1. IMPLEMENT CASUALTY OPERATIONS PROGRAM
U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute
IMPLEMENT CASUALTY OPERATIONS PROGRAM
SHOW SLIDE 1: IMPLEMENT CASUALTY OPERATIONS PROGRAM (WARTIME)
ADMINISTRATIVE DATA:
Academic Hours/Methods
7 hrs /00 min Conference / Discussion
1 hr/00 min Practical Exercise
4 hrs/00 min Test
25 mins Test Review
12 hrs/ 25 mins Total Hours
SECTION II. INTRODUCTION: Today we are going to discuss Implementing Casualty Operations Program.
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio is: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 5 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
MOTIVATOR: For the deceased, death is the final act. However, for family and friends, death is the beginning of pain, a sense of loss, and a great deal of unfinished business. When the deceased is a Soldier, the Army assumes responsibility for his or her family. These reports are not just impersonal documents, they are reports about real tragedies that have happened to real people--people who will be mourned by others.
Adjutant General School

2. Terminal Learning Objective
Army Learning Areas (ALAs) – General Learning Outcomes (GLOs)
Mission Command – GLO 4, 5, 6
Professional Competence – GLO 13 & 14
ACTION: Implement Casualty Operations Program
CONDITIONS: Given access to FM 1-0 (Human Resources Support), AR (Army Casualty Program), DA Pam (Procedures for The Army Casualty Program), AR (Line of Duty Policy, Procedures, and Investigations), AR (Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy), AR (Care and Disposition of Remains and Disposition of Personal Effects), DA Form 1156 (Casualty Feeder Card), awareness of the Operational Environment (OE),variables, and actors.
STANDARDS: Students will meet the standard of 70% accuracy when they:
1. Define the casualty operations management mission.
2. Define the principles of casualty reporting.
3. Define the principles of casualty notification and assistance.
4. Define the basic concepts of mortuary affairs process.
SHOW SLIDE 2: TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE (TLO)
NOTE: Inform students of the following Terminal Learning Objective (TLO) requirements.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: In a training environment, leaders must perform a risk assessment in accordance with DA PAM , Risk Management. Leaders will complete a DD Form 2977 Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet during the planning and completion of each task and sub-task by assessing mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-time available and civil considerations, (METT-TC). Local policies and procedures must be followed during times of increased heat category in order to avoid heat related injury. Consider the work/rest cycles and water replacement guidelines IAW TRADOC Regulation Everyone is responsible for safety.
No food or drink is allowed near or around electrical equipment (CPU, file servers, printers, projectors, etc.) due to possible electrical shock or damage to equipment.  Exercise care in personal movement in and through such areas.  Avoid all electrical cords and associated wiring.  In event of electrical storm, you will be instructed to power down equipment.
RISK ASSESSMENT LEVEL: Low
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: Environmental protection is not just the law but the right thing to do. It is a continual process and starts with deliberate planning. Always be alert to ways to protect our environment during training and missions. In doing so, you will contribute to the sustainment of our training resources while protecting people and the environment from harmful effects. Refer to FM Environmental Considerations and GTA ENVIRONMENTAL-RELATED RISK ASSESSMENT.
Instructional Guidance: Before presenting this lesson, instructors must thoroughly prepare by studying this lesson and identified reference materials. Throughout this lesson, solicit from students the challenges they experienced in the operational environment (OE) and what they did to resolve them. Encourage students to apply at least one of the critical variables: Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, Infrastructure, Physical Environment and Time (PMESII-PT).
Conditions: With an awareness of the Operational Environment (OE) variables and actors.
EVALUATION. You will be given a graded end of module examination which will include Coordinate Personnel Accountability Functions. A passing score on this end of module examination is 70% for AC students and 60% International Students.
INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD-IN: Casualty operations have high visibility throughout the Army and the news media; accurate reporting, proper notification and casualty assistance to the families of the deceased can generate support or animosity towards the military.
NOTE:
Army Learning Areas (ALA) are the baseline focal points Soldiers and Army Civilians must possess to prevail in the ambiguous environments that challenge the Army today. The four ALAs are: Army Profession and Leadership; Mission Command; Human Dimension; and Professional Competence. The Army Learning Area taxonomy provides a framework to assist in grouping the General Learning Outcomes. The four Army Learning Areas serve as the framework to catalogue the 14 General Learning Outcomes.
The GLOs are essential outcomes resulting from training, education, and experience along a career continuum of learning. There are three primary purposes for the Army General Learning Outcomes. First, they provide trainers and educators a lens into how effective they are in conveying their support material. Second, it assists in improving instructional design and/or training support packages. Finally it places responsibility on training and education proponents to be nested with ALAs. H
ALA: Mission Command encompasses how Army commanders and leaders apply the foundational MC philosophy with the MC WfF. Together, the MC philosophy and MC WfF guide, integrate, and synchronize Army operations throughout the conduct of ULO. There are four GLOs for the Mission Command ALA.
GLO 4: Soldiers and Army Civilians demonstrate proficiency in mission command leader and commander tasks. This includes Lead the Operations Process, Inform and Influence Relative Audiences, Develop Teams within Units and Unified Action Partners, Art of Command/Science of Control, Pre-Combat Inspections, Lead the Unit, Organize Staff for Operations, Rapid Decision and Synchronization Process, and Troop Leading Procedures.
GLO 5: Soldiers and Army Civilians demonstrate proficiency in mission command staff tasks. This includes the Operations Process (Plan, Prepare, Execute, and Assess), Synchronize Information-related Capabilities, Knowledge/Information Management, and Cyber-Electromagnetic Activities.
GLO 6: Soldiers and Army Civilians demonstrate proficiency in the mission command system. This includes Common Operating Picture and Mission Command Information Systems.
ALA: Professional Competence is the demonstrated technical and tactical proficiency in Army and joint doctrine largely revolving around the concept of ULO codified in ADP There are three GLOs for the Professional Competence ALA.
GLO 13: Soldiers and Army Civilians support Army policies, programs and processes; includes Understanding and contributing to Army Systems that manage, develop, and transform the Army.
GLO 14: Soldiers and Army Civilians are technically and tactically competent; includes Branch and Career Management Field proficiency, Career Programs, Series Technical Certifications, and Warfighting Skills.

3. Casualty Operations Management Mission
To record, report, verify, and process casualty information from unit level to DA, notify appropriate individuals, and provide casualty assistance to next of kin.
Historical Perspective
Operation Iraqi Freedom Lesson Learned
Observation: In some cases Commanders or Soldiers felt compelled to inform family members in the rear of injuries or deaths involving their loved ones prior to official DA notification. Sometimes the information relayed was incorrect or vague causing unnecessary anxiety to families whose loved ones may not have even been involved in the incident.
Chief, Personnel Services Directorate, 3rd PERSCOM
SHOW SLIDE 3: CASUALTY OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT MISSION
Learning Step / Activity 1. Define the casualty operations management mission
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:32
Time of Instruction: 1 hr 30 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
a. Casualty management includes the production, dissemination, coordination, validation and synchronization of casualty reporting, casualty notification, casualty assistance, line-of-duty determination, disposition of remains, disposition of personal effects, and military burial honors. Casualty operations consists of three major components:
(1) Casualty Reporting - to record, report, verify and process accurate casualty information from unit level to Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA).
(2) Casualty Notification - To notify appropriate individuals.
(3) Casualty Assistance - To provide assistance to family members or next of kin (NOK).
b. During casualty processing, due to the myriad number of actions that must take place, the timeline from a casualty incident (in cases involving death) until surviving family members receive death benefits and entitlements can take months to complete. The sensitive nature of the Army’s casualty mission requires all echelons across the force to be fully trained on their respective roles during casualty operations. With today’s technology and communication systems available to the force, the historical perspective shown remains a significant challenge for Army leaders during full spectrum casualty operations.

4. Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division (CMAOD)
Policy Proponent for:
Casualty operations
Disposition of remains
Line of Duty Investigations
Army mortuaries, cemeteries and funeral honors
The CMAOD is part of
The Adjutant General Directorate
of Human Resources Command
“Transforming the sacrifice
of the Soldier and his family
into the honor of a
grateful Nation”
CPT Keith Cerci, 2004
SHOW SLIDE 4: CASUALTY AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS OPERATIONS DIVISION (CMAOD)
The CMAOD is the functional proponent for Casualty Operations Management. It is a subordinate division of The Adjutant General Directorate (TAGD), which falls under the U.S. Army
Human Resources Command (HRC). The CMAOD provides policy guidance and operational control over daily Army casualty and memorial affairs operations; supervises the planning and execution of the search, recovery, identification, and repatriation of all servicemen from all prior wars; serves as the point of contact for all Army Prisoner of War (POW)/MIA matters and family programs; and serves as the Department of Defense (DoD) Executive Agent for Mortuary Affairs.
NOTE: Inform the students that the CMAOD web-site has links on the Army web-site, the HRC web-site, and AKO. 4

5. Reportable Casualties
What is a Casualty?
dead, duty status – whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN), excused absence-whereabouts unknown (EAWUN), missing, ill, or injured.
DODI
(AUG 09)
Any person who
is lost to the organization by reason of having been declared:
Deceased, DUSTWUN, EAWUN, missing injured or ill AR
638-8 (JUN 15)
Reportable Casualties
Examples of
All Army members on active duty
USAR/ARNG while training
Members of other services
Embedded reporters ?
AWOL Soldiers
Retirees
ROTC/USMA cadets
SMs within 120 days of separation
Allied personnel
DA Civilians
Family members
See AR for other eligible persons and necessary reporting requirements
SHOW SLIDE 5: WHAT IS A CASUALTY?
NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: THE ARMED FORCES MEDICAL EXAMINER WILL ESTABLISH PROCEDURES TO NOTIFY CMAOD OF FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS. Para 1-20
During wartime, units will report all casualties found on the battlefield to include American civilians, DOD or DA Civilians, contractors, and personnel of other Services .

