CCR 638-1

UNCLASSIFIED

BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER

Central Command Regulation 638-1

(CCR 638-1), 18 May 2022

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF

7115 SOUTH BOUNDARY BOULEVARD

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA 33621

Deceased Personnel

MORTUARY AFFAIRS SUPPORT

Supersedes: CCR 638-1, 13 July 2018

Pages: 94

Expiration: 18 May 2027

OPR: CCJ43-OPS

SUMMARY OF REVISIONS

This regulation was restructured to provide clearer direction, remove redundant guidance that

exists in other publications, and incorporate and retire prior night orders and guidance issued by

United States Central Command. Substantive policy changes were incorporated to include

guidance on contaminated remains, temporary interment, large scale combat operations,

memorial/ramp ceremonies, theater evacuation escorts, the movement of non-Department of

Defense affiliated human remains, reporting requirement for deceased contractors, and processes

for handling deceased contractor’s personal effects. The following policy documents were

rescinded, superseded by, or incorporated into other policies, or incorporated into this regulation.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, Policy on Contaminated Human Remains, 28 March

2008 was cancelled and incorporated into Department of Defense Directive 1300.22 Change 2.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, Transportation of Remains on U.S. Military Aircraft,

19 August 2015 was incorporated into Department of Defense Instruction 4515.13, Air

Transportation Eligibility, Incorporating Change 5, 23 October 2020. United States Central

Command message, Modification 4 to United States Central Command Military Working Dogs

policy, date time group: 152116Z JUN 11 is rescinded and incorporated into this regulation as

Appendix G. United States Central Command memorandum, Delegation of Authority to Approve

Exception for Human Remains Escort, 8 March 2010 is superseded by paragraph 2.10. United

States Central Command Policy Letter Number 106, Repatriation of Deceased Military Working

Dogs in United States Central Command Area of Responsibility, 4 June 2019 has been

incorporated into this regulation as Appendix G. USCENTCOM J4 Memo, Standard Operating

Procedure for Requesting Formal Approval to Move Civilian U.S./Non-U.S. Human Remains On

U.S. Military Aircraft, 29 January 2009 is rescinded and has been incorporated into this

regulation.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTIONS/PARAGRAPHS

Page

SECTION 1: GENERAL ............................................................................................................. 5

1.1. Purpose ................................................................................................................................. 5

1.2. Applicability ........................................................................................................................ 5

1.3. References: ........................................................................................................................... 5

1.4. Concept of Operations ......................................................................................................... 5

SECTION 2: POLICY .................................................................................................................. 7

2.1. Recovery Operations and Initial Preservation ..................................................................... 7

2.2. Death Reporting ................................................................................................................... 8

2.3. DD Form 93 Record of Emergency Data ............................................................................ 9

2.4. Human Remains Transfers ................................................................................................. 10

2.5. Refrigerated Storage – Human Remains Acceptance at a Mortuary Affairs Collection

Point or Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point ........................................................................ 13

2.6. Refrigerated Storage – Temperature Monitoring ............................................................... 14

2.7. Authorizations for Deceased Transportation and Mortuary Services. ............................... 14

2.8. Mortuary Affairs Facility Restrictions ............................................................................... 16

2.9. Mortuary Affairs Collection Point Minimum Processing Procedures ............................... 18

2.10. Theater Evacuation Escorts ............................................................................................. 19

2.11. Unit Representatives. ....................................................................................................... 21

2.12. Contaminated Human Remains ....................................................................................... 21

2.13. Temporary Interment Operations – Non-Contaminated Remains ................................... 22

2.14. Personal Effects ............................................................................................................... 23

2.15. Disassociated Effects ....................................................................................................... 24

2.16. Personal Protective Equipment – Shipments to Armed Forces Medical Examiner System

.............................................................................................................................................. 25

2.17. Portions ............................................................................................................................ 26

2.18. Customs Pre-Clearance of Human Remains and Personal Effects .................................. 26

2.19. Mortuary Affairs Awareness and Training Outreach Program ....................................... 29

2.20. Host Nation Mortuary Affairs Coordination ................................................................... 29

2.21. Records Management and Information Management ...................................................... 30

2.22. Resiliency and Mental Health Readiness ......................................................................... 31

SECTION 3: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................. 33

3.1. Headquarters United States Central Command Logistics and Engineering Directorate ... 33

3.2. Service Component Commands......................................................................................... 33

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3.3. United States Central Command Distribution and Deployment Operations Center Director

.............................................................................................................................................. 34

3.4. U.S. Army Central ............................................................................................................. 34

3.5. U.S. Air Force Central Command ..................................................................................... 35

3.6. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command ................................................................................ 36

3.7. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command ................................................................... 36

3.8. Theater Mortuary Affairs Office ........................................................................................ 37

3.9. Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point ................................................................................... 40

3.10. Mortuary Affairs Collection Point ................................................................................... 41

3.11. Service Component Command Mortuary Affairs Officer ............................................... 42

3.12. Senior Defense Officials at U.S. Embassies .................................................................... 43

3.13. U.S. Army Regional Mortuary, Europe and Africa ........................................................ 43

3.14. Reports ............................................................................................................................. 44

3.15. Boards .............................................................................................................................. 44

SECTION 4: ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................ 45

4.1. Proponent ........................................................................................................................... 45

4.2. Accessibility ....................................................................................................................... 45

4.3. Releasability ....................................................................................................................... 45

4.4. Expiration ........................................................................................................................... 45

APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................. 46

Appendix A: Human Remains Acceptance for Refrigerated Storage ...................................... 46

Appendix B: Authorizations for Deceased Transportation and Mortuary Services ................. 50

Appendix C: Sample Mortuary Affairs Officer Appointment Memo ...................................... 64

Appendix D: Example Theater Evacuation Escort Memo ........................................................ 65

Appendix E: Contractor Personal Effects ................................................................................. 67

Appendix F: Joint Personal Effects Depot Summary Court-Martial Officer Checklist ........... 70

Appendix G: Repatriation of Deceased Military Working Dogs ............................................. 77

Appendix H: Points of Contact ................................................................................................. 86

Appendix I: Glossary ................................................................................................................ 88

Appendix J: References ............................................................................................................ 92

FIGURES

Figure 1. DD Form 1384, Transportation Control and Movement Document ......................... 27

Figure 2. DD Form 2855, U.S. Military Customs and Border Clearance Program .................. 28

Figure 3. Sample HR Transportation Request .......................................................................... 54

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Figure 4. Funds Verification and Use Authorization (FVUA) ................................................. 56

Figure 5. Example Theater Evacuation Escort Memo .............................................................. 65

Figure 6. Joint Personal Effects Depot Summary Court-Martial Officer Checklist ................. 70

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SECTION 1: GENERAL

1.1. PURPOSE

This regulation stipulates policy and procedures required for Mortuary Affairs (MA) support in

the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR) to care for

our fallen Service members, Contractors, Civilians, Coalition partners, and others authorized

mortuary services.

1.2. APPLICABILITY

This regulation applies to U.S. Military, Coalition Military, and DoD affiliated personnel in the

USCENTCOM AOR including all elements of Headquarters (HQ) USCENTCOM and

subordinate commands, to include Service Component Commands, sub-unified commands, Joint

Task Forces (JTF), and Security Cooperation Organizations during peace time and contingency

operations. This regulation applies to non-DoD affiliated personnel when requesting assistance

from DoD mortuary affairs. For commonly used language in MA see Appendix I.

1.3. REFERENCES:

See Appendix J.

