Assistance Program.
d. Appendix A and all forms listed therein, as appropriate, and make readily available to the CAO.
e. A list of organizations that can provide services, and the locations of the nearest Army Emergency Relief (AER)
and American Red Cross.
f. The DFAS CAO Guide.
g. List of all Uniform Resource Locators (URL) relating to Army casualty assistance forms, procedures, guides, and
support.
h. Guide For Surviving Family Members.

6–6. Assignment and transfer of person receiving casualty assistance
When the NOK relocates before casualty assistance actions are completed, reassign assistance as stated below. The
losing CAC responsible for casualty assistance, whether CONUS and overseas, will promptly notify CMAOC concerning
such movement.
a. Actions to take when the NOK moves from a CAC’s area of responsibility are—
(1) The losing CAC will telephone the CMAOC before the move and follow–up with an e–mail message and copy
the gaining CAC. Provide the specifics of the case and what assistance the losing CAC has already rendered. CAOs
from the losing and gaining CACs will communicate directly with one another to affect a formal handoff. The losing
CAC will send a copy of the complete case to the gaining CAC. It will include the CAO’s AAR, all casualty reports,
and copies of pertinent personnel records to facilitate any pending claims or actions.
(2) E–mail will include whatever information is necessary to provide a smooth transition in continuing casualty
assistance to the NOK. Also, the e–mail will include the NOK’s time of departure, estimated time of arrival, mode of
travel, and address at destination.
(3) When the NOK will need assistance at intermediate points en route to the final destination, the losing CAC will
send an e–mail to all persons concerned, stating the NOK’s itinerary and the assistance needed.
b. Ensure that the NOK is prepared for the change and that the new CAO has time to become thoroughly familiar
with the case and is ready to continue assistance without interruption.

Section II
Assistance to the next of kin of deceased individuals

6–7. Role of the casualty assistance officer
a. The CAO will assist and counsel the PNOK on all matters pertaining to the deceased. The CAO as a minimum
will—
(1) Communicate directly with the person making the personal notification to help ensure the first and subsequent
contacts with the NOK are productive.
(2) Call the NOK within 4 hours (but not between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.) following initial notification to schedule an
appointment to visit the PNOK. The NOK will expect the telephone call, so any delay will cause them needless
anxiety. Timing of the first visit should be based on the desires of the PNOK. Comply with any request to wait to have
the first visit.
(3) Obtain a copy of a divorce decree, if applicable.
(4) Obtain a valid 45–day residence address and mailing address, if different from the residence address. Also,
obtain additional information on dependents (children), not previously reported.
(5) Determine the immediate needs or problems facing the NOK and render prompt, courteous, and sympathetic
assistance.
(6) Direct all inquiries on non–recovered remains or validity of identification of remains to CMAOC.
(7) When the PNOK is a surviving spouse, or the designated natural parents when there is no spouse or children,
advise the PNOK of the status of the death gratuity payment. Assist in the payment of that gratuity.
(8) Initiate a CAO log.
(9) Arrange for emergency financial assistance with the AER and American Red Cross, if needed.
(10) Assist in arranging for military honors for the funeral, if desired by the PADD.
(11) When the decedent was married, also pass pertinent information regarding the return of the remains, the funeral
arrangements, and similar information to the surviving parents and to the decedent’s children by a former marriage (or
their guardian).
(12) Advise the NOK of monetary benefits and entitlements for which they are eligible. Use local facilities, such as
the Legal Assistance Office and Government copying equipment, in developing or supporting claims for benefits.
When possible, use the DVA and SSA expedited benefits processing call centers or accompany the NOK to the
Veterans Benefits Office and the SSA to discuss survivor benefits and to assist in completing applications for benefits.
(13) Advise the NOK that DFAS will mail claim forms for unpaid pay and allowances, with instructions for
completion, to the designated beneficiaries.
(14) Inform NOK who are family members about the period of entitlement for transporting and shipping household
goods and about procedures for requesting extension of entitlements (AR 55–46).
(15) Immediately notify CMAOC and the CAC of any move the NOK makes or contemplates. Include both the old
and the new addresses and the effective date of the move in the notification, and record this information on the CAO
AAR.
(16) Immediately inform CMAOC if the NOK requests a letter of sympathy from the deceased Soldier’s unit CDR,
in cases when another official would normally prepare the letter.
(17) When a death occurs in a combat zone make the NOK aware of section 2201of the Internal Revenue Services
(IRS) code. This code grants forgiveness of all income tax for the year of death and any prior taxable year ending on or
after the first day the member served in the combat zone. The CMAOC will certify the DD Form 1300 and forward it
to the IRS.
(18) Coordinate closely with the Army Benefits Center (ABC) for all civilian Government employees’ deaths
(19) Inform family members of, and if they desire, assist them in obtaining a copy of any fatality or investigative
reports pertaining to the death of the Soldier in accordance with appendix D. Consult with CMAOC case manager to
confirm which investigation reports apply to the case at hand prior to advising NOK of the existence of specific kinds
of investigation reports.
(20) When applicable, coordinate with CMAOC for the delivery of findings of the accident investigation of fatal
accident collateral investigation report to the NOK.
b. If needed and available, use Government vehicles to assist the NOK. You may operate beyond the normal
permissible operating distance of the installation, activity or unit providing assistance. Use privately owned vehicles
when that will avoid undue delay and is more advantageous to the Government.