6. Casualty Reporting Flow
SHOW SLIDE 6: Casualty Reporting Flow
b. Collect casualty information on the battlefield from all available sources and report through official channels as quickly as possible. Since casualties can occur on the first day of an operation, casualty managers from each echelon of command need to deploy as part of each echelon’s early entry elements. In the absence of an HRSC, the senior element G-1/AG and S-1 must be ready to immediately assume the role of the CAC. This slide (Figure 4-4 in FM 1-0) depicts the theater casualty reporting and tracking flow.
Figure 4-4, FM 1-0

7. Theater Casualty Timeline
Death
Assign
Casualty Assistance Officer
(CAO)
Casualty Document Article
Reporting
From Unit to DA
Remains shipped
to preparing Mortuary
Notification
To NOK
Disposition Instructions by Person Authorized to Direct Disposition
(PADD)
Payment of
Death Gratuity
(72 hours)
Letter of
Sympathy/
Condolence
Remains Shipped
to Local Funeral Home
Death Gratuity
$100,000
(Entirely Tax-Free)
CAC
Arranges
Escort
CAC
Arranges
Burial Honors
Official Identification
by Medical Examiner
CAC Provides
Travel Arrangements
for Family To Funeral
SHOW SLIDE 27: Theater Casualty Timeline
This is a graphic depiction of a Theater Casualty timeline. The timeline is event driven more so than time driven.
CAO
Assists Applying
for Benefits
Funeral Service /
Burial
Full Military Honors
Officer in Charge (OIC)
Pallbearers/Firing Party, Bugler, Chaplain
Presentation of Flag(s), Playing of Taps
Arrangement for Delivery of
Personal Property

8. Casualty Definitions Casualty Categories Casualty Type Casualty Status
Killed in Action (KIA)
Died of Wounds Received in Action (DWRIA)
Wounded in Action (WIA)
Casualty Type
Hostile
Non-hostile
Pending
Casualty Status
Deceased
Missing
Besieged/Beleagured
Captured/Detained/Interned
Missing/Missing in Action
Duty status – whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN)
Excused absence- whereabouts unknown (EAWUN)
Very Seriously ill/injured
Seriously ill/injured
Incapacitating Illness or Injury (III)
Not Seriously injured
Friendly Fire
SHOW SLIDE 7: CASUALTY DEFINITIONS
DA Pam 638-8, Para 4-11
c. The following definitions are important in casualty operations management:
(1) Casualty Category is a term used to specifically classify a casualty for reporting purposes based upon the casualty type and the casualty status. Casualty categories include killed in action (KIA), died of wounds received in action (DWRIA), and wounded in action (WIA).
(a) KIA - a casualty category applicable to a hostile casualty, other than the victim of a terrorist activity, who is killed outright or who dies as a result of wounds or other injuries before reaching a medical treatment facility.
(b) DWRIA - a casualty category applicable to a hostile casualty, who dies of wounds or other injuries from hostile action at a time after the incident.
(c) WIA - a casualty category applicable to a hostile casualty, other than the victim of a terrorist activity, who has incurred an injury due to an external agent or cause. The term encompasses all kinds of wounds and other injuries incurred in action, whether there is a piercing of the body, as in a penetration or perforated wound, or none, as in the contused biological and chemical warfare agents, and the effects of exposure to ionizing radiation or any other destructive weapon or agent. The hostile casualty's status may be Very Seriously Wounded, Injured, or Ill (VSI), Seriously Wounded, Injured, or Ill (SI), Incapacitating Illness or Injury (III), or Not Seriously Wounded, Injured, or Ill (NSI).
(2) Casualty Type is a term used to identify a casualty for reporting purposes as either a hostile casualty or a non-hostile casualty.
(a) Hostile Casualty - a person who is the victim of a terrorist activity or who becomes a casualty "in action." The term "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 of what is thought to be a hostile force. However, not to be considered as sustained in action and not to be interpreted as hostile casualties are injuries or death due to the elements, self-inflicted wounds, and except in unusual cases, wounds or death inflicted by a friendly force while the individual is in an absent-without-leave (AWOL), deserter, or dropped from the rolls (DFR) status or is voluntarily absent from a place of duty.
(b) Nonhostile Casualty - a person who becomes a casualty due to circumstances not directly attributable to hostile action or terrorist activity. Casualties due to the elements, self-inflicted wounds, and combat fatigue are non-hostile casualties.
(3) Casualty Status is a term used to classify a casualty for reporting purposes. There are seven casualty statuses:
(a) Deceased - a casualty status applicable to a person who is either known to have died, determined to have died based upon receipt of conclusive evidence, or declared dead based upon a presumptive finding of death. The recovery of the person’s remains is not a prerequisite to determining or declaring a person deceased. Casualty type can be Hostile or non-hostile.
(b) Missing - a casualty status applicable to a person who is not at his or her duty location due to apparent involuntary reasons and whose location may or may not be known. A casualty status for which the United States Code provides statutory guidance concerning missing members of the military services. Excluded are personnel who are in an AWOL, deserter, or DFR status. A person declared missing might be categorized as follows:
Captured (sub-category of missing) - the casualty has been seized as the result of action of an unfriendly military or paramilitary force in a foreign country. Casualty type must be Hostile.
Detained (a category of missing) - the casualty is prevented from proceeding or is restrained in custody for alleged violation of international law or other reasons claimed by the government or group under which the person is being held. Casualty type can be Hostile or Non-hostile.
Interned (a category of missing) – any person definitely known to have been taken into custody of a non-belligerent foreign power as the result of and for reasons arising out of any armed conflict in which the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged. Casualty type must be Non-hostile.
Missing - the casualty is not present at his or her duty location due to apparent involuntary reasons and whose location is unknown. Casualty type can be Hostile or Non-hostile (processed the same).
Missing In Action (MIA) - the casualty is a hostile casualty, other than the victim of a terrorist activity, who is not present at his or her duty location due to apparent involuntary reasons and whose location is unknown.
NOTE: Tell the students that the casualty status of Missing, and its sub-category, are declared by the TAG following an investigation. Missing status entitles the NOK to benefits and legal status. Units will report missing Soldiers initially as DUSTWUN if their absence is thought to be involuntary.
(c) Duty status-whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN) - A transitory or temporary casualty status used when the reason for a member’s absence is uncertain and it is possible that the member may be a casualty whose absence is involuntary, but there is not sufficient evidence to make a determination that the member’s actual status is missing or deceased.
(d) Excused absence-whereabouts unknown (EAWUN) - An administrative status, applicable only to civilian personnel that is used when the responsible CDR suspects the employee may be a casualty, whose absence is involuntary, but does not feel sufficient evidence currently exists to make a determination of missing or deceased.
(e) Very seriously ill/injured - The casualty status of a person whose illness or injury is such that medical authority declares it more likely than not that death will occur within 72 hours.
(f) Seriously ill/injured - Casualty status of a person whose illness or injury requires medical attention and medical authority declares that death is possible, but not likely, within 72 hours and /or the severity of the injury is such that it is permanent and life altering.
(g) Incapacitating Illness or Injury (III) - the casualty status of a person whose illness or injury requires hospitalization, but medical authority does not classify as very seriously ill or injured or seriously ill or injured and the illness or injury makes the person physically or mentally unable to communicate with the next of kin. (Joint Pub 1-02) Casualty type can be Hostile or non-hostile.
(h) Not seriously injured- the casualty status of a person whose injury or illness may or may not require hospitalization, and medical authority classifies as less severe than SI. Casualty type can be Hostile or Non-hostile.
(4) Friendly fire - Circumstances in which members of a U.S. or friendly military force are mistakenly or accidentally killed or injured in action by U.S. or friendly forces actively engaged with an enemy or who are directing fire at a hostile force or what is thought to be a hostile force. A Friendly Fire is always HOSTILE.
(End of Learning Activity 1)

9. Check on Learning
Casualty Reporting and Casualty Notification are two of the major component
of casualty operations, what is the third?
a. Casualty Assistance*
b. Casualty Disposition
c. Casualty Preparation
d. Casualty Management
Q. What are the two types of casualties?
a. Hostile & Non-Hostile *
b. Non-Hostile & Missing
c. Seriously Wounded & Injured
d. Seriously Wounded & Very Seriously Wounded
SHOW SLIDE 8: CHECK ON LEARNING
NOTE: Provide the following correct answers:
Casualty Reporting and Casualty Notification are two of the major component
of casualty operations, what is the third?
a. Casualty Assistance
b. Casualty Disposition
c. Casualty Preparation
d. Casualty Management
Q. What are the two types of casualties?
a. Hostile & Non-Hostile
b. Non-Hostile & Missing
c. Seriously Wounded & Injured
d. Seriously Wounded & Very Seriously Wounded

10. Casualty Reporting AR 638-8, Chapter 2
SHOW SLIDE 11: CASUALTY REPORTING – AR 638-8, CHAPTER 2
Learning Step / Activity 2. Define the Principles of Casualty Reporting
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:32
Time of Instruction: 2 hr
Media: Large Group Instruction
a. The first major component of casualty operations is casualty reporting. This is where you will have the most impact in your role as an HR professional in an S-1, since casualty reporting is initiated at the lowest levels. It is important you thoroughly understand that timely and accurate casualty reporting are key to notifying NOK.
Casualty reporting is the source of information provided to the 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 of an account as possible of the casualty incident. The initial report must be dispatched within 12 hours from the time of the incident to CMAOC, HRC.

11. Reportable Casualties
Those Involving:
All active duty Soldiers
All USAR and ARNG Soldiers staying at their residence when so authorized by proper authority
- AT, ADT, FTNGD, Temp tour of AD, IADT, IDT, ADOS, contingency ops, Special ADT
Soldiers in an AWOL or Deserter status
Soldiers separated or discharged from the Army within 120 days
DA Employees (OCONUS & CONUS) and DoD Contractors/other U.S. Citizens (OCONUS)
All family members of Active Duty personnel
SHOW SLIDE 12: REPORTABLE CASUALTIES
c. A casualty report is required when any of the personnel listed in the categories above becomes a casualty. A detailed list of who is reportable can be found in AR 638-8, Chapter 2, Para 2-6.
NOTE: Ask the students if they know why reporting wounded is a wartime reporting activity. This wartime reporting activity began at the DA/CMAOC level in 1991 during Desert Storm because families wanted to know how their Soldiers were doing.
All USAR and ARNG Soldiers staying at their residence when so authorized by proper authority.

12. Casualty Reports Four Types: Initial (INIT) Status Change (STACH)
Supplemental (SUPP)
Progress (PROG)
Emphasis on confidentiality and
sensitivity of casualty information and DA Form 1156
For Official Use Only (FOUO) until notification of NOK
SHOW SLIDE 13: CASUALTY REPORTS
AR 638-8, Para 2-4
d. The INIT is the first report submitted by the CAC having responsibility for the geographic AOR where the incident occurred, normally using information listed on DA Form The CAC reports the circumstances of the casualty incident and includes the initial medical diagnosis, if available. Essential information includes—
(1) First and last name.
(2) Social security number (SSN).
(3) Casualty type, status, and category.
(4) Personnel type, affiliation, and category.
(5) Field report number.
(6) Military unit of assignment.
(7) Date and time of incident.
(8) Circumstances and remarks.
e. At times, it may be necessary to forward the INIT before all information has been collected or verified. Delay will defer notification and may cause additional burdens for the Family. However, missing or unverified information must be identified as such in the “Remarks” data field. Indicate that additional information or verification is forthcoming. A BN-level field-grade review is required for all deceased, DUSTWUN, and EAWUN casualty reports.
f. Supplemental casualty reports are used to provide updated or amended, nonmedical information.
g. A status change casualty report is required only when a reported person’s status changes from—
(1) Any status to deceased.
(2) Missing to return to military control.
(3) DUSTWUN or EAWUN to any other status.
h. Progress casualty reports are used to update medical progress of hospitalized, injured, or ill persons in an NSI, SI, or VSI casualty status in order to keep the NOK (not at bedside) informed of the medical condition of casualties. A progress casualty report is required at least every 24 hours for VSI and SI and whenever the medical condition changes from one status to another. A progress casualty report is also required upon discharge from a MTF or transfer to another MTF until the case is closed.
All personnel must be sensitized to the confidentiality of casualty information. Commanders must ensure the DA Form 1156 is processed only through official channels. Information on a Soldier, DoD/DA civilian, or contractor in a missing status will remain FOUO until the person is returned to military control or a change in status is made by The Adjutant General (TAG) of the Army. Emphasis on confidentiality and sensitivity of casualty information should be part of training on the DA Form 1156 and integrated into formal training programs at all levels. Generally, casualty matters are unclassified, but they are assigned the protective marking of FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (FOUO). 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 returned to military control or until his or her status is changed to deceased, or to any other status.
NOTE: Remind the students that release of casualty information through the Public Affairs Office (PAO) must also be monitored.