1.4. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

a. The Commander, USCENTCOM (CDRUSCENTCOM) has assumed mission command

and centralized the mortuary affairs evacuation responsibility by designating U.S. Army Central

(USARCENT) as the Lead Service (LS) to provide geographical mortuary affairs general support

in the USCENTCOM AOR. This type of coordinated theater MA support is referred to as the

concurrent return program. The USCENTCOM Joint Mortuary Affairs Office (JMAO), within

the USCENTCOM Logistics and Engineering Directorate (CCJ4), establishes theater mortuary

affairs policy and procedures. This CCR codifies concurrent return mortuary affairs program

policy and procedures. The transition from Combatant Commander MA support responsibilities

back to Service Component peacetime operation responsibility will be made by the

CDRUSCENTCOM when operational considerations warrant transition. This type of MA

Support is referred to as the current death program. The decision to return to the current death

program will be published through an official USCENTCOM Night Order.

b. USARCENT has established a Theater Mortuary Affairs Office (TMAO) to coordinate

mortuary affairs area support throughout USCENTCOM AOR and enforce policies and

procedures to ensure dignity, honor, and respect for all decedents. Unit commanders recover

their deceased personnel to the nearest Mortuary Affairs Collection Point (MACP) where the

USCENTCOM mortuary affairs system coordinates further evacuation.

c. The Commander (or civilian equivalent for non-military organizations) is responsible for

the casualty reporting, recovery, and transport of deceased military members, civilians, or

contractors assigned to their organization to the nearest MACP. The TMAO then coordinates

and tracks continued evacuation operations from the MACP through arrival at the Armed Forces

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Medical Examiner System (AFMES) or the final Aerial Port of Debarkation (APOD) serviced by

military airlift for non-AFMES cases.

d. Mortuary Affairs Facilities across the USCENTCOM AOR have the capabilities to prepare

remains for evacuation, generate required documentation, provide refrigerated storage to aid in

preservation while awaiting transportation and evacuate Decedents authorized mortuary services

to required destinations.

e. Remains will be transported from a MACP to the Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point

(TMEP) located at Kuwait (alternate TMEP located at Al Udeid, Qatar) for onward movement to

Ramstein Air Force Base (AFB), or other refueling site determined by Air Mobility Division

(AMD). The remains will be re-iced and the aircraft refueled for the final flight to Dover AFB

for repatriation.

f. A secondary mission of USCENTCOM Mortuary Affairs Facilities is the evacuation of

Personal Effects (PE) to the Joint Personal Effects Depot (JPED) pursuant to DoD Mortuary

Affairs Program.

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SECTION 2: POLICY

2.1. RECOVERY OPERATIONS AND INITIAL PRESERVATION

a. Initial recovery of a decedent to a MACP should occur within four hours of death. Notify

TMAO of potential recovery delays that may exceed four hours. This enables TMAO to identify

potential theater assets that may be available to assist in expediting recovery to the nearest

MACP if the delay is caused by air asset availability.

b. If recovery will or may exceed four hours, the decedent should be cooled while awaiting

transportation. Refrigeration must be maintained between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Freezing temperatures cause tissue damage and must be avoided, therefore dry ice is never used.

Likewise, extreme heat causes accelerated tissue deterioration. Cooling may be accomplished by

placing the Human Remains Pouch (HRP) containing the decedent inside a second HRP when

refrigeration capabilities are not available. The second HRP is then packed with water-ice while

avoiding the face area. The HRP is placed in an air-conditioned indoor area (or cool, shaded and

private outdoor area, if an indoor area is not available) to aid in preservation until evacuation is

available. The HRP is periodically monitored to ensure cooling efforts are still adequate.

c. Local camp or contingency base commanders that are at high risk of not accomplishing

recovery of a decedent to a MACP within four hours due to weather, enemy threat, or aircraft

availability may elect to establish a Mortuary Affairs Transfer Point (MATP), also known as a

Mortuary Affairs Transit Point, to provide direct support to the parent command. MATPs

normally consist of just a refrigeration unit for temporary holding. Some may have camouflage

netting, T-walls, or other shrouding installed to provide privacy while moving remains into or

from the refrigerated storage. MATP are approved by the first O-6 in the chain of command and

reported to TMAO. If the command elects to establish a MATP, the command will ensure

checks of temperature are completed to ensure temperature can be maintained between 34 and 40

degrees Fahrenheit. When no remains are present checks may occur daily. When remains are

present checks will be hourly. A water bottle marked with “TEST BOTTLE” will be kept inside

the refrigeration unit to permit immediate visual warning that freezing temperatures have

occurred. Refrigeration units that are unable to maintain temperature must not be used as they

place remains at great risk of tissue damage due to freezing or extreme heat. On the 5th of each

month a memorandum will be submitted to TMAO signed by the O-6 whom approved the

MATP. The Memo will list the personnel assigned the additional duty of maintaining the

MATP, their contact information and the monthly log will be attached indicating temperature

check results with dates and times. MATP are visually separate from a casualty collection point

at a contingency location, are not normally staffed, and are unit funded and maintained by

personnel from the local command. A MATP’s sole purpose is to provide refrigerated storage

capability for Human Remains (HR) when evacuation to a USARCENT Staffed MACP or

TMEP is not immediately possible. HRs will be recovered to a MACP as soon as weather,

enemy threat, or aircraft availability makes it possible. MATP locations are beneficial when

ground or air evacuation is historically delayed preventing a unit from transferring a decedent to

a MACP or TMEP within four hours.

d. After HR recovery to a MACP, USCENTCOM has established a within 24-hour goal for

each subsequent movement: from MACP to the TMEP; TMEP to Ramstein, Germany (or other

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refueling location); and refueling location to the AFMES at Dover AFB or other-directed final

destination. The total within 72-hour evacuation goal aids in preservation of the unembalmed

HR and forensic evidence.

e. Emergency Burial/Hasty Burial. The first O-6 in the chain of command may authorize a

hasty burial. During Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) the capability of U.S Forces to

recover a decedent to a MACP may be denied by the opposing forces. A hasty burial should be

considered when tactical conditions permit and evacuation delays are anticipated to exceed 24-48

hours that would subject the decedent to extreme heat or freezing temperatures. A hasty burial

requires enough soil be removed to accommodate the decedent and permit a minimum of 12 to

24 inches of soil to cover the decedent. A hasty burial is an informal preservation technique used

by unit personnel to protect remains when evacuation to a MACP is not possible in the

immediate foreseeable future due to active combat operations. Hasty burial is not temporary

interment. The difference is that temporary interment requires remains be evacuated to a

designated temporary interment site thus allowing formal temporary interment operations to

commence. Hasty burial is a preservation technique required when air evacuation, ground

evacuation, refrigerated storage, or other preservation technique is not available nor projected to

be available for the next 24-48 hours. GPS location of each HR is documented and reported to

higher HQ. When communications are interrupted and anticipated to be unavailable for 12 hours

or more, the senior military member present may authorize a hasty burial and report GPS grid

location upon re-establishing communications with higher HQ. Leave any ID tags or ID card

from the HR on the HR. Only remove unit property or classified documents for safeguarding

and transfer back to the unit or to an intelligence officer for reviewing sensitive media.

f. Unit Recovery Teams are non-mortuary affairs unit personnel that are available to conduct

immediate recovery operations. Initial search and recovery operations are performed by the unit

recovery team to search for and recover HR and PE during the combat phase. Initial search and

recovery operations occur when the tactical situation permits recovery with the forces at hand

without detailed planning or coordination.

g. Pursuant to Reference (l), a ship’s captain may authorize burial at sea without the

knowledge or consent of the decedent’s family only when remains pose a health hazard due to

lack of preservation capability and when transfer to shore is operationally impossible or

inadvisable. Burial at sea should only be conducted after consultation with the AFMES and the

military criminal investigative organization that has investigative jurisdiction, as appropriate,

pursuant to References (d) and (r) unless under the rare circumstance when mission security must

absolutely prohibit communications of all types or communications ability is nonexistent.

2.2. DEATH REPORTING

a. Reporting falls under personnel services (S1/M1/N1/A1). The reported information is

critical to ensure mortuary affairs can transport and evacuate remains without delay, therefore

reporting requirements are emphasized here. The official report of death is critical to provide

care to the decedent and the decedent’s surviving family members. Official reporting to the

Theater Casualty Assistance Center (TCAC) or Services’ Casualty Office initiates associated

Service support mechanisms. The USCENTCOM Commander’s Critical Information

Requirements report through command channels to the HQ USCENTCOM Joint Operations

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Center provides official reporting to the CDRUSCENTCOM for awareness and required

command actions and support. If reporting to the AFMES has not been confirmed to have

occurred by the TCAC or Service Casualty Office, the commander or civilian equivalent must

contact AFMES to ensure they have received the report (see Appendix H for contact

information). DoD regulations require a completed report within 12 hours of learning of a death.

However, immediate notification to TMAO, AFMES, and command channels, with periodic

updates as information becomes available, will aid in determining and coordinating

investigation, examination, and transportation requirements. Early reporting will aid in

preventing delays and providing the greatest level of support.

b. Military Affiliated: Pursuant to References (m) and (z), the deceased member’s unit

commander will ensure casualty reporting is completed within 12 hours of learning of the death

of a U.S. Service Member, DoD Civilian Employee, or other personnel specified in Reference (z)

through the command to the Theater Casualty Assistance Center or Service Casualty Office.