6–8. Assistance to the next of kin of retired Soldiers
a. In honor of their retired service, CACs are encouraged to provide assistance to the NOK of a retiree who dies. In
cases where notification of the death of a retiree is not very timely, it may not be necessary to provide assistance in
person. When contacted concerning a deceased retiree, the CAC will contact the NOK to determine the extent of
assistance needed. Whenever feasible, CACs should assign a CAO to NOK of a requests assistance. However, if a
CAO is not available CACs should develop information packets to mail to the NOK containing the necessary forms
and postage–paid return envelopes, along with instructions and telephone number to contact for further assistance. The
CACs will follow up with the NOK after a mailing to ensure receipt of packet.
b. Retirees may be entitled to certain mortuary benefits as covered in AR 638–2 and table 2–1.
c. When a military retiree dies in a foreign country—
(1) Contact nearest military facility for assistance.
(2) Contact an American Embassy or Consulate responsible for the geographical area for assistance with disposition
of remains, the estate, contact of nearest military facility and mortuary.
(3) The State Department’s consular representative in the country concerned will be the official who assists in the
disposition of the remains. The State Department’s point of contact in Washington, DC on such matters is the Special
Consular Services.
d. The CAC should contact Retired Pay Operations, DFAS, to obtain information concerning survivor benefits,
allotments, and so forth.

6–9. Assistance to the next of kin of civilian employees
The Army will provide casualty assistance to the PNOK of all DA civilians who die while assigned, deployed, or TDY
outside the 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as to the overseas PNOK of all overseas–stationed DA
civilians who die while TDY in CONUS. Commanders will ensure that the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center
(CPAC) responsible for the area, in coordination with the local CAC, identifies a DA civilian to provide casualty
assistance to the NOK. This assistance will be comparable to that prescribed in this regulation for military family
members. The Army Benefits Center, in coordination with the appointed CAO, will provide assistance with the
processing of all benefits and entitlements. After the family members enters CONUS, the gaining CPAC, in coordination
with the local CAC, will normally provide for any remaining assistance that might be necessary. The responsible
CDR will transfer the case to the proper CAC so that he or she may furnish pertinent information to the civilian
personnel officer at the installation nearest the NOK. If a DA civilian is not reasonably available to serve as a CAO,
the responsible CDR can appoint a military CAO to provide assistance and ensure the local CPAC and the ABC assist
the military CAO in processing of all civilian benefits and entitlements.

Section III
Performance of Duties as the Casualty Assistance Officer in Deceased Cases

6–10. General
The local Army CDR with overall responsibility for the Casualty Assistance Program appoints the CAO as the SA’s
representative to the NOK. As the SA’s representative, the CAO’s CDR will release the CAO from all conflicting
duties and requirements and will monitor Soldier’s performance as a CAO until the CAC reviews the CAO AAR and
releases the CAO back to his or her unit. The local casualty and mortuary affairs officer supervises the assistance
program for the CAC (see appendix B for a listing of CACs). All of the CAC’s resources, including the resources of its
entire staff, are available to the CAO to carry out his or her duties.
a. The CAC and CMAOC will be the main points of contact and source of information. The CAC will assist in
coordinating mortuary affairs. Other agencies, such as the Staff Judge Advocate, surgeon general, chaplain, provost
marshal, public affairs office, retirement services officer and the finance, housing, and transportation offices may assist
the CAO. The CAO is expected to make such contacts, when necessary, without CAC referral. The American Red
Cross, AER, and regional offices of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and SSA will also help when needed.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs and SSA, prefer to provide specific information directly to the survivor. The CAO
will make necessary appointments with Department of Veterans’ Affairs and SSA for those NOK who do not opt to
use the centralized expedited call centers, and accompany the NOK when applicable. The CAO should call on these
local service and support activities when necessary.
b. The SA charges the CAO to render all reasonable assistance needed to settle the claims and payment of survivor
benefits. The quality of service must reflect full attention to duty and to the NOK. It will lessen the emotional and
financial strain borne by the NOK during a period of great trauma. The CAO should pursue the assignment with a keen
sense of urgency but conform to the NOK’s time preferences. The CAO should take pride in conduct, military
appearance, and services rendered; and keep the thoughts, feelings, and position of the NOK uppermost in mind.
c. The CAO will read and follow all guidance contained in the CAO Guide the CAC will provide.