13. Casualty Feeder Card - DA Form 1156
Use as directed by regulation
Casualty report checklist
Stands as casualty report during electronic failure
Name of person reporting the casualty incident
Field Grade officer authentication (deceased and DUSTWUN)
DCIPS related fields
15-6 for all Hostile deaths
SHOW SLIDE 14: CASUALTY FEEDER CARD – DA FORM 1156
Use DA Form 1156 as a casualty checklist to assist in creating reports, letters of sympathy, and awards documentation as well as a field casualty report in the event of electronic failure. The 2007 version of DA
Form 1156 is also the witness card. Persons having first-hand knowledge of a reportable casualty should prepare the DA Form 1156.
j. Initial casualty reports for deceased/DUSTWUN are to be authenticated by a Field Grade commander or higher or an authorized field grade officer may be designated to authenticate for the commander. If prepared by CLT (casualty liaison team) at a med facility, a SUPP must be prepared by the Soldier’s unit with the authentication. As the report flows through the channels of reporting, items in “Remarks” must be retained. Each level may add new remarks, but will not remove or change any remarks previously submitted. It is important the person recording the casualty incident information on the DA Form 1156 be included on the report in Remarks. “Inflicting force” and “Casualty type” will only be changed with confirming evidence from the reporting unit or by CMAOD direction. Casualty reports created using the web-based application will automatically submit to HQDA (CMAOD).

14. DA Form 1156 Quick Reference
(1 of 2) X 1 2 3 5 4 6
Data fields marked by an asterisk are minimum requirements for sending a casualty report forward.
Official casualty status is determined by medical personnel.
2. Verify information against the database of record.
3. DTG Format: DD MMM YYYY HH:MM. Place of incident should be a place that can be found on a map. Grid coordinate is something that can follow.
4. List the name of the person that identified the Soldier and the method used, ID Card, ID Tags, personnel interview, etc.
5. List the time and place that death is declared by a medical authority. This will normally be different then place of incident.
6. 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. Don’t delay initial reports to gather more details, but continue to submit additional reports as circumstances become clear and complete. If the SM contacts his PNOK that should be annotated on the form.
7. DA requires that the PPE travels with the remains.
SHOW SLIDE 15: DA FORM 1156 QUICK REFERENCE
NOTE: Talking points are in the green, highlighted area and point out the observations from the DAIG.
k. Observations from a January 2009 DAIG investigation:
Soldiers and commanders are not using the DA Form 1156 for initial casualty reports as required.
Units are failing to conduct a field grade officer review of reports to preclude disconnects between what is being reported in casualty channels with what is reported in operational and command channels.
Soldiers reported a lack of knowledge and training on the overall casualty reporting process.
l. When preparing DA Form 1156, remember the following: (DA Pam 638-8, Para 4-2)
Timely and accurate casualty reporting is the unit commander’s responsibility. The DA Form 1156 provides a template for collecting data required for the initial casualty report (INIT) and is used during contingencies or peacetime.
Record all known data elements accurately and legibly on DA Form 1156 without error.
Data fields marked by an asterisk (*) indicate minimum requirements to send a casualty report forward.
Fill in as much information as available, to include weapons causing injury and vehicle information.
NOTE: Explain to the students that as part of casualty reporting, DCIPS-FWD and CR will be covered later in the lesson which will include in-depth information and hands-on application of the DCIPS-FWD/CR software.

15. DA Form 1156 Quick Reference
(2 of 2)
SHOW SLIDE 16: DA FORM 1156 QUICK REFERENCE
NOTE: Review the DA Form 1156 with students.
LAST, First, RANK, Position (signature)
LAST, First, RANK, Position (signature)

16. Wartime Reporting Standards
Units will:
Report all casualties found on the battlefield
Immediately report all suspected or confirmed incidents of friendly fire
Record casualties that result from contingency operations on DA Form 1156
A field-grade officer from the casualty’s battalion level unit will review and approve the completed DA Form 1156
Every level of command will initiate an initial informational heads-up telephone call to the next higher level
CACs will:
Continually reconcile, verify, and consolidate incoming information
Transmit verified report to CMAOD as quickly as possible
SHOW SLIDE 17: WARTIME REPORTING STANDARDS (1 of 2)
m. Units will report all battlefield casualties (to include American civilians, personnel of other Services, Allied forces, and Soldiers from other friendly units). When the unit suspects that a death may have resulted from possible friendly fire, it will report this possibility immediately through the chain of command to the CAC on an initial (INIT) or supplemental (SUPP) casualty report.
n. Units will record casualties on DA Form 1156 (Casualty Feeder Card) and submit to battalion level without delay or as the battlefield situation permits. They must also ensure that all DA Form 1156s are accurate and timely. EVERYONE READS THESE REPORTS!
o. Upon receipt of a DA Form 1156, the S-1/G-1 will ensure accuracy and completeness of the casualty report, to include battalion-level field grade officer review, and forward it to the appropriate level headquarters via DCIPS-FWD/CR, without delay, or as the battlefield permits. Submission of casualty reports will not be delayed pending battalion-level field-grade officer review. The S-1/G-1 will submit a SUPP with the review within 12 hours of incident.
p. During wartime, units will report all casualties found on the battlefield to include American civilians, DOD or DA Civilians, contractors, and personnel of other Services (see para 2–6 for a detailed list of reportable personnel).
a. Units will immediately report all suspected or confirmed incidents of friendly fire.
b. Units will record casualties that result from contingency operations on DA Form 1156 (Casualty Feeder Card). To ensure accuracy without delay or as the battlefield allows, units will verify information on the DA Form 1156 before forwarding it to the appropriate adjutant (S1) or division G–1.
c. A field-grade officer from the casualty’s battalion (BN) level unit will review and approve the completed DA Form 1156, INIT, and supplemental casualty report for deceased, DUSTWUN, or EAWUN with particular focus on
timeliness of reports, detailed circumstances, and verification of the inflicting force.
q. When a reportable casualty occurs, every level of command will initiate an initial informational heads-up telephone call to the next higher level and pass casualty information to the contingency CAC. The CAC will
continually reconcile, verify, and consolidate incoming information before passing it to CMAOD.
a. The verified casualty report will be transmitted to CMAOD as quickly as possible.
NOTE: The casualty liaison teams will be assigned to field hospitals, Mortuary Affairs Collection Points, and other locations best suited to capture casualty information.

17. Responsibilities Under Casualty Management
HRC CMAOD
Theater (ASCC) G-1/AG
Corps And Division G-1/AG
Brigade S-1 / STB S-1
Battalion S-1
SHOW SLIDE 18: RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER CASUALTY MANAGEMENT
r. Casualty Responsibilities: NOTE: Refer students to FM 1-0, Para(s) through to see responsibilities for each level: HRC-CMOAD, G-1/AG, Corps and Division G-1/AG, Brigade
S-1/STB S-1, & Battalion S-1.
NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE THE STUDENTS READ ALL OF RESPONDSIBILITIES, JUST HAVE THEM READ A FEW AND THAT THEY KNOW WHERE TO FIND THE
RESPONSIBILITIES.
(1) HRC-CMAOD
CMAOD publishes regulatory and procedural guidance governing casualty operations, assistance and insurance management, care and disposition of remains, disposition of PE, and LOD programs,.
(2) THEATER (ASCC) G-1/AG
The Army/ASCC G-1/AG has the following casualty operations responsibilities:
Develops a casualty OPLAN and policies for theater.
Provides oversight for theater casualty operations.
Establishes and administers casualty reporting authorities for submission of casualty reports (based on guidance and agreements from the JTF commander, JFLCC, and CFLCC). NOTE: The authority to approve and release casualty reports directly to CMAOD may be granted to Corps commanders. In these cases, provide a copy of the casualty report to the theater Casualty Assistance Center.
Establishes policy for the location of CLTs
Coordinates with the TSC to ensure the HRSC establishes the theater Casualty Assistance Center as part of theater opening operations.
Advises the commander on the status of casualty operations.
Ensures casualty operations and capabilities are included as part of early entry operations.
(3) CORPS and DIVISION G-1/AG
The Corps G-1/AG has the following casualty operations responsibilities:
Develops an SOP for casualty operations.
Submits INIT casualty reports using DCIPS to the theater Casualty Assistance Center within 8-10 hours from time of incident (dependent on routing). Note: If the Corps is granted authority by the JTF commander, JFLCC, or CFLCC, reports may be submitted directly to CMAOD with a copy provided to the theater Casualty Assistance Center.
Administers authority levels for submission of casualty reports for assigned and attached units.
Maintains casualty information of all assigned or attached personnel.
Submits STACH and SUPP casualty reports in a timely manner.
Uses DA Form 1156 as the template or tool to capture casualty information for generating the INIT casualty report.
Ensures letters of sympathy and/or condolence are completed.
Ensures casualty operations are included in all OPLANs and OPORDs.
Synchronizes casualty matters between the G-1/AG and G-4.
Ensures completion of all LOD investigations and boards as required
Advises the commander on the status of casualties.
Includes operations and capabilities as part of early entry operations.
(4) BRIGADE S-1/STB S-1 (GENERAL OFFICER-LEVEL HQS)
The brigade S-1 has the responsibility to maintain casualty reports and the status of all assigned and attached personnel at MTFs. The brigade S-1 is the point of entry for casualty data into DCIPS within six hours from time of incident, conditions permitting, and is required to submit SUPP, STACH, and Progress reports as applicable. Field grade commanders or their designated field grade representative must authenticate casualty reports for accuracy and completeness. Brigades are responsible for coordinating with the Fatal Accident section of CMAOD whenever there is a military-related accidental death or any death within the unit that is covered by AR for the required Family briefing. Note: S-1s should refer to ATTP 1-0.1, Appendix D, S-1 Assessment Checklist, and use the checklist to assess the effectiveness of brigade casualty operations. See Para for listing of specified duties.
(5) BATTALION S-1
The battalion S-1 has the responsibility to prepare casualty reports and maintain the status of assigned and attached personnel at MTFs. Battalion S-1s forward all original casualty forms (to include DD Form 93 and SGLV Form 8286) to the brigade. The battalion processes casualty reports using the DA Form 1156 as a template to capture the information needed to complete a casualty report and ensures the form is completely filled out and submitted to the brigade S-1 within three hours, conditions permitting. Field grade commanders or their designated field grade representative at battalion must approve casualty reports for accuracy and completeness. Note: S-1s should refer to ATTP 1-0.1, Appendix D, S-1 Assessment Checklist, and use the checklist to assess the effectiveness of battalion casualty operations. See Para for listing of specified duties.