Casualty reports, and the preparation of the DD Form 1300, Report of Casualty, are required for

all decedents or missing U.S. Service Members or DoD Civilian Employees. In addition to being

provided to the Theater Casualty Assistance Center, a DA Form 1156, Casualty Feeder Card, or

the USCENTCOM equivalent, will accompany the decedent when transported to a Mortuary

Affairs Collection Point.

c. Contractors: Pursuant to Reference (m), the employer, with assistance from the

commander of the supported command to which the contractor was assigned, will ensure

casualty reporting is completed within 12 hours of learning of the death of a DoD contractor

through the supported DoD command to the Theater Casualty Assistance Center or respective

Service Casualty Office. Casualty reports, and the preparation of the DD Form 1300, are

required for all decedents or missing DoD contractors, Outside Continental United States

(OCONUS), who are casualties as a result of hostile or non-hostile action or while

accompanying Armed Forces in the field. In addition to being provided to the Theater Casualty

Assistance Center or Service Casualty Office, a DA Form 1156 or the USCENTCOM equivalent

will accompany the decedent when transported to a Mortuary Affairs Collection Point.

2.3. DD FORM 93 RECORD OF EMERGENCY DATA

a. Service Members and DoD Civilians. Form preparation and annual updates fall under

personnel services (S1/M1/N1/A1). The reported information is critical to ensure mortuary

affairs can transport remains without delay, especially when remains are not directed to AFMES

and the Service Casualty Office must direct transportation. Therefore, the initial requirement to

complete the DD Form 93 and annual updates are emphasized so the Service Casualty Office

may expedite transportation directions when required.

b. Contractors. The complexity of contractor nationality and personnel statuses elevate the

importance of the DD Form 93 being completed prior to admission to a possible theater of

operations or deployment with the Armed Forces and available to the contract company and

Service Casualty Office of the supported Service as required in Reference (m). The Contractor

shall be responsible for notification of the employee’s designated Next of Kin (NOK) in the

event of an employee death. A DD Form 93, Record of Emergency Data, will be completed by

contractors during mobilization. The DD Form 93 will be uploaded to the synchronized pre-

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deployment and operational tracker system to ensure the contract company can accomplish

timely notification if necessary. The DD Form 93 will be reviewed annually and uploaded to

synchronized pre-deployment and operational tracker to ensure information is current.

c. When a DoD contractor death occurs, the employer will notify the contractor’s NOK within

24 hours of death and provide confirmation of notification to the Service Casualty Office.

2.4. HUMAN REMAINS TRANSFERS

The following policies have been established pursuant to Reference (n) to maximize preservation

of remains and ensure the most expeditious repatriation of fallen Service members and all

decedents while permitting ramp ceremonies. These movements are referred to as an honorable

carry or dignified carry.

a. Component commanders must utilize the first airlift mission provided by any aviation unit,

the USCENTCOM Distribution and Deployment Operations Center (CDDOC) or AMD.

Component commanders may not delay or withhold the request of HR evacuation airlift for any

reason to include waiting on arrival of ramp ceremony attendees, HR portions and/or PE. HR

portions and disassociated PE from the incident location that are not ready for evacuation with

remains are sent on the next available flight out.

b. HR will not be moved from refrigeration/storage for any reason other than immediate

evacuation unless directed by the AFMES, HQ USCENTCOM JMAO, or the TMAO.

c. HR transfers to evacuation aircraft will only be conducted by MA and aerial port carry

team personnel unless otherwise coordinated through the USCENTCOM JMAO or TMAO

personnel.

d. HR transfers will not be delayed or interfered with for any reason, nor will they interfere

with other flight line operations, unless it is an operational necessity. Airfield managers will not

call for quiet engines nor ramp freezes to facilitate ramp ceremonies.

e. Ramp ceremonies: The CDRUSCENTCOM has authorized ramp ceremonies and has

directed that the first General Officer in the decedent’s chain of command may approve a ramp

ceremony that minimizes risk to the decedent and attendees and complies with the stipulations

listed in 2.4.e.(1) through (6). However well intended, ramp ceremonies routinely delay

evacuation of HRs. Delays negatively affect the condition of unembalmed HRs and may cause

additional grieving time to NOK awaiting the repatriation of their loved one. Transfer case

temperatures are affected by ambient temperatures. These delays may cause fluctuations in the

internal temperatures of these transfer cases that are carefully planned by mortuary affairs

personnel by placing pre-measured ice bags at the preparatory MA facilities. These adverse

effects may prevent the ability of the decedent’s family to elect a viewing during funeral

services. Any delay in reaching normal aircraft cruise altitude cabin temperatures can increase

the risk of non-viewable remains. Planeside attendees at ramp ceremonies should be limited to

immediate teammates and the member’s leadership to render honor to the decedent and

recognize their loss. The term transfer observance is preferred so as to place emphasis on the

fallen and the individual attendee’s loss opposed to the collective masses who create a large

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ceremonious gathering with multiple elements that increases the risk of delays that can degrade

the condition of a decedent. The approving general officer must ensure:

(1) The ramp ceremony does not delay the transportation of remains.

(2) Official or unofficial photography, videography, or any other type of media recording

of the ramp ceremony is prohibited.

(3) The transfer case containing the remains of the decedent will not be placed on the

tarmac for any length of time.

(4) The movement of the transfer case from the transport vehicle to the aircraft is an

honorary transfer of the decedent. Under no circumstances will the transfer case be placed on

the ground once removed from the transport vehicle.

(5) The transfer case with the remains of the decedent will only be handled or touched by

the carry team wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

(6) Pursuant to Reference (a), artifacts will not be placed on the U.S. flag covering the

transfer case. This includes unit coins, patches, or other memorabilia.

f. Military personnel in observance of HR transfers planeside may show their respect by

providing a silent three-second slow salute as the Transfer Case (TC) for the fallen Service

member passes directly from the transport vehicle to the evacuation aircraft. A slow three-

second movement of hand-over-heart is recommended for civilians in attendance or by all for

fallen civilian movements. Base and camp commands may authorize personnel to line the most

direct route that the transportation vehicle carrying the remains will take when tactical conditions

permit. No deviations from the most direct route from the mortuary affairs facility to the aircraft

are authorized. To provide the greatest respect for the decedent, remains will not be paraded

over longer distances in order to accommodate attendees. Personnel will line up from the entry

to the airfield sequentially towards the origin of the route while not extending onto the mortuary

affairs facility grounds. Military personnel in observance of a fallen Service member movement

may show their respect by providing a silent three-second slow salute as the transfer vehicle

approaches and passes in front of them. Non-military in attendance of a fallen Service member

movement may render respects with a slow three-second movement of hand-over-heart. All

attendees of a fallen civilian movement may render respects with a slow three-second movement

of hand-over-heart.

g. A unit memorial ceremony is coordinated by the command to provide a location for unit

members and others to reflect upon the loss of a comrade and honor their sacrifice. A display of

an inverted rifle, replica ID chain and tags, boots, and photographs celebrating the fallen’s life or

other available symbols provide a focal point of reflection. A unit memorial ceremony is

authorized and encouraged as soon as tactical conditions allow in order to provide the greatest

number of Service Members the opportunity to show their respects and grieve the loss of their

fallen comrade(s). Tactical conditions may allow a large gathering or require individual or small

groups to independently cycle through the location to pay respects. A unit memorial ceremony

with HR or HR portions present is prohibited. During unit memorials, PE to include ID tags,

boots, helmet, etc., of the deceased member will not be present or displayed in order to preserve

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forensic evidence and ensure these items are returned to family without delay. Unit memorial

ceremonies might also be rudimentary in nature and extremely brief based on threat level. That

is, conducted with an inverted rifle on the ground with a helmet placed atop the buttstock and

less than five minutes in duration. Temporary use of unit equipment for unit memorial displays

are authorized. Immediate teammates and professional peers should be offered locations at the

front of the unit memorial services as a position of honor. Unit memorials may be recorded by

video and still photography.

h. Video and/or photos of HR Transfers (or TC containing HR) are strictly prohibited by DoD

policies to protect the family’s privacy. This includes the movement from the place of death to

the MACP or from storage to the evacuation aircraft. TCs used for honorable carry training will

not be flag draped and will be clearly marked on all four sides and top with “FOR TRAINING

ONLY – NO REMAINS PRESENT” readable from 50 feet away.

i. MA Processing Timelines: Per Reference (n) Paragraph 3.3.a, “Deceased personnel,

including Service members, DoD civilians, and covered contractor personnel, will be recovered

from a theater of combat operation, designated combat zone, or combat support area, and

returned for forensic pathology investigation at a location designated by the AFME. HR will be

evacuated without delay to preserve the HR and the integrity of forensic evidence, unless very

specific extenuating circumstances presented by Primary Next-of-Kin (PNOK) of the decedent

can be reasonably accommodated by the DoD and is approved by the AFME.” The “72-hour

goal” to complete evacuation is explained in Paragraph 2.1.d.

j. Flag Draping: During contingency operations, flag draping of TCs from the AOR to the

Port Mortuary at Dover AFB, is mandatory unless operational considerations dictate otherwise,

or flags are not available. Pursuant to Reference (a), TCs containing remains of U.S. Citizens

will not be covered by any item other than the U.S. flag unless determined to be operationally

necessary by the aircraft load master. Plastic sheeting can be applied to cover the flag during air

transportation to protect the flag from hydraulic leaks. Flags will be secured to the TCs without

damaging either the flag or TC, and without impeding access to the handles. The flag’s blue star

field is positioned over the remains left shoulder symbolically closest to the heart. Refer to the

U.S. Army Joint Mortuary Affairs Center (JMAC) for guidance on how to secure the flags to

TCs. The TMEP and other evacuation locations will stock U.S. flags with a 5-foot hoist by 9-

foot 6-inch fly: NSN 4530-00-753-3232 (cotton). Flags in excellent condition will be returned

by the Port Mortuary at Dover AFB to the TMEP for re-use. The load master is authorized to

remove the flag from a TC during transport if mission requirements warrant it. The flag

provided by the TMEP for the purpose of transport will not be presented to the family following

the Dignified Transfer at the Dover Port Mortuary, or at the place of final disposition.