6–11. Disposition of casualty assistance officer after action report
Forward the completed AAR through channels to the responsible CAC or major overseas CDR for review and
corrective action. The CACs responsible for providing casualty assistance to the NOK of deceased active duty Soldiers
will contact the NOK after receipt of the AAR to confirm the NOK is satisfied that all needed assistance has been
rendered and to ensure NOK has the CAC’s Toll–Free number if additional assistance is later requested. After
verifying NOK’s satisfaction with casualty assistance, CACs will submit the original CAO AAR to CMAOC. Complete
the AAR on the form from the CAO Guide, and forward the AAR form not later than 120 days after submission of the
INIT casualty report unless assistance is still ongoing. The CACs continue to maintain the form for retirees and
maintain a copy of completed reports.

Section IV
Obtaining Personal Information from the Next of Kin of a Deceased Individual

6–12. Obtaining information
To settle a deceased individual’s personal affairs and financial accounts, personal information pertaining to the
decedent is normally required from the NOK. In order to protect both the deceased and the NOK, advise the NOK of
the necessity to disclose the information covered by the provisions of the Privacy Act.

6–13. Advising the next of kin
Advise the NOK of a deceased individual of the reasons for disclosure of the requested information. Provide them a
copy of DA Form 4475 (Data Required by the Privacy Act of 1974–Personal Information From the NOK of a
Deceased Service Member). This form is the only manner of advisement required before requesting information from
the NOK. To print DA Form 4475, go to http://www/army/mil/usapa/eforms/da4475–r_to_da4831–r_1.html.

Chapter 7
Transportation and Travel Orders for Family Members of Very Seriously Wounded, Injured,
or Ill and Seriously Wounded, Injured, or Ill Soldiers

7–1. Very seriously wounded, injured, or ill, seriously wounded, injured, or ill, not seriously injured
travel and transportation orders (invitational travel orders)

Department of the Army is permitted, within certain parameters of the USC, to extend an invitation for movement to
the bedside of ill or injured Soldiers. Soldiers must be VSI, SI, or NSI (and are hospitalized and are in the United
States) status as determined by a military physician. The USC does not authorize T&TO for the families of Soldiers
who become NSI. Director, CMAOC is the approving authority for this invitation and extends it in the form of a travel
order. The CMAOC will publish all T&TOs that result from war and contingency operations illness and injuries.
Requests from CAC for all other T&TOs will be considered upon receipt of a valid DA Form 2984 (Very Seriously Ill/
Seriously Ill/Special Category Patient Report). One round–trip movement (travel, excluding in and about movement)
for up to 3 family members (PNOK) (as designated by USC), and provides subsistence funds (transportation) as
determined by the DOD Per Diem Committee. Initial orders will not extend beyond 15 days unless approved by
CMAOC. Requests for extension to VSI or SI initial orders may be made to CMAOC through the servicing Patient
Administration Division (PAD) to the CAC to AHRC–PEZ. The NSI (injured or ill) orders will not be extended. All
orders will cease when a Soldier leaves initial inpatient status at the MTF caring for her or him. A DA T&TO does not
follow a Soldier to a veteran’s or specialty care center.