18. Check on Learning Which of the following category of personnel are NOT
considered a reportable casualty?
a. Soldiers in an AWOL Status
b. Soldiers in a Deserter Status
c. All family members of Active Duty Personnel
d. Soldiers separated from the Army within 120 days
e. None of the above
SHOW SLIDE 19: CHECK ON LEARNING
NOTE: Provide the following correct answers:
Which of the following category of personnel are NOT
considered a reportable casualty?
a. Soldiers in an AWOL Status
b. Soldiers in a Deserter Status
c. All family members of Active Duty Personnel
d. Soldiers separated from the Army within 120 days
e. None of the above

19. Casualty Notification
SHOW SLIDE 22: CASUALTY NOTIFICATION
Learning Step / Activity 3. Define the principles of casualty notification and assistance
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 1 hr 30 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
The CNO is appointed to notify the NOK of casualties who are deceased, duty status-whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN) Soldiers, and excused absence-whereabouts unknown
(EAWUN), Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of the Army (DA) Civilians. The CMAOD, the CAC, or the Soldier’s rear detachment or parent command will notify NOK when Soldiers or DA and DOD Civilians become injured or ill.
b. CMAOD has prepared numerous training tools to better prepare casualty notification and assistance personnel to effectively perform their tasks. Properly certified CNOs and CAOs are
critical elements in taking care of Families. CNOs and CAOs must attend the CMAOD approved classroom training in-person to obtain certification. The on-line training at the CMAOD website can be used for recertification.

20. Casualty Notification Policies AR 638-8, Chapter 4
Casualty notification for deceased
Line of succession to establish PNOK
Notification desires of casualty
Casualty notification officer training, certification & recertification
Chaplain support to casualty notification
Hours of notification
Notification scripts
Cautions for personal notification
SHOW SLIDE 23: CASUALTY NOTIFICATION POLICIES
c. Casualty notification for deceased - Notification or condolences are required for all reportable casualties in accordance with DODI A uniformed Service representative (except for notification of contractors) will promptly notify the NOK in an appropriate and dignified manner. They will also make personal notification to the PNOK of separated and retired personnel when these personnel become a casualty overseas and the PNOK is located in the United States or vice versa, if requested.
Line of succession to establish primary next of kin - The person most closely related to the deceased individual is considered the PNOK for casualty notification and assistance purposes. This is normally the spouse of a married person or parents of unmarried individuals who have no children. When parents are divorced, the older parent will be notified first as long as it does not delay subsequent notification.
Notification desires of casualty - A person may specify on the DD Form 93 (block 8a) not to notify a NOK due to ill health of the NOK listed. The individual must identify an alternate person to be notified (block 8b) instead of the named NOK. Unless circumstances dictate otherwise, the casualty’s wishes will be honored. They must identify the person authorized to direct disposition of remains.
Casualty notification officer training, certification, and recertification - The CNOs must be currently trained and certified prior to conducting a casualty notification mission. Certification will be completed by attending the CMAOD standardized classroom training presented by CMAOD-certified trainers. Initial classroom certification expires 1 year after completion of training. Official appointment memorandums are required for Soldiers on CNO duty. This order protects the Soldier from being appointed or assigned to other duties during the time of assistance and authorizes him or her to incur certain expenses in the conduct of official duties.
Chaplain support to casualty notification - A chaplain will accompany the CNO on all notification missions. All notifications are required to be made within the 4-hour window, beginning when the CAC receives the INIT from CMAOD. The CAC will publish orders for chaplains upon appointment to missions.
Hours of notification - The PNOK must be notified in person within 4 hours of the CAC’s receipt of the casualty report, except when the NOK was physically present at the place of death. Notification must be made in person between the hours of 0500 and 2400 local time. The CMAOD must approve exceptions to this time period. The CACs will maintain the capability to report and coordinate notification duties 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When casualty reports are received during non-notification hours, the CAC will prepare the CNO to be dispatched in time to make a notification at 0500.
Notification scripts - The CMAOD will provide the CAC with a script for all deceased notifications (except in the cases where the Family is aware of the Soldier’s passing). The CAC will provide the CNO with the script based on information provided in the INIT. In accordance with Army policy, the script will include all factual and releasable, reported information concerning the incident. It is essential to provide as complete a description of the circumstances of the death as possible. However, the script will take care not to mention gory or embarrassing details. Use the templates provided by the CMAOD to provide the casualty notification team with individualized scripts tailored to the situation.

21. Casualty Notification Officer
CNO represents the Secretary of the Army
Only trained active duty personnel (CPT and higher; CW2 and higher; SFC and higher)
The rank of the CNO will be equal to or higher than the rank of the casualty
Rear Det or parent command has priority for making notification for injured and ill Soldiers or DOD and/or DA Civilians
Garrison CDR of the installation nearest to the NOK’s residence will assign DOD Civilian casualty notification personnel to notify the PNOK
Contracting agencies are responsible to provide their own casualty notification personnel to assist the PNOK of their employees
SHOW SLIDE 24: CASUALTY NOTIFICATION TEAM
d. The CNO team represents the Secretary of the Army when notifying PNOK/SNOK of all deceased or missing Soldiers and DA Civilians. 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. Notification through unofficial channels or family grapevines can cause undo hardship on the victims family and on other families in the unit. Commanders will ensure that notification procedures are strictly followed.
e. The CNO team will be courteous, helpful, and compassionate toward the NOK while performing this sensitive mission. The CACs will ensure CNOs are trained and certified to perform this sensitive mission prior to conducting an actual CNO assignment. The grade of the CNO will, whenever possible, be equal to or higher than the grade of the casualty. Normally, a CNO is composed of the CNO and chaplain (or other clergy). When a chaplain is not available or locating a chaplain may unduly delay notification, the second member of the team may be a SSG or above. The purpose of the second Soldier is to support the CNO. Do not use 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.
f. Rear detachments are afforded the opportunity to make notification for wounded, injured or ill Soldiers. CMAOD will make any follow-up notifications required (e.g., change in condition, Soldier moved to another MTF). Rear detachments should actively keep track of families while the unit is deployed and should be proactive in getting information about their Soldiers and passing it to the NOK – this is a chain of command issue.
g. Whenever requested by the CAC, CDRs are responsible for the quality of candidates selected for CAO or CNO duties and training. The CNO represents SECARMY. He or she must be a currently trained and certified CNO, and will be emotionally mature, 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.
h. Only trained and certified CNOs in the rank of captain and higher, warrant officers in the rank of chief warrant officer two and higher, and noncommissioned officers in the rank of sergeant first class and higher can be tasked to serve as a CNO and notify NOK of the deceased. This group includes Army personnel assigned to DOD, USAR, and ARNG advisors, and ROTC instructors. All CNOs must—
(1) Be knowledgeable, competent, dependable, and sympathetic.
(2) Be mature Soldiers with 6 or more years of Service.
(3) Be released from all conflicting duties and requirements by their CDR as this is the CNO’s primary duty.
i. The rank of the CNO will be equal to or higher than the rank of the casualty. If the PNOK is known to be a Soldier or a retiree from any branch of Service, assign a CNO in a rank equal to or higher than the rank of the PNOK.
j. Rear detachment or parent command has priority for making notification for injured and ill Soldiers or DOD and/or DA Civilians unless the nature of the injury requires urgent and immediate contact with the NOK, such as in cases of imminent death, when CMAOD will connect NOK directly with the MTF physician. When the rear detachment or parent command declines notification responsibility, CMAOD assumes responsibility for notifying the NOK.
k. Contracting agencies are responsible to provide their own casualty notification personnel to assist the PNOK of their employees.
l. With the exception of parents who are SNOK, and the PNOK of DUSTWUN or EAWUN personnel, CACs will not assign the same Soldier as the CNO to the same NOK.
NOTE: Stress the importance of not communicating information on casualties with rear detachment personnel until official notification of NOK has been confirmed. Discuss potential unit policies to prevent, to include educating soldiers on implications to family, turning off and phone communication and UCMJ.

22. Frequent reasons for delays in
Notification Delays
Frequent reasons for delays in
notification to NOK:
DD Form 93 incorrect/missing information
Dysfunctional families
Distance to PNOK/SNOK location
PNOK/SNOK at work/on vacation
SHOW SLIDE 25: NOTIFICATION DELAYS
m. Up-to-date personal data is essential for accurate casualty reporting. Incorrect contact information will delay notification. Ultimately, the Soldier or DOD and/or DA Civilian is responsible for ensuring that his or her DD Form 93 is current and accurately reflects his or her wishes.
n. For purposes of casualty reporting, responsibility for providing personal data is assigned to the organization most likely to have control of the required records. In the case of Soldiers transitioning from one duty station to another, the losing CAC will submit personal data for Soldiers who have signed out of their command, but who have not yet signed into the gaining command.
o. The CMAOD case manager has overall responsibility for ensuring that the casualty record is complete and that the home station CAC supplies and verifies any data that is not available to CMAOC.
p. Potential causes for delay of notification to the NOK include incorrect or missing information on the DD Form 93, dysfunctional families, geographical location/distance to PNOK and SNOK, time of day, or NOK at work or on vacation.
l. Update, review, and disposition of DD Form 93
1. Soldiers and deployed DOD and DA Civilians will update the DD Form 93 any time there is a change to any item except unit.
2. Active duty Soldiers will review the form—
(a) During out-processing for permanent change of station and pre-separation processing.
(b) Upon arrival at a new duty station.
(c) In conjunction with the Soldier Readiness Program.
(d) Annually.
3. The USAR and ARNG Soldiers will review the form—
(a) During in-processing to a new troop program unit.
(b) In conjunction with mobilization in support of contingency operations, state ARNG mobilization activation, or mobilization readiness exercise.
(c) Annually.
4. All DOD and DA Civilians deploying in support of military operations will complete or review the DD Form 93—
(a) Prior to deployment while at the CONUS replacement center/individual deployment site or other central processing facilities.
(b) In conjunction with an emergency deployment readiness exercise.
5. The human resource specialist will verify and process all DD Forms 93 to include whenever the form is completed in hard copy.
(a) For Soldiers, append the completed DD Form 93 to the Soldier’s record in iPERMS.
(b) For DOD and DA Civilians, who fall under Army for reporting purposes, digitally send the completed DD Form 93 to CDR, HRC (AHRC–PDC–C) at
NOTE: Discuss ways the unit can help the notification process / prevent delays. (For example, the intent is to notify the NOK while at home, not on the job; therefore, this means that the CNO team would be dispatched before 6 am).

23. Casualty Assistance SHOW SLIDE 26: CASUALTY ASSISTANCE
q. Casualty assistance is always provided to those receiving benefits and/or entitlements in death, missing, or DUSTWUN cases and to those NOK who have a 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.