Evacuation flights are not delayed nor postponed if a flag is not immediately available.

(1) Coalition Nations TCs may be flag draped upon request. Coalition nations will provide

their appropriate National flag in the 5-foot hoist by 9-foot 6-inch fly to the mortuary affairs

collection point to be secured to the coalition member’s TC if flag draping is desired. Plastic

sheeting can be applied to cover the Flag during air transportation to protect the Flag from

hydraulic leaks. Coalition Nations are encouraged to develop a liaison with their local mortuary

affairs collection point to provide their National flag for safekeeping in advance of any potential

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need. Ensure subsequent rotations of personnel are introduced to the MACP staff to provide

continued liaison.

(2) U.S. national flags that become unserviceable due to age or damage may be respectfully

retired (destroyed). U.S. Boy Scout troops, American Legion Posts, Veterans of Foreign Wars,

and other patriotic organizations provide flag retirement ceremonies for unserviceable flags as

part of their citizenship teachings or patriotic traditions. U.S. national flags may be mailed (or

hand carried upon redeployment) to these organizations for retirement after coordination.

Unserviceable U.S. national flags may be locally retired by conducting a flag retirement

ceremony where traditionally folded flags are placed into a well burning fire while assembled

members provide a salute. Flags may also be expediently retired by medical waste incineration,

especially if biologically contaminated. U.S. flags prepared for destruction by medical waste

incineration will be placed in a red biohazard bag and destroyed by incineration upon

coordination with the operator. The preparer should witness the burn to ensure completion. No

salute or ceremony is recommended. Consult the appropriate property book officer to ensure the

flag(s) is not on the property book. The coalition nation’s liaison will be consulted to determine

proper disposition of a coalition national flag that becomes unserviceable due to age or damage.

Prepare a memorandum for record documenting the details of type, number of flags destroyed,

and method used for historical record. File locally at the mortuary affairs activity and in the

Mortuary Affairs Reporting and Tracking System (MARTS) in the future when programming to

allow mortuary affairs location specific documentation to be uploaded is complete.

(3) Remains are frequently draped with a U.S. national flag or the respective flag of the

individual’s partner nation during evacuation to render honors and respect during transportation.

Upon receipt at a MACP, a flag used for this purpose is folded and sealed in a biohazard bag, the

bag marked as unit evacuation flag, and forwarded with remains for disposition. These flags are

not considered personal effects.

2.5. REFRIGERATED STORAGE – HUMAN REMAINS ACCEPTANCE AT A

MORTUARY AFFAIRS COLLECTION POINT OR THEATER MORTUARY

EVACUATION POINT

a. U.S. Military mortuary affairs facilities in the USCENTCOM AOR may be the only

accessible locations to provide refrigerated storage for HR to aid in HR preservation. Losing

commands will notify MACPs of a Human Remain(s) being recovered to their location. The

AFMES may not have the statutory authority to exert medico-legal jurisdiction or the

circumstances of death may not warrant a medico-legal death investigation by AFMES. In these

cases, the losing command’s assistance is needed to coordinate the final disposition. (Detailed

guidance and procedures for HR acceptance are provided in Appendix A).

b. The following decedents are accepted at all USCENTCOM MACPs or TMEPs:

(1) U.S. Military, DoD Civilian Employees, U.S. Contractors, U.S. Citizens, and Coalition

Partners.

(2) Non-U.S. Citizens who die on U.S. Military installations.

(3) Deceased enemy who die in U.S. Custody.

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c. The following decedents are not normally recovered to nor accepted at mortuary affairs

facilities:

(1) Deceased enemy who die outside of U.S control or custody or during combat

engagements.

(2) Civilians who die while NOT on a U.S. military instillation. This designation would

include civilians also killed during an attack on U.S. or Coalition forces.

2.6. REFRIGERATED STORAGE – TEMPERATURE MONITORING

Refrigerated Preservation requires well maintained equipment and monitoring to ensure 34 to 40

degrees Fahrenheit is maintained. Freezing temperatures and extreme heat may result in tissue

damage. Temperature checks are completed to ensure temperature can be maintained between

34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When no remains are present checks may occur daily. When

remains are present checks will be hourly. A water bottle marked with “TEST BOTTLE” will be

kept inside the refrigeration unit to permit immediate visual warning that freezing temperatures

have occurred. Refrigeration units that are unable to maintain temperature must not be used as

they place remains at great risk of tissue damage due to freezing or extreme heat.

2.7. AUTHORIZATIONS FOR DECEASED TRANSPORTATION AND MORTUARY

SERVICES.

a. Historically, almost all decedents in the USCENTCOM AOR were evacuated to the

AFMES for an examination. Changes throughout the Global War on Terror campaign era in host

nation agreements, mortuary affairs policy, and casualty affairs policy, have all factored into

AFMES decisions on determining jurisdiction to direct remains to AFMES. AFMES

consideration of the circumstances of death, status of the decedent, location of death, and

competent local medical authority’s death findings impact jurisdiction and the basis for an

examination (see Reference (d) for specific considerations). These variables have thus resulted

in updated USCENTCOM policies for decedent transportation. The main criteria for movement

decisions are based upon AFMES’ decision on whether or not to direct to AFMES for an

examination. The following summarizes transportation for each category of decedent, (see

Appendix B for specific guidance and procedures).

b. U.S. Military, DoD Civilian Employees, or sponsored dependent accompanying member

on official orders.

(1) Directed to AFMES: HR transported to the location specified by AFMES.

(2) Not directed to AFMES: the respective Service Casualty Office will direct remains to a

servicing mortuary based on family wishes. Normally Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations

(AFMAO) at Dover AFB is the servicing mortuary unless the Person Authorized to Direct

Disposition (PADD) directs remains be prepared OCONUS due to family residency or wishes.

c. U.S. Citizen DoD Contractors (Includes U.S. Military retirees working in a DoD contractor

status).

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(1) Directed to AFMES: Employer coordinates commercial air or formally requests

opportune and non-interference basis reimbursable U.S. Military Airlift (MILAIR) transportation

if authorized by their contract or based on commercial transportation limitations using the

procedures in Appendix B.

(2) Not directed to AFMES: Employer coordinates commercial air to the destination

directed by the NOK or formally requests opportune and non-interference basis reimbursable

MILAIR transportation if authorized by their contract or based on commercial transportation

limitations to Dover AFB where the local Dover Funeral Home selected by the family or the

employer receives the remains at a direct transfer on the flight line. Any human remains transfer

case(s) provided by the government must be returned to AFMAO by the funeral home

transporting remains from Dover AFB within 72 hours to avoid the contractor being billed for

the cost of the transfer case.

(3) Whether or not the remains are directed to AFMES, if commercial air becomes

available that will transport the deceased to the required destination quicker, and the decedent

has not begun the MILAIR movement, the employer may utilize the commercial airlift.

d. Non-DoD affiliated U.S. Citizens (including contractors supporting contracts for U.S.

Government agencies other than the DoD.)

(1) Directed to AFMES: In consultation with Department of State (DoS), the federal

agency or employer coordinates commercial airlift to the location directed by AFMES. The

federal agency’s Executive Secretary may formally request U.S. MILAIR transportation from the

Secretary of Defense (SecDef) Executive Secretary. The family or employer may contact the

DoS and ask that DoS formally request U.S. MILAIR transportation from the SecDef Executive

Secretary. Any reimbursable cost requirements are indicated in approved responses. DoS

coordination ensures required U.S. documentation of death is obtained or created to support the

family.