7–2. Outside continental United States travel and transportation orders for family members
Director, CMAOC may issue a T&TO to 3 family members of a Soldier who is hospitalized and classified as VSI, SI,
or is retired for the illness or injury, whether or not electrical brain activity still exists or brain death is declared. The
JFTR, Vol 1, paragraph U5246 governs T&TOs. The definition of a family member as defined in the JFTR, means the
member’s spouse, children (including step, adopted, and illegitimate children), parents of the member and siblings of
the member (includes fathers and mothers through adoption and persons who have stood in loco parentis to the member
for a period of not less than 1 year prior to the member’s entry into the U.S. Army). Only 1 father and 1 mother or
their counterparts may be recognized in any one case. In addition, the following guidelines must be met—
a. The attending physician or surgeon and the CDR or head of the military medical facility exercising control over
the Soldier determines that the presence of the family member may contribute to the Soldier’s health and welfare.
b. The MTF will document this determination on a DA Form 2984. This form requires the signature of the MTF
CDR and the attending physician, PAD or administration officer of the day (AOD).
c. The Soldier is hospitalized in an overseas area and the PNOK are in CONUS, Soldier is hospitalized in CONUS
and the PNOK are OCONUS, or both Soldier and PNOK are OCONUS but in different overseas locations.
d. Restrictions on issuing T&TOs are as follows—
(1) The CMAOC will publish the T&TO for PNOK of injured or ill Soldiers in the combat zone.
(2) Travel to a hostile fire area is not authorized.
(3) The T&TO request made by a PNOK or on behalf of a PNOK that does not comply with the above criteria.
(4) The CMAOC may approve a T&TO for the PNOK of captured, missing, or detained Soldiers.
(5) Movement of the PNOK must be initiated within 24 hours of receipt of a valid DA Form 2984 from the MTF.
(6) The CMAOC will act as the approving authority for all T&TOs issued by it or on its behalf. The issuance of a
DA Form 2984 by an MTF does not constitute approval of a T&TO. Funding for commitments made by other than
CMAOC will not be reimbursed by DA. Only CMAOC will commit said organization to a DA T&TO.
(7) The T&TO will cease at the time a Soldier is discharged, becomes an outpatient, is transferred to a veteran’s or
specialty care medical center or when the PNOK leaves the bedside of the Soldier.
e. The CAC will review the request for a T&TO to ensure it meets the above criteria and verify PNOK information.
The CAC will then send the request immediately by e–mail or fax (confirmed by follow–up telephone call) to
CMAOC. Each request will contain the following information—
(1) The PNOK’s name, address, telephone number, and relationship to the patient.
(2) Statement that the attending physician and the MTF CDR determine the presence of the PNOK is necessary and
will contribute to the recovery of the Soldier.
(3) Passport and visa requirements of the PNOK.
(4) Instructions on what the PNOK is to do upon arrival (such as contact the staff duty officer).
(5) Information concerning the availability of Government quarters and dining facilities.
(6) Estimated cost per day for each PNOK while they are present in the CMD.
(7) Type of weather the PNOK should expect to encounter and suggested type of apparel to bring (for example,
spring apparel or summer apparel). Coordination will be made with the Soldier’s unit.
(8) The CAC or PAD at the MTF must promptly coordinate movement of PNOK to the bedside.
f. When CMAOC approves the T&TO arrangements and confirms the arrangements they will notify the CAC and
provide an itinerary.
g. Once a T&TO is issued, the following restrictions apply—
(1) The Government will provide to the PNOK 1 round–trip transportation from place of residence to the overseas
location of the hospital and return. In and around transportation is not authorized.
(2) The Government may reimburse expenses incurred for expedited passport processing.
h. Information on sending and completing reports on NOK travel is listed below—
(1) The appropriate CAC will fax or e–mail to the CMD that the PNOK will be visiting, and include all appropriate
information, addresses, or the CAC may telephone CMAOC. The message or telephone conversation will announce the
PNOK’s estimated time of arrival (ETA), estimated time of departure (ETD), and all other pertinent travel information.
If the CAC uses a telephone conversation, CMAOC will inform the CMD and other necessary activities that the NOK
will visit.
(2) Include the date of the PNOK’s arrival in the overseas CMD in the first PROG report following arrival. Include
in subsequent reports that the PNOK remains in the CMD. Report the departure of the PNOK in the next PROG report
following the departure.
i. Initial orders will not exceed 15 days without CMAOC approval.
(1) Requests for extension to VSI/SI initial orders may be made to CMAOC through the servicing PAD to the CAC.
(2) This T&TO will not be extended beyond the Soldiers’ hospitalization.
j. The T&TO will not be issued to a family member once a Soldier recovers from SI status.
k. In extreme time–sensitive instances where CMAOC provides a voice approval, T&TO will be dated to reflect the
date of the voice approval.
l. Primary next of kin (as defined in the Joint Federal Travel Regulation and chapter 6 of this publication) who are
active duty Army personnel may be moved to the bedside of VSI OR SI Soldiers hospitalized OCONUS.
(1) The PNOK must coordinate with his/her unit CDR when requesting T&TO.
(2) Memorandum of approval and/or disapproval from the unit CDR must be forwarded to AHRC–PEZ operations.
The memorandum must state the number of days authorized at the bedside of VSI and SI Soldiers. Active duty Army
personnel will be attached to the Medical Hold Unit (MHU) at the MTF if authorized timed is more than 30 days.
(3) Active duty personnel must bring required issued uniforms, CAC card, ID tags, and physical fitness uniforms.
(4) The PNOK who are active duty personnel from other branches of Service must coordinate with their respective
Service for travel to the bedside of their casualty.