24. Casualty Assistance Program AR 638-8, Chapter 5
Process of assisting the NOK and other persons receiving benefits during the period immediately following casualty notification.
Casualty Assistance Officers are appointed by CAC to help with:
Disposition instructions
Funeral arrangements
Funeral honors
Settle claims
Survivor benefits (VA, SGLI)
Personal Effects
SHOW SLIDE 27: CASUALTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – AR 638-8, Chapter 5
r. The main objectives of casualty assistance are–
(1) Assist the PADD with coordinating funeral honors support, remains information, and filing of interment claims.
(2) Assist the PADD and NOK receiving benefits or entitlements during the period immediately following a casualty.
(3) Assist in settling claims and payment of survivor benefits to the NOK.
(4) Assist the PNOK in other personal affairs.
(5) Assist personnel eligible to receive effects (PERE) with shipping status and delivery of the PE.
(6) Assist in keeping NOK informed on status of any ongoing investigations and assist with obtaining copies of final investigation reports.
s. Casualty assistance length varies greatly case-by-case. Therefore, there are no time limits on providing assistance. The CAO serves as the focal point for communication between the Army and the Family. The CAO assists beneficiaries who have need for ongoing communication with DA until the case is transferred to the Director, U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM), G–9.

25. Casualty Assistance – Who Receives Assistance
The Army will appoint a CAO to eligible NOK and beneficiaries for personnel who are deceased, DUSTWUN, EAWUN, or missing:
All Soldiers on Active Duty
USAR/ARNG who are listed as reportable
U.S. Military Academy cadets
Army Retirees and Medal of Honor recipients
Soldiers REFRAD within 120 days (SGLV)
DA Civilian employees OCONUS/CONUS TDY
DA Dependents OCONUS
SHOW SLIDE 28: CASUALTY ASSISTANCE – WHO RECEIVES ASSISTANCE
t. The Army will appoint a CAO to eligible NOK and beneficiaries of the following categories of personnel who are deceased, DUSTWUN, EAWUN, or missing.
NOTE: Instruct students to go to AR 638-8, Para 5-2 and briefly discuss in more detail who is entitled to a CAO.
NOTE: State reasons for termination of insurance coverage – AR 638-8, Para 10-8
a. Full-time coverage will terminate 120 days after transition from duty. This does not apply if the Soldier is eligible for transfer to Retired Reserve for having completed 20 years of satisfactory Service creditable for retirement purposes. The Soldier must send an application to the Office of SGLI before the end of the 120-day period.
b. Part-time coverage terminates as stated below. (The insurance continues in force while the Soldier is returning directly from the place of duty.)
(1) At midnight, local time, on the last day of a period of active duty, ADT, ADOS, temporary tour of active duty for 31 days or less.
(2) At the end of IDT scheduled in advance by competent authority.
c. No insurance will be payable for death inflicted as a lawful punishment for crime or for military or naval offenses. However, it will be paid for death inflicted by an enemy of the United States.
d. The full and part-time insurance will cease if terminated or forfeited under the following condition:
(1) When a Soldier is determined to be AWOL, the CDR will promptly submit DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action) to DFAS. DFAS will automatically terminate the Soldier’s pay if the AWOL continues for 31 consecutive days. The
SGLI coverage is terminated at the end of the 31st day of absence. Deductions for SGLI will also cease as of the 31st day of absence.
(2) The SGLI coverage terminates at the end of the 31st day of continuous confinement when a Soldier is under court-martial sentence, including total forfeiture of all pay and allowances. (As an exception, see offenses listed in para 12–7, which would result in prompt termination of coverage.)

26. Selection of Casualty Assistance Officers
AR 638-8, Para 5-3
Mature Soldiers with six or more years of service
CAO will be a Captain and above, Chief Warrant Officer (CW2 and above), or senior NCO (SFC and above)
Grade of CAO will be equal to or higher than the grade of the casualty; and PNOK when applicable
Commanders will release CAOs from all conflicting duties and/or requirements in order to give NOK all possible and meaningful assistance
SHOW SLIDE 29: SELECTION OF CASUALTY ASSISTANCE OFFICERS – AR 638-8, Para 5-3
u. Whenever requested by the CAC, CDRs are responsible for the quality of candidates nominated for CAO training and certification. The CAO represents the SECARMY. He or she must be a currently trained and certified CAO, and will be emotionally mature, 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. The CAO will be prepared to cope with any of the wide range of emotions notification might elicit.
(1) Only trained and certified CAOs in the rank of captain and higher, warrant officers in the rank of chief warrant officer two and higher, and noncommissioned officers in the rank of sergeant first class and higher can be tasked to notify NOK of fallen Soldiers. This group includes Army personnel assigned to DOD, USAR, and ARNG advisors, and ROTC instructors. All CAOs must—
- Be knowledgeable, competent, dependable, and sympathetic.
- Be mature Soldiers with 6 or more years of Service.
- Accept casualty assistance as their primary duty.
(2) The rank of the CAO will be equal to or higher than the rank of the casualty. If the PNOK is known to be a Soldier or a retiree from any branch of Service, assign a CAO in a rank equal to or higher than the rank of the PNOK.
Direct requests for exceptions to the Casualty Cell at CDR, HRC (AHRC–PDC–C).
(3) Upon appointment as a CAO, CDRs will release Soldiers from conflicting duties and requirements so they can give the NOK all necessary assistance. CAO duties will take precedence over all military duties to include TDY, duty roster and detail assignments, ordinary leave and passes, and field exercise requirements. CDRs will ensure that rating officials comment on Soldier’s performance as a CAO on the Soldier’s DA Form 67–10–1 (Company Grade Plate (O1 - O3; WO1 - CW2) Officer Evaluation Report); DA Form 67–10–2 (Field Grade Plate (O4 - O5; CW3 - CW5) Officer Evaluation Report); DA Form 67–10–3 (Strategic Grade Plate (O6) Officer Evaluation Report); and DA Form 67–10–4 (Strategic Grade Plate (O7) Officer Evaluation Report); or DA Form 2166–8 (NCO Evaluation Report). 25

27. Letters of Sympathy Express sympathy and advise of circumstances
DO include:
Answers to the “5Ws”
Soldier did not suffer
Last rites/memorial services held
DO NOT include:
Unfitting compliments
Ghastly descriptions
Photographs depicting the casualty incident
BDE S1, Parent Unit CDR, or agency director will review all letters of sympathy
SHOW SLIDE 30: LETTERS OF SYMPATHY
v. Letters of sympathy are intended to extend sympathy and inform the PNOK of the details and factual circumstances surrounding the person’s death or missing status.
(1) Normally, it is most appropriate for the first field-grade CDR in the chain of command (usually the BN CDR) to prepare and send the official letter of sympathy.
(2) Supervisors or CDRs will write a letter of sympathy to the PNOK and parents who are SNOK, within 7 days after the time of death or submission of the INIT, whichever is shorter. The preparing CDR will coordinate the mailing with the appropriate CAC to ensure that all aspects of the letter are proper and correct, and that all NOK notifications have been completed. When the casualty is the result of contingency operations, the preparing CDR will coordinate with the deployed G–1 to ensure that all aspects of the letter are proper and correct before sending it.
Keep letters sincere and use simple language. Extend sympathy and refer to the circumstances surrounding the individual’s death, DUSTWUN, or EAWUN status with as much detail as possible.
(a) Avoid use of military terms such as “line of duty,” abbreviations, or Army jargon (for example, 1300 hours should be expressed as 1 p.m.).
(b) In cases of homicide or apparent self-inflicted death, include a brief, carefully worded statement of the circumstances of death. Write this statement so the addressee will not misconstrue the cause and manner of death. Be factual, but do not attempt to explain the situation or provide information that will unfavorably reflect on the decedent unless required to explain the cause of death. When appropriate, tell the Family that the Army is conducting an investigation into the death and that the CAO will keep them informed as the investigation progresses and help them obtain a redacted copy of the investigation results.
(c) Do not include any statements that might be the basis for a claim against the Government or another agency or person. Also, avoid disclosing information protected by FOIA or other security regulations.
(d) CDRs will make certain that the details given correspond with the INIT and the findings of a completed investigation.
(e) Be sensitive to the NOK and give a factual and logical explanation of the circumstances. Answer the “5Ws” (who, what, when, where, and why or how) and provide answers to any questions that the Family might ask, giving
pertinent facts that will comfort the NOK. These facts may be stated, when applicable—
1. Casualty did not suffer.
2. Casualty received the last rites of his or her faith.
3. Casualty’s memorial services were held.
4. Statement(s) on the casualty’s work, his or her adaptation to Service life, and contributions to the unit (when appropriate, add this information).
(f) The CDR may include photographs and/or a recording of the memorial service. The CDR will not send photographs depicting the casualty incident.
(g) The CDR will avoid unfitting compliments and ghastly descriptions.
(h) In cases of death from hostile action, when security restrictions permit, provide facts describing the combat operation or action and other circumstances concerning the casualty’s status.
(i) Include details concerning the date, geographic location, and type of mission. Carefully describe how the incident occurred and, if appropriate, show that medical aid was immediately available. If the casualty occurred during combat action, explain what was accomplished, describe the Soldier’s contribution to this and other actions. While the letter(s) should provide these details, CDRs should be mindful of operational security concerns.
(j) Do not state or discuss Soldier’s recommendation for a posthumous promotion, decoration, or award.
(k) Ensure that letters to members of the same Family agree on circumstances surrounding the casualty, but change them as to ensure each is personalized.
w. The BDE S1, parent unit CDR, or agency director will review all letters of sympathy for compassion, clarity, accuracy, and agreement with the facts reported on the INIT or most recent casualty report before they are sent to NOK. In cases of suspected or apparent homicide, the servicing judge advocate will also review the letter(s) before they are sent to the NOK.

28. Letters of Condolence
Convey condolence on a Soldier’s death from a higher level of command
Does not describe circumstances of death
All echelons of command, other than the CDR completing the letter of sympathy, should prepare letters of condolence to the NOK
Not sent until after receipt of confirmation that all NOK have been notified
Not mailed until at least 24 hours after Letters of Sympathy
Reviewed by the BDE CDR
CDRs of personnel reported as DUSTWUN, EAWUN, missing, or hospitalized and listed as VSI, SI, or NSI may correspond with the Soldier’s Family. They must follow the procedures for preparing and reviewing letters of sympathy when writing their letter of concern
SHOW SLIDE 31: LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE
x. Letters of condolence convey condolence on a Soldier’s or DOD and/or DA Civilian’s death from a higher level of command. They do not describe the circumstances surrounding the death. All echelons of command, other than the CDR completing the letter of sympathy, should prepare letters of condolence to the NOK..
(1) No letters of condolence will be sent until after receipt of confirmation that all NOK have been notified. Do not mail any other letters of condolence until at least 24 hours after mailing the letter of sympathy.
(2) The BDE CDR will review the letter of condolence to ensure compassion, clarity, accuracy, agreement with the facts reported on the INIT or most recent casualty report, and compliance with paragraph 7–3. In cases of suspected or apparent homicide, the servicing judge advocate will also review the letter(s) before they are sent to the NOK. The preparing command will provide the CAC with an information copy of all letters of condolence.
If they desire, commanders of personnel hospitalized and listed as VSI, SI, or NSI, may correspond with the Soldier’s NOK through a letter of concern. If they write, they must follow the procedures for preparing and reviewing letters of sympathy.
NOTE: Discuss drafting letter in advance for commander’s approval. Each letter should be personalized for each Soldier and each family member.