(2) Not directed to AFMES: In consultation with DoS, the federal agency or employer

coordinates commercial airlift to the location based on family wishes or employment

agreements. When commercial air is not available or may cause delays, the federal agency’s

Executive Secretary may formally request U.S. MILAIR transportation from the SecDef

Executive Secretary. With the same commercial air limitations, the family or employer may

contact the DoS and ask that DoS formally request U.S. MILAIR transportation from the SecDef

Executive Secretary. Any reimbursable cost requirements are indicated in approved responses.

MILAIR transportation terminates at the first Contiguous United States (CONUS) APOD,

normally Dover AFB where a civilian funeral home selected by the family or employer must be

retained to continue transportation. DoS coordination ensures required U.S. documentation of

death is obtained or created to support the family.

(3) Whether or not the remains are directed to AFMES, if commercial air becomes

available that will transport the deceased to the required destination quicker, and the decedent

has not begun the MILAIR movement, the employer may utilize the commercial airlift.

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e. Coalition Forces.

(1) Intra-theater airlift for deceased coalition personnel will be provided on an opportune

and non-interference basis pursuant to current agreements, authorities, or policies. Coalition

commanders will submit a MILAIR request to JTF J4. When authorized, MILAIR will be used

to evacuate HR to a determined APOD location within USCENTCOM. The MILAIR request is

coordinated by the JTF J4 with TMAO, CDDOC, CCJ5-CCC/Coalition Air Operations, and HQ

USCENTCOM CCJ3-Force Deployment. Approval and funding sources will be coordinated by

CCJ3-Force Deployment, DSN: 312-529-3446, SVoIP: 302-529-3092, Duty Phone: 813-841-

0751, Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet): centcom.macdill.centcom-

hq.mbx.ccj3-f-fd-[email protected]l.

(2) Upon the completion of airlift to the APOD, coalition HR will be turned over to their

respective governments for final repatriation flight(s). Any transfer cases provided for the

movement will be sanitized and returned to TMEP operational control upon completion of the

repatriation to avoid coalition reimbursement billing.

f. Foreign National Citizens. Remains of foreign national citizens and foreign national

detainees held by the U.S. Military or government will be handled pursuant to existing

international laws and the laws of the Geneva Convention. U.S. Embassy assistance may be

required.

g. Military Working Dogs (MWD). MWDs have proven to be a force enabler and asset to

safeguard U.S. forces. They are treated with dignity and respect upon death. If co-mingled with

HR, canine remains will be evacuated to the Dover Port Mortuary for AFMES Deoxyribonucleic

Acid (DNA) analysis and separation. Clearly distinguishable MWD remains are placed in a

separate transfer case, (see Appendix G for further detailed guidance on the disposition of MWD

remains).

2.8. MORTUARY AFFAIRS FACILITY RESTRICTIONS

a. In order to provide the highest dignity, honor, and respect to our deceased and to provide

the highest security and safeguarding of PE, mortuary affairs facility access is restricted to

authorized personnel only. All mortuary affairs facility doors, windows, or other openings will

be fitted with locking mechanisms to protect remains and PE while also complying with life

safety requirements. Mortuary affairs facilities will be secured or guarded at all times when staff

are not present and remains or PE are contained within.

b. When remains are present and being prepared in a mortuary affairs facility, access is

restricted to personnel directly required to care for the remains. These personnel include

mortuary affairs facility staff, Mass Casualty (MASCAL) augmentation personnel, investigative

agency personnel involved in the deceased case, medical personnel involved in the care of the

deceased, Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel, unit member or command completing the DD

Form 565, Statement of Recognition of Deceased, Theater MA personnel (Company or TMAO)

augmenting or providing site visit to the location, or other required personnel directly supporting

the care of the HR. When support personnel is required to provide an emergency fix or repair of

equipment needed for HR processing, the HRP must be closed or a sheet or other covering used

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to prevent viewing of the deceased if present. A log will be maintained while remains are in the

facility that will list all personnel granted access to the mortuary affairs facility. The log will list

personnel’s name, DoD ID or PIV number, unit, purpose of entry, date and time of entry, date

and time of exit, and the visitor’s signature. HR Arrival in the facility will be annotated by

evacuation number only with no name nor believed to be name written on the log to protect the

identity of the deceased. Multiple HRs will be annotated in the same format and listed as they

arrive. This process allows the log to indicate who was present during the time period when

specific remains were present. Upon closing the evacuation (remains have departed for next

evacuation point), the log is uploaded to each decedent’s MARTS documents.

c. When remains are in refrigerated storage and not being actively prepared, access continues

to be restricted. Visitors may be authorized and escorted by mortuary affairs facility staff to

accomplish inspections, repairs or other mission essential functions. When repairs are required

on a refrigerated storage unit, transfer of remains to another refrigerated unit if available must be

accomplished before arrival of repair personnel.

d. When remains are not within the mortuary affairs facility, access continues to be restricted

to maintain the sanctity of the facility. Orientations of the facility may be provided to

commanders and their leadership, support partners, and others for purposes such as to provide

awareness of capabilities, procedures, and support requirements when advanced notice is

provided to TMAO. Any PE must be secured and any personally identifiable information for the

deceased must be sanitized and not viewable to visitors. A memo will be submitted to JMAO

through the TMAO and USARCENT upon completion of the orientation detailing the names of

MA staff providing the orientation, names of visitors, orientation provided, and a summary of

visitor/Commander’s comments, recommendations or observations.

e. On-site billeting are living quarters constructed within a mortuary affairs compound or

perimeter. The mental health of mortuary affairs staff benefits from on-site billeting: peer

support is more readily available; group debriefings are easily coordinated; open discussions are

possible in a controlled environment, ostracization from fellow service members is reduced, and

rest plans are more easily enforced. Where possible, future mortuary affairs facility designs

should include on-site billeting for mortuary affairs staff. Commands should explore adding on-

site billeting to existing facilities or compounds in future construction projects. To protect

decedent names, circumstances of death and other confidential information officially obtained

during operations and to allow debriefing of traumatic cases, only TMAO approved mortuary

affairs personnel will occupy or reside in billeting or living areas located within the perimeter of

a MACP campus or facility. Accommodations for both genders must be provided. Visitors

other than Chaplains and mental health teams are prohibited. Off-duty socializing with non-

mortuary affairs staff must occur outside of the MACP campus or building were general

population gatherings are permitted such as MWR or United Service Organization facilities.

f. Mortuary affairs facilities will report violations of restricted access safeguards to

USCENTCOM JMAO through the TMAO and USARCENT MAO Offices on a memorandum

for record.

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2.9. MORTUARY AFFAIRS COLLECTION POINT MINIMUM PROCESSING

PROCEDURES

a. MACP remains preparation normally follows school trained doctrine and Soldier Training

Publications guidance. Minimum processing procedures may be required when the MACP

workload exceeds processing and storage capabilities and no reduction in the flow of HR being

recovered to the MACP that would allow for recovery is anticipated (for example in LSCO).

The MACP officer in charge (or Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge [NCOIC] when no

Officer in Charge [OIC] is assigned to the MACP location) may decide to follow the minimum

MACP processing procedures to expedite the evacuation process. MACP OIC (or NCOIC)

reports the reason for switching to minimum processing to the TMAO. TMAO informs the

TMEP of the reason why the MACP is using minimum processing. TMAO concurrently

analyzes personnel and equipment that may be available to direct to the MACP to increase

capabilities to meet requirements without affecting the overall theater MA mission. AFMES will

be consulted to determine their minimum requirements for the event are being met.

b. The MACP minimum processing procedures are as follows:

(1) Remove any ammunition, explosives, weapons, or classified material from HR and

return to the unit or the BN S2/Operations or Security manager for proper disposition.

(2) During minimum processing, the priority will be to obtain a tentative death certificate,

record the tentative identification of the decedent on DD Form 1075, Chain of Custody for

Transportation of Remains and Personal Effects of Deceased Personnel, and DD Form 1077,

Collection Point Register of Deceased Personnel, and the inventory of PE on DD Form 1076,

Record of Personal Effects of Believed to Be (BTB) Deceased, to expedite the evacuation of the

HRs. When necessary, the TMAO may authorize the MACP not to complete the DD Form

1076.

(3) Compare information on documents accompanying HR to MACP with ID media on

HR. Place documents in case file:

(a) Check for recovery tags.

(b) Check to see if a DD Form 1380, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Card, is

present.

authority, obtain if missing).

(d) Check for SF 600, Chronological Record of Medical Care, or other treatment

records.

(e) Check for ID tags, ID card, and ID media to assist with tentative ID.

(f) Check for a DD Form 565 (if the situation allows, attempt to execute).

(g) Annotate HR information on DD Form 1077.

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(h) Complete a DD Form 1076.

(i) Initiate the MACP individual deceased case file folder that will travel with the HR.

The top portion of the file should have believed to be name, rank, last four SSN or DoD ID

number (if available), metal security seal number, and evacuation number.