7–3. Continental United States travel and transportation orders for family members
The CONUS CAC identified in appendix B may issue a T&TO to 3 family members of a Soldier who is hospitalized
in CONUS and classified as VSI, SI, NSI (for NSI only, injured in an operation or area designated as a combat
operation or combat zone) hospitalized or retired for the illness or injury, whether or not tests show electrical brain
activity or brain death. The JFTR, Vol 1, paragraph U5246 governs T&TOs. The definition of a family member
(PNOK) as defined in the JFTR is the member’s spouse, children (including step, adopted, and illegitimate children),
parents of the member and siblings of the member (includes fathers and mothers through adoption and persons who
have stood in loco parentis to the member for a period of not less than 1 year immediately prior to the member’s entry
in the U.S. Army). However, only 1 father and 1 mother or their counterparts may be recognized in any 1 case. In
addition, the following guidelines must be met—
a. The attending physician or surgeon and the CDR or head of the military medical facility exercising control over
the Soldier determines that the presence of the family member may contribute to the Soldier’s health and welfare.
b. The MTF will document this determination on a DA Form 2984. The attending physician, PAD or AOD, and
MTF CDR must sign the DA Form 2984.
c. The Soldier is hospitalized in an MTF in the United States.
d. Restrictions for CONUS T&TOs are as follows—
(1) The CMAOC will publish the T&TO for PNOK of hostile injured or ill Soldiers.
(2) The MTF personnel will not commit the Army to issuing a T&TO. Only CMAOC can approve and offer a
T&TO.
(3) One round–trip transportation from place of residence to the MTF and return. In and about transportation is not
authorized.
(4) A monetary allowance for the official distance between home and the MTF if travel is performed by privately
owned conveyance.
(5) Movement of PNOK must be initiated within 24 hours of receipt of a valid DA Form 2984 from the MTF.
(6) The T&TO will cease at the time the Soldier is discharged, becomes an outpatient, is transferred to DVA or
specialty care medical center, or when the PNOK leaves the bedside of the Soldier.
e. The JFTR, Vol I, paragraph U5246 identifies the only reimbursable expenses in connection with this travel (such
as taxis to and from airports, baggage handler tips, and so forth).
f. Upon approval from CMAOC, the CAC will provide AHRC–PEZ with the following information—
(1) The CAC responsible for the area in which the Soldier is currently hospitalized must send a facsimile copy of
the completed and signed DA Form 2984 to the CMAOC and the names and relationship of the PNOK to the Soldier
in the request for the T&TO. Also include INIT casualty reports for all SI/VSI Soldiers for which the CAC requests a
T&TO.
(2) A copy of Soldier’s DD Form 93, SGLV 8286, and MOB orders (USAR/ARNG) Soldiers.
(3) Estimated cost of the T&TO, to include air transportation and or mileage.
g. After review, CMAOC will telephonically provide the requesting CAC a control number and fund cite authorization.
h. Send a copy of the T&TO to AHRC–PEZ when issued.
i. The CACs will maintain a T&TO log that includes as a minimum—
(1) Soldier’s name, grade, and SSN.
(2) Control number.
(3) Name of the PNOK to which the T&TO was issued.
(4) Name of CMAOC approving the individual.
(5) Estimated cost of the T&TO.
(6) Date T&TO was issued.
(7) Update DCIPS interested persons and benefits and entitlements.
j. Do not extend initial orders beyond 15 days unless CMAOC (AHRC–PEZ) approves.
(1) Make requests for extension to VSI/SI/NSI (injured or ill) (for NSI only, injured in an operation or area
designated as a combat operation or combat zone) initial orders to AHRC–PEZ through the servicing PAD to the CAC
to AHRC–PEZ.
(2) All requests for extension of NSI (injured or ill) (for NSI only, injured in an operation or area designated as a
combat operation or combat zone) hospitalized in the United States past 30 days requires Secretarial approval and must
be processed 10 days prior to end of T&TO.
(3) The T&TO will not be extended beyond the Soldiers’ hospitalization.
k. In extreme time–sensitive instances where CMAOC provides a voice approval, T&TO will be dated to reflect the
date of the voice approval.

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