29. Sympathy and Condolence Letters
Sympathy Letter
Condolence Letter
Format
AR 25–50 is the primary reference for style; AR is the reference for content.
Sent when
SM dies or is missing; also appropriate for some civilians. Not sent if NOK is fully aware of circumstances.
After sympathy letter, or when sympathy letter not appropriate. Optional when SM is hospitalized.
Sent to
PNOK of deceased military members and some civilians.
When sent to parents, a letter is prepared for both if they are separated/divorced.
Prepared by
Normally, it is most appropriate for the first field-grade CDR in the chain of command (usually the BN CDR) to
prepare and send the official letter of sympathy.
All echelons of command, other than the
CDR completing the letter of sympathy, should prepare letters of condolence to the NOK.
Reviewed by
The BDE S1, parent unit CDR, or agency director will review all letters of sympathy for compassion, clarity, accuracy, and agreement with the facts. The preparing command will also provide a copy of the letter to the CAC, to be included in the permanent case file and for upload into DCIPS
The BDE CDR will review the letter of condolence to ensure compassion, clarity, accuracy, agreement with the facts. The preparing command will provide the CAC with an information copy of all letters of condolence.
Prepared w/in
CONUS/OCONUS – 7 days after time of death
24 hours after letter of sympathy prepared.
Sent after
NOK has been notified.
24 hrs after sympathy letter sent.
Content
Both types of letters should be sincere, simple and show an interest in the casualty and the NOK. Sympathy letters answer the 5W’s and other normal questions. Condolence letters do not describe the circumstances surrounding the casualty incident. Intent is to provide comfort, but ensure info does not conflict with casualty reports. Be sure to include last rites/memorial services held.
Do not state award or promotion info, and avoid OPSEC violations or providing information that could be used in a claim against the U.S.
SHOW SLIDE 28: LETTERS OF SYMPATHY/CONDOLENCE
NOTE: Refer students to AR 638-8, Paragraphs 7-1 through 7-4.
Learning Step / Activity 4. Prepare, review, and dispatch letters of sympathy and or condolence
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:36
Time of Instruction: 40 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
AR 638-8, Para 7–1. Description of letters of sympathy
Letters of sympathy are intended to extend sympathy and inform the PNOK of the details and factual circumstances surrounding the person’s death or missing status. Use AR 25–50 as the primary reference for preparing correspondence.
AR 638-8, Para 7–2. Preparing letters of sympathy
When preparing letters of sympathy, CDRs will use the following guidance:
a. Send a letter of sympathy to the PNOK of all deceased Soldiers, including those who die while in an AWOL status. The CMAOD will determine whether to send a letter to the PNOK of deserters.
b. Send a letter of sympathy to the PNOK of all DOD and DA Civilians who become casualties while—
(1) Assigned or deployed overseas.
(2) In the United States and in a TDY status.
(3) Supporting contingency operations.
c. Send a letter to the PNOK and SNOK. For separated or divorced parents, prepare and send individual letters.
d. Prepare letters of condolence in place of letters of sympathy for a NOK who, by his or her presence or through an appropriate source other than official casualty notification, is already fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the casualty.
e. Normally, it is most appropriate for the first field-grade CDR in the chain of command (usually the BN CDR) to prepare and send the official letter of sympathy.
f. When an individual dies while in a transient status, the CDR from where the Soldier just left will prepare the letter of sympathy. If the Soldier signs in and belongs to the gaining unit, that unit CDR will prepare the letter of sympathy.
g. In the case of suicides, the unit CDR will prepare the letter of sympathy and include the Soldier’s contribution to
h. Supervisors or CDRs will write a letter of sympathy to the PNOK and parents who are SNOK, within 7 days after the time of death or submission of the INIT, whichever is shorter. The preparing CDR will coordinate the mailing with the appropriate CAC to ensure that all aspects of the letter are proper and correct, and that all NOK notifications have
been completed.
i. When the casualty is the result of contingency operations, the preparing CDR will coordinate with the deployed G–1 to ensure that all aspects of the letter are proper and correct before sending it.
AR 638-8, Para 7–3. Content of letters of sympathy
CDRs will keep letters sincere and use simple language. Extend sympathy and refer to the circumstances surrounding the individual’s death, DUSTWUN, or EAWUN status with as much detail as possible.
a. Avoid use of military terms such as “line of duty,” abbreviations, or Army jargon (for example, 1300 hours should be expressed as 1 p.m.).
b. In cases of homicide or apparent self-inflicted death, include a brief, carefully worded statement of the circumstances of death. Write this statement so the addressee will not misconstrue the cause and manner of death. Be factual, but do not attempt to explain the situation or provide information that will unfavorably reflect on the decedent unless required to explain the cause of death. When appropriate, tell the Family that the Army is conducting an investigation into the death and that the CAO will keep them informed as the investigation progresses and help them obtain a redacted copy of the investigation results.
c. Do not include any statements that might be the basis for a claim against the Government or another agency or person. Also, avoid disclosing information protected by FOIA or other security regulations.
d. CDRs will make certain that the details given correspond with the INIT and the findings of a completed investigation.
e. Be sensitive to the NOK and give a factual and logical explanation of the circumstances. Answer the “5Ws” (who, what, when, where, and why or how) and provide answers to any questions that the Family might ask, giving pertinent facts that will comfort the NOK.
AR 638-8, Para 7–4. Review of letters of sympathy
The BDE S1, parent unit CDR, or agency director will review all letters of sympathy for compassion, clarity, accuracy, and agreement with the facts reported on the INIT or most recent casualty report before they are sent to NOK. In cases of suspected or apparent homicide, the servicing judge advocate will also review the letter(s) before they are sent to the NOK. The preparing command will also provide a copy of the letter to the CAC, to be included in the permanent case file and for upload into DCIPS.
AR 638-8, Para 7–5. Purpose of condolence letters
Letters of condolence convey condolence on a Soldier’s or DOD and/or DA Civilian’s death from a higher level of command. They do not describe the circumstances surrounding the death. All echelons of command, other than the CDR completing the letter of sympathy, should prepare letters of condolence to the NOK.
AR 638-8, Para 7–6. Mailing condolence letters
No letters of condolence will be sent until after receipt of confirmation that all NOK have been notified. Do not mail any other letters of condolence until at least 24 hours after mailing the letter of sympathy.
AR 638-8, Para 7–7. Review of condolence letters
The BDE CDR will review the letter of condolence to ensure compassion, clarity, accuracy, agreement with the facts reported on the INIT or most recent casualty report, and compliance with paragraph 7–3. In cases of suspected or apparent homicide, the servicing judge advocate will also review the letter(s) before they are sent to the NOK. The preparing command will provide the CAC with an information copy of all letters of condolence.