(4) Prepare a duplicate case file to keep at the MACP until determination of further

disposition by the TMAO or JMAO for archiving.

(5) Place HR in an HRP (if not already in one) with PE bag (if required). Place individual

body armor and helmet inside HRP if evacuated with HR.

(6) Load the case file information into MARTS (scan documents).

(7) Attach an evacuation tag to the outside zipper of the HRP.

(8) Place inside a slide interlocking sealed plastic bag the numbered security seal, and the

other evacuation tag pinned to the case file with the documents for evacuation with the HR.

Secure this plastic bag inside the HRP, awaiting evacuation.

(a) Place the HR in the refrigeration container while awaiting transportation (omit this

step, if ready to load for evacuation).

(b) Attach the numbered security seal inside the case file to the HRP when all processing

is complete.

complete (if the HR are in the refrigeration container).

(d) Load the HR on the covered transportation vehicle for evacuation.

(e) Complete DD Form 1075. The driver must sign for the HR on DD Form 1075.

(f) Retain a duplicate case file at the MACP, if possible.

c. Continually analyze operations to determine the ability to return to normal processing

procedures.

d. Notify TMAO upon return to normal processing operations. TMAO informs TMEP of the

MACP’s transition to normal procedures.

2.10. THEATER EVACUATION ESCORTS

a. No Escort Requirement. Per Reference (m), the official escort mission begins at the Dover

Port Mortuary and continues to the final place of disposition. Evacuation escorts are not required

by DoD. The CDRUSCENTCOM has authorized and permitted Theater Evacuation Escorts

(TEE) in the following circumstances, but may suspend approval of TEE at any time to

implement force health protection measures, when casualty rates exceed the ability of the

evacuation system to support escorts, or when combat power risks becoming degraded.

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CDRUSCENTCOM will periodically review the limited intent of TEE approvals and any

potential negative effects TEE have on the evacuation system, transit base resources, or

surviving family members to determine continuation of the TEE program.

(1) U.S. Military NOK. Military NOK of military decedents whom are also deployed in

the USCENTCOM AOR are authorized to travel concurrently with their deceased family

member to attend the dignified transfer upon their request and approval of their command. The

approving command is responsible for coordinating life support, billeting, and local

transportation for the escort at all potential transit points during evacuation. A USCENTCOM

Theater Evacuation Escort request (see Appendix D) and official travel orders will be submitted

from the first O-6 in the NOK chain of command to the TMAO for coordination, and forwarded

to CDDOC to validate TEE life support coordination. Initial requests and any subsequent

approvals must be uploaded to MARTS. In a rare event where, exceptional conditions exist that

prevent the NOK and the deceased to travel concurrently, HR will take precedence for

movement and the NOK will follow on the first available flight.

(2) U.S. Military. The commander requesting a TEE will submit a request to the first

General Officer in a decedent’s chain of command if special circumstances dictate that a military

member should travel concurrently with the deceased during evacuation. If approved, a

USCENTCOM Theater Evacuation Escort request (see Appendix D) and official travel orders

will be submitted from the first O-6 in the chain of command to the TMAO for coordination, and

forwarded to CDDOC to validate TEE life support coordination. The request must describe the

special circumstance that requires the member to travel concurrently with the deceased. The

requesting command is responsible for coordinating life support, billeting, and local

transportation for the escort at all potential transit points during evacuation. Initial requests and

any subsequent approvals must be uploaded to MARTS. HR evacuations will not be delayed to

allow time for Theater Evacuation Escort requests to process. Personnel wishing to travel to the

Dover Port Mortuary, or to other CONUS locations to attend services, are considered unit

representatives not escorts (see Paragraph 2.11).

(3) Multiple Decedents. If there is more than one decedent within a component, or when

more than one component experiences a fatality from an incident, the first commander with

authority over the multiple units will designate one TEE to accompany the remains per aircraft

departing the TMEP. Where two commanders are of the same rank, the commander with senior

time-in-grade shall designate the TEE.

b. Official DoD Escort. Commanders may not appoint or send deployed unit members as the

official DoD Service escort for HR transportation movements from the Dover Port Mortuary to

the place of final disposition. Pursuant to Reference (l) commanders must submit their request to

the Service Casualty Office for the Service’s approval and coordination of travel. The official

escort duties usually do not commence until approximately 10 days after HR arrives at Dover

AFB and potentially six months or more depending upon the family’s funeral service desires. If

approved, these unit members will travel to CONUS through normal passenger services.

c. Coalition Military. TEE for coalition military HR will be authorized pursuant to current

legal authorities, agreements, and/or policies between the U.S. and the associated country when a

National representative is required to ensure chain of custody and to properly care for the

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deceased during transportation and transfers. Coalition requests for a TEE are submitted to the

JTF J4 for approval mirroring decedent transportation requests (see Appendix B, Paragraph 4.d).

Coalition Military TEE assume responsibility for their National flag if elected to drape the

transfer case. Mortuary affairs personnel will assist with securing the flag to the transfer case to

ensure carry handles and document compartment are not impeded. HQ USCENTCOM CCJ3-

Force Deployment approval is only required for coalition escort requests where preexisting

agreements do not exist. For more information regarding the movement of coalition HR, refer to

Paragraph 2.7e.

d. U.S. Contractors. TEE may be required when the employer’s staff is primarily based in

USCENTCOM AOR with limited personnel in CONUS and is unable to ensure a company

representative will be present at Dover AFB to facilitate remains transfer to a local Dover funeral

home on the flight line or upon release from AFMES. A Theater Evacuation Escort request will

be submitted to TMAO in addition to the MILAIR request if the contract company desires to

send a representative. The contractor’s employer will arrange all logistical support for their

Theater Evacuation Escort. If authorized MILAIR, transportation of the escorting representative

may not necessarily be in conjunction with the transportation of the HR. The employer’s Theater

Evacuation Escort will take possession of the HR upon release from AFMES or during a flight

line transfer if remains are not directed to AFMES. See Appendix B, Paragraph 4b and 4c for

more information regarding a request for MILAIR for the purpose of transporting contractor

remains.

2.11. UNIT REPRESENTATIVES.

The unit commander will determine appropriate unit representation at funerals and/or memorials.

Unit member(s) will travel to CONUS through normal passenger services. Transportation of the

unit representative(s) is not in conjunction with the transportation of the HR. The assigned unit

must arrange all logistical support for the representative’s departure/return to the parent

organization and place of final disposition. Unit representatives must have official travel orders

before departure from AOR. If not, they may not receive reimbursement for expenses paid out

of pocket. The unit commander is responsible for funding unit rep travel.

2.12. CONTAMINATED HUMAN REMAINS

If remains are contaminated with biological, chemical, or radioactive agents, all efforts will be

made to mitigate the contaminant and return the remains through routine mortuary channels.

However, for remains that cannot be decontaminated to a safe transportation level, protecting the

health of Service members and the public must take precedence over the rapid repatriation of

remains. Temporary interment or temporary storage of those contaminated remains that pose a

threat to public health is the recommended method of disposition until safe handling procedures

and materials can be identified. Temporary interment should be considered only after exploring

all other courses of action. Authority for temporary interment in a theater outside of the United

States resides with the Geographic Combatant Commander.

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2.13. TEMPORARY INTERMENT OPERATIONS – NON-CONTAMINATED

REMAINS

a. Military operations and especially LSCO have the potential to produce a large number of

fatalities that may overwhelm the military and civilian evacuation capabilities. This may impede

the evacuation of HR from theaters of operations. Weapons of mass destruction attacks, inter-

continental ballistic missiles, and man-made or natural disasters have the potential to create mass

fatalities. Once the process of decomposition begins, HRs poses a health risk to personnel. HRs

become a biohazard risk as well as attract insects and predators which carry transmittable

diseases.

b. Temporary interment is a physical operation at a centralized geographical location for the

purpose of interment of HR. The temporary interment site is established so HR can be organized

and preserved in a known location which acts as the temporary resting place for those remains

that cannot be returned to CONUS immediately. HRs that cannot be returned in a timely manner

may pose a serious health and morale threat to U.S. and coalition forces. HR are disinterred and

returned to CONUS when combat operations allow and logistical support capabilities are at a

level to support repatriation requirements. Temporary interment sites may become a U.S.

National Cemetery for final resting if geopolitical conditions and public support warrant.

c. Upon learning of a potential for LSCO or mass fatality incidents that may result in

temporary interment, USCENTCOM JMAO, in consultation with USARCENT Mortuary Affairs

Officer (MAO) and TMAO, will review geography for a potential location or multiple locations

to recommend for temporary interment based on combat operations or location of the mass

fatality incident. All interment possibilities will be considered before committing to an

acquisition of property that will have a significant impact on the surrounding nations or HN.