31. Mortuary Affairs Mortuary Affairs Policy (Exec Agent)
Disposition of remains
-Mortuary and burial entitlements
-Advises CAOs and CACs
-Tracks status of remains
-Adjudicates claims
Search and Recovery
Identification
Escorts (Not from Theater)
Military Funeral Honors
Personal Effects
Line of Duty Investigations
Fatal Accident Briefs
SHOW SLIDE 34: MORTUARY AFFAIRS
Learning Step / Activity 4. Define the Basic Concepts of the Mortuary Affairs Process
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:32
Time of Instruction: 1 hr
Media: Large Group Instruction
a. After casualty reporting, notification, and assistance the Army must turn its attention to the Mortuary Affairs process such as proper disposition of the casualty, personal effects, line of duty investigations, and military funeral honors.
NOTE: Inform the students that Disposition, Search and Recovery, Identification, Escorts, Military Funeral Honors, Personal Effects, and Fatal Accidents Brief will be discussed during this learning activity.
b. The disposition (final settlement) of remains process includes the recovery, evacuation, identification, preparation, transportation and interment of remains. The process is a multi-functional process which involves casualty, medical, mortuary affairs, legal assistance, and transportation actions. The key to successful disposition is accurate and timely coordination and good communication between everyone involved in the process. DCIPS is the link to keep all parties involved in the process informed.
During search and recovery operations, commanders will take appropriate action to search for, recover, and identify remains of their Soldiers, DA Civilians, and contractor personnel.
Per AR 638-2, Chapter 8, definitive identification occurs only when there is a favorable comparison between ante-mortem and post-mortem dental, fingerprint, and/or DNA records. Consequently, the availability of medical and dental records is imperative for identification of remains. Upon receipt of an initial casualty report for a deceased or missing Soldier (all categories), DA Civilian, or contractor personnel, units holding medical and dental records should forward them to the CAC responsible for their geographical region. The CAC will ensure the records are expeditiously transferred to the Army Liaison Office of the Dover Port Mortuary, Dover AFB, Delaware.
e. All deceased Soldiers and DOD employees are authorized an escort. Remains are escorted after they have been prepared for burial from the preparing mortuary to the final funeral destination as outlined in AR There is only one escort authorized by statute and only one is funded by CMAOD. Normally the escort is requested from the unit rear detachment or provided from the escort detachment, if one has been established.
f. The escort briefing given by the preparing mortuary must be thorough and complete. The escort is responsible for:
(1) Ensuring remains arrive at the appointed place. (The CAO works with family to determine when remains will move from Dover, which allows time to schedule viewing and funeral.)
(2) Resolving transportation delays and rerouting.
(3) Ensuring proper treatment and handling of remains.
NOTE: Inform the students that remains are shipped via commercial air transportation. An escort is permitted to disembark first to ensure remains are removed from the plane first, renders honors, and ensures remains are not moved with luggage on baggage carts. Families meet remains at the airport 65% of the time.
NOTE: Tell the students that the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness policy, 9 Feb 06, requires a “small detail” to provide planeside honors at civilian airports for all active duty deaths. DoD Joint Service working group defined the “small detail” as two uniformed Service Members; normally the escort and the CAO. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Operations Directive, Apr 06, permits the escort and CAO to access the tarmac. Effective Jan 07 House amendment to FY07 NDAA requires contract or military air to transport remains from Dover. The number of Soldiers to unload casket at final destination may increase.
(4) Inspecting remains and casket upon delivery to receiving funeral home.
(5) Viewing the remains to insure uniform is appropriate.
(6) Resolving issues concerning condition of the remains or casket.
(7) Delivering sentimental Personal Effects (PE) when appropriate.
(8) Delivering documents.
(9) The CMAOD expanded the escort mission in Feb 06. The escort will now remain through the funeral; escort is now available to assist CAO and/or serve as casket guard when family so requests.
(10) Completing and submitting the escort report (DA Form 5329).
A special escort is a blood relative (brother, aunt etc.) of the deceased or the PADD and is only selected by PADD with the understanding that remains could be delayed and is based on the availability of the requested Service Member. Units should NOT encourage the use of special escorts. This practice can sometimes cause an unnecessary emotional burden to the relative. If requested and granted, the CAO must make sure the escort understands ALL of the expectations and duties (Escort briefing in DA Pam 638-2, Figure D-1).
h. Exceptions are exceptions, those deemed unusual circumstances, in which the CMAOD has the authority to make exceptions to policy. However, the CMAOD cannot make exceptions to statutes.
i. Commanders in the Area of Operations (AO) will not appoint an escort from AO forces to accompany the remains of deceased Soldiers or Department of the Army Civilian employees. If escorts from the AO accompany remains without prior approval of a request for exception by CMAOD, the processing mortuary will return unauthorized escorts to the place of origin or home station (as appropriate). They will not be permitted to accompany the remains to the final destination.
j. Round trip transportation and two days per diem, plus authorized travel time is authorized by statute. Authorized and paid family travel is very clear in the statute. The CMAOD will fund travel for the spouse, children, and parents of the Soldier and the PADD. The are NO exceptions to the order of precedence in travel persons. CMAOD processes Invitational Travel Orders for Family members of deceased Soldiers who died in a theater of combat operations and whose remains are evacuated to the Dover Port Mortuary Persons requiring an attendant must request one via the CAO for CMAOD approval.
k. The shipping CAC and the preparing mortuary is responsible for providing one flag and the internment CAC is responsible for flag cases and additional authorized flags. Flag cases are not given just because someone “wants” one. Eligible interment flag and flag case recipients are established by 10 USC The statute authorizes an interment flag and flag case to be presented to the PADD and the decedent’s parents when they are not the PADD. The statute defines parents as a natural parent, a stepparent, a parent by adoption or a person who stood for a period of not less than one year before the death of the decedent in loco parentis. The statute further gives precedence to receive a flag to the persons who exercised a parental relationship at the time of, or most nearly before, the time of death. If the decedent’s parents are married, they are authorized only one interment flag and flag case. If the decedent’s parents are legally separated or divorced, each parent is authorized an interment flag and flag case. Other relatives of the soldier, to include the soldier’s brothers and sisters, children, and former spouses and friends are not authorized an interment flag or flag case unless determined to be the PADD. As recipients are established by Federal statute, exceptions to present flags and flag case to other persons cannot be approved.
l. It is the Department of the Army policy to provide (at a minimum) a nine-Soldier team for all deceased active duty Soldiers. CACs will coordinate with military units within their geographical areas of responsibility to ensure sufficient military funeral honors teams are identified, properly trained, and available to conduct funeral honors in a dignified, professional and timely manner.
m. An Active Duty funeral consists of a 9 to 15 Soldier team, includes a bugler, firing party, Officer in Charge (OIC) or Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), and an optional chaplain. A Veteran funeral consists of a two Soldier team for a ceremonial flag folding and the playing of “Taps.”
NOTE: Inform students that for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) deaths, there must be a General Officer in attendance if desired by the family.
n. Many deployed personnel have personal effects located at home station and in the AO. When a person dies, is medically evacuated from theater, or becomes missing in the AO, the PE in both locations must be disposed of as prescribed in AR 638-2, Chapters and DA PAM 638-2, Chapters PE include all personal property of the deceased. Effects include those personal items that are normally with the person such as watches, rings, jewelry, wallets containing personal papers, pictures, and money. PE also include household goods and automobiles.
Statute requires a SCMO be appointed on orders at each location for disposition of PE and the SCMO must be a commissioned officer. The SCMO is the government’s representative with primary duty until completed. The SCMO will collect, inventory, secure, and deliver/send PE within military control to the theater or CONUS PE depot.
p. Personal Effects Depots are established in CONUS and in theater during military operations for centralized processing of the PE of dead, missing, captured or hospitalized Soldiers. The Joint Personal Effects Depot at Aberdeen Proving Ground is the central CONUS facility for processing and cataloging personal effects and transferring custody to Person Eligible to Receive Effects (PERE). The Joint PE Depot is established to lessen burden on units and rear detachments and ensures standardization in the processing and handling of PE. The location of PE include areas within military control, such as on the remains, unit area within theater, and home station (e.g., quarters, office, government storage, etc.).
q. The Theater Depot can clean PE and make destruction decisions before mailing PE to the CONUS Depot. The PE Depots are authorized to destroy PE as per regulatory guidance if it will cause additional hardship or grieving to family members. In coordination with the CAO, the CONUS Depot will return the effects to the PERE. The PERE, in order of precedence is:
(1) Legal representative of the estate.
(2) Spouse.
(3) Eldest Child.
(4) Elder/custodial parent.
(5) Eldest sibling.
(6) Other blood relatives by seniority.
(7) Loco parentis relatives.
r. Unit personnel must not remove anything, to include body armor and helmet, from the Soldier’s remains except for safety or security reasons. Units must appoint a SCMO right away to inventory the Soldier’s property including completing a “two-person” inventory within 48 hours. After inventory, pack and seal the property and use DD FM 1976 (or DA FM 54 if the DD Form is not available) to maintain chain of custody during transshipment. Do NOT ship PE directly to the family or home station, but instead evacuate PE to theater PE Depot for transshipment to Dover Air Force Base and transfer to the CONUS Joint PE Depot at Aberdeen Proving Ground. If for any reason PE cannot be evacuated promptly to Theater PE Depot, mail PE directly to Joint PE Depot, Bldg 3556, 3556 Rodman Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
s. The Joint PE Depot will clean and re-inventory property, return organizational equipment to the supply system, destroy items that are not fit for return to the family, and return PE to the Soldier (if living) or to PERE. Units should report all SCMO appointments promptly to Kuwait Casualty Area Command (DSN /7253 or COM ) and to Theater Joint Mortuary Affairs Office (DSN /7098) and include and telephone contact information (for those units in theater). Submit SCMO reports to Army CMAOC (TAPC-PED-D), HQ PERSCOM, Alexandria, VA USA within 45 days of the incident. Use Joint Pub 4-06, Appendix B, DA PAM 638-2, and AR (Chapters 17, 18, 20 and 22) as references.
NOTE: Inform the students that ALARACT 218/2007, Policies and Procedures for the Delivery of the New Heirloom Personal Effects Chest, provides implementing guidance for the delivery of Heirloom Chests to the families of fallen Soldiers in conjunction with the return of Personal Effects delivered on or after 28 September 2007.
NOTE: Tell the students that the Heirloom Chest is authorized by the Secretary of the Army as a new benefit for the families of fallen Soldiers. The standard is 100% delivery of an Heirloom Chest to the person eligible to receive PERE for every family of a fallen Soldier and selected DA Civilians from the date of implementation forward.
Line of Duty Determination is the determination whether the Soldier’s or Army Civilian’s death or injury occurred in the line of duty or not. They are essential for protecting the interest of both the individual concerned and the U.S. Government where service is interrupted by injury, disease, or death.
u. A person who becomes a casualty because of his or her intentional misconduct or willful negligence can never be said to be injured, diseased or deceased in the LOD. Such a person stands to lose substantial benefits as a consequence of his or her actions; therefore, it is critical that the decision to categorize as not in the LOD only be made after following the policies and procedures in AR LOD determinations are particularly important for USAR and NG Soldiers, even for apparently minor injuries, to ensure they receive the benefits and compensations they are entitled to. Hostile deaths are given a final LODD of in the LOD by CMAOC.
v. LODI are required for both hostile and non-hostile deaths and formal LODI are conducted when there is reason to believe that an injury occurred because of the individual’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
w. Fatal accident briefs provide a thorough explanation of releasable investigative results of fatal training/operational accidents to the PNOK and other family members designated by the PNOK for accidents resulting in death of a Soldier and all suspected cases of friendly fire. Fatal Accident Family Briefs were directed by the CSA in March 2001 and are provided to NOK family members upon the completion of collateral investigations covering all operational / training accidents. These family briefings may also be expanded to cover incidents of KIAs and WIAs. HQDA normally requires a field grade officer (usually the Brigade Commander of the deceased Soldier) to conduct Fatal Accident Family Briefs. At a minimum, the briefing team should consist of Colonel-level commander, HQDA casualty operations representative, the NOK CAO, and chaplain.

32. Casualty Procedures for DA Civilians
Casualty reporting and assistance requirements for civilians personnel will mirror the requirements for military personnel as closely as possible per DoDI Paragraph
Casualty operations include casualty reporting, casualty notification, and assisting Family members and beneficiaries with any associated benefits and entitlements while working in conjunction with the Army Mortuary Affairs Programs.
AR prescribes the policies and mandates responsibilities, operating tasks, and procedures for the Army Casualty Programs.
CMAOC manages the reporting, notification, and assistance for casualties requiring a report in DCIPS.
SHOW SLIDE: CASUALTY PROCEDURE FOR DA CIVILIAN
Casualty procedures for DA and DoD Civilians will mirror that of active duty personnel. AR 638-8, Paragraph 2-7 discusses unit level reporting responsibilities. DoDI , E6 Enclosure 6 is another reference for Civilian casualties information.

33. CASUALTIES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED IN DCIPS (1 of 2)
Deceased or missing DoD Civilians serving OCONUS, who are casualties as a result of hostile or non-hostile action or while accompanying Armed forces in the field, and all casualties resulting from hostile action if the civilian employee is serving within CONUS.
Deceased or missing DoD Civilians identified as Designated or Covered Persons according to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness or 10 U.S. Code Section 1501.
DoD Civilians, OCONUS, who are listed as seriously ill or very seriously ill as a result of hostile or non-hostile action or while accompanying Armed Forces in the field.
DoD Civilians listed as excused absence – whereabouts unknown (EAWUN).
DoD Civilians who are wounded in action.
SHOW SLIDE: CASUALTIES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED IN DCIPS (1 OF 2)
NOTE: AR 638-8, Chapter 2, discusses casualty reporting to include Civilian personnel.

34. CASUALTIES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED IN DCIPS (2 of 2)
DA Civilians in a travel status.
DA Civilians reassigned away from home of record under mandatory mobility agreement executed as a condition of employment or assigned OCONUS with rights to he original place of employment.
SHOW SLIDE: CASUALTIES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED IN DCIPS (2 OF 2)
For DA Civilians not in one of the above categories, which occurs on an Army installation, reporting and notification are handled in accordance with the respective garrison policy as prescribed. This includes notification to the Garrison Commander, the employee’s chain of command, and the on-call chaplain.
The MyBiz data system is designated as the system of record for DA Civilian emergency contact information. DA Civilians will review and update emergency contact information in MyBiz, upon an employee’s initial entrance on duty, prior to going in Temporary Duty or Temporary Change of Station status, or at anytime contact information changes. Employees will be encouraged to, at a minimum, review this information annually to ensure its accuracy.

35. DA CIVILIAN CASUALTY OCCURRED in TDY/TCS STATUS OR OVERSEAS
SHOW SLIDE: DA CIVILIAN CASUALTY OCCURRED WHILE IN TDY /TCS STATUS OR OVERSEAS

36. DA CIVILIAN CASUALTY OCCURRED ON AN INSTALLATION
SHOW SLIDE: DA CIVILIAN CASUALTY OCCURRED ON AN INSTALLATION

37. CHECK ON LEARNING
Which of the following has been designated as the system of record for DA Civilian emergency contact information?
DTAS
DCIPS
MyBiz
MyData
SHOW SLIDE: CHECK ON LEARNING
c- MyBiz

38. Casualty Packet Hero Card Casualty Feeder Card (DA Form 1156)
Initial DCIPS Report-Full (printed)
Personnel Actions ( CAB, PH, etc)
Awards (DA Form 638, Narratives, etc)
ERB, ORB
SGLI, DD93
Letter of Sympathy-Letter of Condolence
SF 600- medical records
DA Form 2823
Appoint Investigation Officer
Appoint SCOMO

39. Hero Card
Soldier’s Photo
CURRENT PATIENT STATUS: Alert

40. DCIPS-PCR Initiating a DCIPS-PCR Casualty Report
The DCIPS COOP site does not have an equivalent to the dcsd.hrc.army.mil primary
site.
DCIPS-PCR Training Web Address/URL
The DCIPS training web address is Under no circumstances
will real personnel names or SSNs be entered into the training site. There is no training capability (i.e., dcse.hrc.army.mil) on the COOP site.
Initiating a DCIPS-PCR Casualty Report
Enter one of the primary URLs for DCIPS-PCR. You must have a valid Common
Access Card (CAC) to access the system.
DoD Notice and Consent Page
The DoD Notice and Consent Page is the standard notification for all DoD web sites.

41. SHOW SLIDE : DoD Notice and Consent Page
NOTE: The DoD Notice and Consent Page is the standard notification for all DoD web sites.
Press the I Agree push button to consent to the terms or CLOSE BROWSER to exit the web page.

42. DCIPS Portal Landing Page
The DCIPS Portal Registration Landing Page (Figure 2) will display the first time you
visit the DCIPS site.
Check the message areas to determine if you are on the training site or the production (or “live” site). The landing page indicates “Training” or “Production” at the top of the page and in the message area (Items 1 and 2).
PCR users will select the PCR push button (Item 3) as shown in Figure 2. Pressing
PCR will take you to the DCIPS-PCR Splash Page that provides additional information. After you have created a casualty report for the first time the system will bypass the landing page and take you directly to the PCR Registration page (Figure 3) so you can create new or supplemental casualty reports.

43. SHOW SLIDE: DCIPS Portal Registration Landing Page
NOTE: The DCIPS Portal Registration Landing Page will display the first time you visit the DCIPS site.
Check the message areas to determine if you are on the training site or the production (or “live” site). The landing page indicates “Training” or “Production” at the top of the page and in the message area.
PCR users will select the PCR push button. Pressing PCR will take you to the DCIPS-PCR Splash Page that provides additional information. After you have created a casualty report for the first time the system will bypass the landing page and take you directly to the PCR Registration page so you can create new or supplemental casualty reports.

44. SHOW SLIDE: DCIPS-PCR Splash Information Page
NOTE: The DCIPS-PCR Registration splash page provides general information and points of contact for each branch of the Armed Services. Press the NEXT push button to continue or EXIT to quit creating a casualty report.
NOTE: The PCR Registration page is the main PCR landing page once you have used DCIPS-PCR at least one time. You are required to register each time you want to report or update a casualty report. The registration process consists of four steps:
• Step 1: Select the Service of the casualty.
• Step 2: Enter your contact information.
• Step 3: Enter your commander’s information.
• Step 4: Confirm the casualty reporting organization.

45. The top portion of the PCR Information Page displays your CAC information for record
SHOW SLIDE: CAC Information Capture
NOTE: The top portion of the PCR Information Page displays your CAC information for record keeping and attribution.

46. SHOW SLIDE: Select Service of Casualty
NOTE: When reporting a casualty select the Service that the casualty will be reported. For Example, if a Soldier, Department of the Army civilian, or contractor working for the Army, then select “United States Army” from the drop down selection box. Similarly, if reporting a Marine, select “United States Marine Corps” from the drop down. Likewise, for Navy and Air Force casualties.
The Downloads section to the right of the “I am reporting a United States Army Casualty” will display Service specific documents concerning policy issues, user manuals or other general information pertaining to casualty reporting. These documents should be downloaded and reviewed before continuing.
Should an Army element be in charge of reporting a Service Member from a sister Service, then you should select the Service of the casualty, e.g., select “United States Marine Corps” if you are reporting a Marine casualty. Selecting another Service will display documents pertinent to Marine Corps reporting under the Downloads. Familiarize yourself with their policy before proceeding. Remember that the main landing page also has contact information for all the Services. When in doubt, contact the theater casualty organization or one of the contacts provided. Also, note that certain Services’ casualty reporting screens may be different, or contain additional information, than the Hasty report described in this user guide.

47. SHOW SLIDE: PCR Information (Enter Your Contact Information)
NOTE: This step requires you to enter your information (not the casualty’s). Note that you must enter your twice to ensure it is correct. Only .mil addresses are accepted. You will receive an notice that you have created a casualty report.

48. SHOW SLIDE: Commander Information (Enter Your Commander’s Contact Information)
NOTE: This step requires you to enter your commander’s information. This may be your commander or senior leader (officer or NCO) in your unit depending on the size of your organization. You must enter your commander’s twice to ensure it is correct. Only .mil addresses are accepted. Your commander will receive an indicating you created a casualty report.

49. SHOW SLIDE: Select a Reporting Unit
NOTE: This step indicates the casualty organization within a military service where the casualty report you are creating will be submitted. This is preset by the system.
It is possible that there may be more than one organization listed in the drop down box. Confirm with your supervisor, or the theater casualty organization, the correct organization to select.
In the below example, the casualty report will be submitted to a notional theater casualty cell called “Army CENTCOM CAC.”
Pressing the NEXT push button will take you to the DCIPS Personnel Casualty Reporting (DCIPS-PCR) Home page.

50. DCIPS-PCR Home Page SHOW SLIDE: DCIPS-PCR Home Page
NOTE: The DCIPS-PCR home page is the starting point for creating a casualty report and providing a summary of the casualty reports you are editing or have submitted.
Only you can see your casualty reports. You cannot see casualty reports that you created past 90 days.

51. DCIPS-PCR Hasty Casualty Report
SHOW SLIDE: DCIPS-PCR HASTY CASUALTY REPORT (1 OF 7)
NOTE: Create a new casualty report by clicking on the “New Casualty” link on the DCIPS-PCR Home Page.
NOTE: The “Hasty” report is an abbreviated casualty report that collects the minimum data required to make a report to higher headquarters.
Some fields are required. Error messages will be displayed if you do not complete required fields. The fields that are required may vary depending on the type of casualty or type of report you are creating. You will not be able to save the casualty report until you have corrected the errors.
Most casualty reports you create will be Initial (INIT) reports in the “Field Report Type” field.
The Mark as Ready Check Box indicates that the report is ready to be submitted to the next reporting level. We’ll discuss this further later in the user guide.
Press the Add Push Button to save the report you just entered. If you make a data entry error, then error messages will be displayed. You must correct the errors and then press the Add or Update push button to save the report.
The Add and Exit Push Button will perform the same function as the Add push button except it will return you to the DCIPS-PCR home page.
The Next Push Button will save and add a new record and, assuming no data entry errors on the Hasty page, will take you to the File Attachments page.

52. DCIPS-PCR Hasty Casualty Report
SHOW SLIDE: DCIPS-PCR HASTY CASUALTY REPORT (2 OF 7)
NOTE: Multiple documents may be attached to the casualty report using the File Attachment feature in DCIPS-PCR.
Clicking on the “File Attachments” link takes you to the File Attachments page.
Once on the File Attachments Page press the Add File Attachments push button to begin entering a file attachment. The fields in Figure 12 display for you to complete and select a file to upload. The Attachment Group and Attachment Type are required selections.

53. DCIPS-PCR Hasty Casualty Report
SHOW SLIDE: DCIPS-PCR HASTY CASUALTY REPORT (3 OF 7)
NOTE: You may attach additional files by pressing the Add File Attachments push button again.

54. DCIPS-PCR Hasty Casualty Report
SHOW SLIDE: DCIPS-PCR HASTY CASUALTY REPORT (4 OF 7)
NOTE: Displays filtered reports for a specified period. Notice the options that are available below the reports. You must first select one of the records in order to use the functions below the “Records 2”.

55. DCIPS-PCR Hasty Casualty Report
SHOW SLIDE: DCIPS-PCR HASTY CASUALTY REPORT (5 OF 7)
NOTE: The second record was selected and you have options to edit, replicate, send copy, submit, or re-submit.

56. DCIPS-PCR Hasty Casualty Report
SHOW SLIDE: DCIPS-PCR HASTY CASUALTY REPORT (6 OF 7)
NOTE: Notice that the report has already been submitted to the Kuwait CAC.

57. DCIPS-PCR Hasty Casualty Report
SHOW SLIDE: DCIPS-PCR HASTY CASUALTY REPORT (7 OF 7)

58. TLO Summary
There’s no more effective way of creating bitter enemies of the Army than by failing to do everything we can possibly do in a time of bereavement, nor is there a more effective way of making friends for the Army than by showing we are personally interested in every casualty which occurs.”
GENERAL OF THE ARMY GEORGE C. MARSHALL ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF
SHOW SLIDE 39: TLO SUMMARY
NOTE: Reemphasize to the students why implementing casualty operations as an HR professional is so important.
As you can see from the quote of General of the Army George C. Marshall, casualty operations has always been a critical part of the Army taking care of its Soldiers and family members. You must take a personal interest in every casualty that occurs in your unit because as HR professionals, you are responsible for ensuring casualty operations occur in your unit.
NOTE: Open a forum for students to ask questions.

59. Terminal Learning Objective
Army Learning Areas (ALAs) – General Learning Outcomes (GLOs)
Mission Command – GLO 4, 5, 6
Professional Competence – GLO 13 & 14
ACTION: Implement Casualty Operations Program
CONDITIONS: Given access to FM 1-0 (Human Resources Support), AR (Army Casualty Program), DA Pam (Procedures for The Army Casualty Program), AR (Line of Duty Policy, Procedures, and Investigations), AR (Salutes, Honors, and Visits of Courtesy), AR (Care and Disposition of Remains and Disposition of Personal Effects), DA Form 1156 (Casualty Feeder Card), awareness of the Operational Environment (OE),variables, and actors.
STANDARDS: Students will meet the standard of 70% accuracy when they:
1. Define the casualty operations management mission.
2. Define the principles of casualty reporting.
3. Define the principles of casualty notification and assistance.
4. Define the basic concepts of mortuary affairs process.
SHOW SLIDE 40: RESTATE TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE (TLO)
Learning Step / Activity 5. Practical Exercise
Method of Instruction: Performance
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:32
Time of Instruction: 50 mins
Media: Large Group Instruction
Learning Step / Activity 6. Practical Exercise Review
Time of Instruction: 10 mins
Learning Step / Activity Summary
Method of Instruction: Conference / Discussion
Time of Instruction: 20 minutes
Review / Summarize Lesson
NOTE: Emphasize what the TLO was for this block of instruction.
Determine if the students have learned the material presented by:
1. Soliciting student questions and explanations.
2. Asking questions and getting answers from the students (Include questions and answers).
3. Providing immediate feedback in context to the material presented and correcting student misunderstandings.
Feedback Requirements:
Feedback is essential to effective learning. Schedule and provide feedback on the evaluation and any information to help answer students' questions about the test. Provide remedial training as needed.
1. Schedule and provide feedback on the evaluation and any information to help answer students’ questions about the test.
2. Provide remedial training as needed.