When interment is necessary, the interment site should be under U.S. control and on high ground

with good drainage. Avoid areas that have high water tables or flood easily. 1TSC G4 forward

and TMAO coordinate and conduct an aerial reconnaissance to confirm site location(s) are

adequate. USCENTCOM J4 is provided a situational update. USARCENT begins a review of

available engineer assets in theater and potential Request for Forces (RFF) if theater assets

cannot support temporary interment requirements.

d. Interment Triggers: Temporary interment may be necessary when the number of HR out-

pace the logistical support required to repatriate (evacuate) them, exceed processing or storage

capacity with no anticipated relief from inbound HRs allow recovery, or the unit sustaining

fatalities is isolated from the higher HQ. In addition, temporary interment may be required when

AFMES determines a medicolegal investigation is not required and preparing mortuaries are

unable to process the HR in a timely manner to prevent decomposition. The potential condition

of unembalmed HR upon repatriation to the family after significant delays must be taken into

consideration.

e. Decision Point: When the risk of out-pacing logistical support becomes high, a decision

conference call will be coordinated with AFMES Director, AFMAO Commander, United States

Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) J4, Joint Staff J4, HQDA G4, USARCENT G4 and

MAO, First Theater Sustainment Command (1TSC) SUS BDE G4 and TMAO, hosted by

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USCENTCOM J4 and JMAO. The purpose of the conference call is to determine if the event

has out-paced the capabilities of logistical support and require temporary interment.

f. If the decision point is reached to require temporary interment, USARCENT G4, as the lead

service for mortuary affairs, recommends to CDR, USARCENT that temporary interment

operations commence. CDR, USARCENT and USCENTCOM J4 provide a decision brief

including proposed temporary interment site locations to CDRUSCENTCOM with a

recommendation to authorize temporary interment.

g. If the CDRUSCENTCOM Directs temporary interment the following actions occur:

(1) CDRUSCENTCOM submits a request through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of

Staff (CJCS) to the SecDef requesting the U.S. Ambassador to negotiate approval with the nation

where the temporary interment site(s) is(are) located. If no U.S Ambassador presence exists in

the required country, the request goes to the DoS.

(2) USARCENT sources logistical support and engineer assets to develop the designated

temporary interment site(s).

(3) CDDOC coordinates airlift support for equipment positioning and evacuation of

remains to the temporary interment site.

(4) TMAO assigns a mortuary affairs team to manage and document temporary interment

operations.

2.14. PERSONAL EFFECTS

See Appendix E for a detailed list of PE handling requirements specifically for contractors based

on decedent’s location.

a. PE are a secondary mission of the Collection Points. PE for deceased or missing U.S.

military personnel and DoD civilian employees will be collected and inventoried within 24 hours

of death and delivered to a MACP by the Theater Summary Courts-Martial Officer/Inventory

Officer/Inventory Board (SCMO/IO/IB) who collected the PE within 72 hours of death. A

memorandum for record will accompany the PE explaining the delay if operational constraints or

other challenges prohibited meeting these goals. The nearest MACP will be verbally notified of

any potential delay and an expected date PE will be delivered to the MACP. The SCMO/IO/IB

designated by the commander for these duties is encouraged to contact the TMAO or the JPED

for guidance on preparing PE, (see Appendix F for the JPED SCMO Worksheet). Personal

property of living personnel departing theater due to combat or non-combat related injuries or

illness will not be turned into the MACP, but returned to CONUS rear-detachments through unit

supply channels.

b. Movement of PE. MACPs will accept PE containers from the Theater SCMO/IO/IB,

perform the customs inspection to certify clear of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and prohibited

items (may be a paper review if already sealed), provide numbered seals to the SCMO/IO/IB and

witness the SCMO/IO/IB seal the containers if not already sealed. Mortuary affairs facilities

will document the containers received and their associated seal numbers on a memorandum for

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record or DA Form 4137, Evidence/Property Custody Document, and provide a copy to the

SCMO/IO/IB. Mortuary affairs facilities with x-ray capability will scan to confirm no UXO.

MACPs will coordinate evacuation of PE to the JPED at Dover AFB. MACPs normally do not

joint inventory or document PE delivered by the SCMO/IO/IB on inventory forms. MACPs

receive sealed containers and ship to the JPED. Ensure all PE is prepared for shipment with

special handling code of “KY” where “K” indicates clothing and “Y” indicates that the shipment

requires special handling hand-to-hand receipt. This designation complies with requirements to

protect PE from damage and pilfering.

c. Household Goods (HHG). Household goods (e.g. furnishings, refrigerators, wash

machines) will be processed through normal transportation channels pursuant to the Joint Travel

Regulation and Service regulation authorizations. HHG will not be processed through MACPs,

TMEP, or JPED.

d. Retained PE. PE may be retained as evidence by law enforcement or investigative

authorities (e.g., U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Air Force Officer of Special

Investigations, Naval Criminal Investigative Service). These retained items must be documented

with a copy of the chain of custody document provided to the SCMO/IO/IB to add to the

inventory packet. The JPED may be able to offer assistance with the agency’s disposition of the

property upon release of the retained items. Investigative agencies may contact AFMES and/or

JPED to inquire about additional items that may have been received with HRs or PE that are

subsequently determined to be required for investigation purposes. Arrangements may be made

to transfer custody of the item(s) to the appropriate agency.

e. If LSCO prevent the ability of local Aerial Port Squadrons to ship PE, PE pallets will be

moved to the Kuwait City International Airport TMEP without delay. The Kuwait TMEP

functions as the Theater Personal Effects Depot to consolidate PE and ship to the JPED. Any

deviations from this location will be coordinated with the TMAO and CDDOC for approval.

2.15. DISASSOCIATED EFFECTS

a. Disassociated PE are PEs found at an incident site or at the location of the death but not

found on the HR or cannot be associated to a particular decedent at the time of recovery. These

effects may also be referred to as unassociated effects. Disassociated Effects (DE) provide

investigators important information to aid in determining the potential identities of those

involved in the incident and potential evidence that may be used to determine the events.

b. DE recovered from a mass casualty incident that can not immediately be associated to an

individual decedent will be placed into a separate biohazard bag or Ziplock bag as needed to

maintain the integrity of the whole item that is still connected to itself. As items are checked for

UXO and UXO cleared from the item, return found items to the location on the item (pocket or

pouch) where found. This aides AFMES in re-associating an item to an individual decedent for

forensic evidence purposes and aides the JPED/Mortuary SCMO in determining association for

disposition. Place the disassociated effects card in the Ziplock bag containing the item. All

individually packaged DE are placed into as few HRPs as necessary and then placed into a

transfer case for shipping to AFMES.

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2.16. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT – SHIPMENTS TO ARMED FORCES

MEDICAL EXAMINER SYSTEM

a. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is on the Service Member at the time of the

incident/death should remain on the deceased member through evacuation undisturbed until

received at the AFMES. Visible PPE is annotated on the DD Form 1076 and shipped with the

deceased undisturbed other than ensuring no unexploded ordnance is present.

b. PPE from the incident site separated from and not physically on the deceased due to

lifesaving measures or force of the incident is preferred to be collected by the unit (or MACP

staff if recovering from a medical facility) and brought to the MACP with the deceased. Do not

remove any identifying name tapes or tags. PPE will be annotated on a DD 1076, placed in a

biohazard bag, zip tied, placed towards the feet end of the transfer case (outside of the remains

HRP) and shipped with the deceased in the same transfer case to the AFMES. A memo will be

created and forwarded with the PPE shipment by the MACP indicating who recovered the PPE,

from where it was recovered and who delivered it to the MACP. Dates and times or an

approximate time of these events will be included in the memo when available to aid in

associating PPE to an individual deceased member. Any reports that PPE is positively

associated to an individual deceased member will be documented on the memo as to who

reported and their reasoning for positive association to the deceased. Contact info will be

provided for each individual listed on the memo. These memos are critical in aiding AFMES

and the JPED/Mortuary SCMO in confirming the association of PPE, and any PE that may be

contained within, to an individual decedent in mass casualty events.

c. PPE separated from the deceased and subsequently discovered at the incident site during

clearing operations or overlooked at a medical treatment facility and not recovered in time to be

evacuated with the deceased will be collected by the unit (or MACP staff if recovering from a

medical facility) and brought to the closest MACP. PPE will be annotated on a DD 1076, placed

into a biohazard bag, zip tied closed, entered into MARTS under a new “D” disassociated effects

evacuation number and shipped under a new unique TCN in a transfer case to the AFMES. A

memo will be created and forwarded with the PPE shipment by the MACP indicating who

recovered the PPE, from where it was recovered and who delivered it to the MACP. Dates and

times or an approximate time of these events will be included in the memo when available to aid

in associating PPE to an individual decedent. Any reports that PPE is positively associated to an

individual decedent will be documented on the memo as to who reported and their reasoning for

positive association to the decedent. Contact info will be provided for each individual listed on

the memo. These memos are critical in aiding AFMES and the JPED/Mortuary SCMO in

confirming the association of PPE, and any PE that may be contained within, to an individual

decedent in mass casualty events.

d. Any MACP or TMEP that becomes aware of DE will immediately notify the TMAO. The

TMAO will call the on-call AFMES Medico-legal Death Investigator on the on-call duty cell to

advise of any subsequent found PPE that will be shipped to AFMES so that the assigned Medical

Examiner can be made aware of the items being shipped. AFMES may also be called to provide

specific guidance on any unique circumstances that arise that are not covered by this guidance.

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e. PPE (TA-50/OCIE/782 Gear) and other U.S. Government property subsequently found

after an incident in living quarters or billeting area of the deceased member, but not present or

involved in the incident, will be collected by the SCMO/IO/IB. Items may appear to be issued

even though the member purchased the item. After verifying with logistic personnel (Unit

Supply Rep) the SCMO/IO/IB (not MA personnel) will determine the disposition of the items

not on government hand receipts or accountability documents. Items reasonably suspected to be

personally owned will be shipped in a footlocker(s) or other sealed container(s) as PE to the

JPED for processing.

2.17. PORTIONS

See Reference (eye) for detailed guidance.

a. Portions recovered from the same general location should not be individually bagged,

unless instructed to do so by an AFMES official. The recovery location for each portion is

critical to an investigation. When at all possible, maintain anatomical integrity and keep HR

together. Place the portions in a clear sealable bag for evacuation. Bagged portions are placed in

an HRP and shipped to AFMES in a transfer case.

b. Portions from the same incident found in multiple locations with a low probability of

comingling should be bagged individually with other portions from the same location. E.g.,

portions from two rooms in which a grenade attack occurred where the center wall is intact.

Portions from one room should be packaged together in one bag and portions from the other

room should be packaged in another bag. Recovery location is indicated on the bag, both

collections are double bagged, sealed and then placed in an HRP to be shipped to AFMES in a

transfer case.

2.18. CUSTOMS PRE-CLEARANCE OF HUMAN REMAINS AND PERSONAL

EFFECTS

a. The DoD Customs and Border Clearance Senior Agriculture Agent (SAA) program is in

place to enhance military operations by preventing entry of contraband and agricultural pests into

the Defense Transportation System, U.S., and host nations. Trained SAA staff were formerly

known as Customs and Border Clearance Agents (CBCA). CBCA is now associated with the

fully trained individuals that clear all items for re-entry to the Customs Territory of the United

States. USARCENT is designated as the program manager for USCENTCOM. USARCENT

G36 Customs Program Manager provides training for deploying mortuary affairs personnel

(military occupational specialty 92M) to pre-clear HR and PE. The commander of the unit

deploying under 1TSC’s mortuary affairs company Force Tracking Number (FTN) to staff

USCENTCOM mortuary affairs facilities is required to ensure the program manager is contacted

at least 120 days prior to deployment in order to schedule and complete training before

deployment. Trained and certified mortuary affairs personnel receive limited scope authorization

to pre-clear HR and PE during their deployment. Authority to pre-clear HR and PE ends upon

redeployment. Mortuary affairs personnel are not authorized to pre-clear unit equipment for

deployment nor redeployment.

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b. Human Remains. MACPs and TMEP are responsible for ensuring that HR and transfer

case/containers are examined and certified by mortuary affairs personnel to prevent introduction

of narcotics, drugs, and other contraband items during processing and movement of remains to

the Customs Territory of the United States.

(1) The mortuary affairs individual present during the preparation and inspection of

remains will ensure that each HR and transfer case/container is examined for prohibited and

restricted items prior to closure and sealing of the transfer case/container. Any prohibited items

found are reported to the Geographic Combatant Command’s Customs, Agriculture, and Border

Clearance Coordinator (i.e., Provost Marshall) for final determination and disposition.

Documentation will be uploaded to MARTS to provide a record of item(s) withdrawn and

disposition (e.g., chain of custody form, confiscation memo, etc.).

(2) Mortuary affairs certifies completion of the examination by annotating and signing the

following statement on the DD Form 1384, Transportation Control and Movement Document,

“The attached HR transfer case contains no prohibited items or commodities.” See Figure 1.

Figure 1. DD Form 1384, Transportation Control and Movement Document

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c. PE of Deceased, or Missing in Action Service Members, DoD Civilian employees, or

contractors. PE must be free of narcotics, drugs, and other contraband items prior to movement

to a CONUS Joint Personal Effects Depot or family members/NOK.

(1) For PE shipped to JPED by mortuary affairs personnel: Very strict security protocols

are in place at the JPED. PE of eligible decedents are delivered to a mortuary affairs collection

point. A mortuary affairs NCO will conduct an inspection/examination of the PE, ensure the

containers are sealed, and will affix a DD Form 2855, U.S. Military Customs and Border

Clearance Program, label to the PE shipping container to certify as cleared of any prohibited

items (See figure 2). The PE will be shipped to the JPED by the mortuary affairs personnel

primarily through the military transportation system or official US Mail if the military

transportation system is not available. Current Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Prohibited

and Restricted Items are listed at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us- citizens/know-before-you-

go/prohibited-and-restricted-items. Any prohibited items found are reported to the Geographic

Combatant Command’s Customs, Agriculture, and Border Clearance Coordinator (i.e., Provost

Marshall) for final determination and disposition. Documentation will be uploaded to MARTS

to provide a record of item(s) withdrawn and disposition (e.g., chain of custody form,

confiscation memo, etc.).

Figure 2. DD Form 2855, U.S. Military Customs and Border Clearance Program

(2) For PE NOT shipped to JPED by mortuary affairs personnel: Personal effects that are

not eligible for preparation by the JPED must be inspected and cleared of prohibited items before

being shipped to home station personal effects inventory officer, employing company

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representatives or directly to Family. The shipper is responsible for scheduling the Geographic

Combatant Command’s Customs, Agriculture, and Border Clearance Coordinator (i.e., Provost

Marshall), to ensure PE shipments are free of the contraband items (see CBP Prohibited and

Restricted Items at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us- citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-

restricted-items). If a CBCA conducts an inspection/examination of the PE, the CBCA will affix

a DD Form 2855 label to the PE shipping container and seal the container. Commercial carrier,

military transportation system, or U.S. Mail procedures will be utilized if the combatant

command does not have a clearance coordinator. CBP will be responsible for completing

customs clearance at the first CONUS arrival port.

d. PE of Injured Service Members, DoD Civilian employees, or contractors evacuated from a

Theater of Operation. PE must be free of narcotics, drugs, and other contraband items prior to

movement to the injured member’s location, family members, or NOK. The unit supply

sergeant, company human resources representative or other shipper is responsible for scheduling

the Geographic Combatant Command’s Customs, Agriculture, and Border Clearance

Coordinator (i.e., Provost Marshall), to ensure PE shipments are free of the contraband items (see

CBP Prohibited and Restricted Items at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us- citizens/know-before-

you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items). If a CBCA conducts an inspection/examination of the

PE, the CBCA will affix a DD Form 2855 label to the PE shipping container and seal the

container. Commercial carrier, military transportation system, or U.S. Mail procedures will be

utilized if the combatant command does not have a clearance coordinator. CBP will be

responsible for completing customs clearance at the first CONUS arrival port.

2.19. MORTUARY AFFAIRS AWARENESS AND TRAINING OUTREACH PROGRAM

MACP and other MA personnel are available to provide an orientation or training on MA

policies and procedures to include MASCAL fatality operations and unit recovery team

operations. In coordination with TMAO, local MACP personnel or other subject matter experts

may be requested to assist unit commanders with mortuary affairs awareness and specific

training. Commanders at all levels are encouraged to include mortuary affairs personnel in

exercises and training to assist in providing a better understanding of operations and capabilities.

Mortuary affairs personnel are true professionals that are dedicated to the honorable care for all

decedents. A memo will be submitted by the MA activity to JMAO through the TMAO and

USARCENT MAO upon completion of the training or exercise. The memo will include relevant

details such as the names of MA staff providing training or participating, the participating unit,

names of the supported commander and senior enlisted advisor, and a summary of training or

exercise comments, recommendations or observations relating to mortuary affairs.

2.20. HOST NATION MORTUARY AFFAIRS COORDINATION

a. Successful timely recovery of U.S. Military and other U.S. Citizen decedents from host

nations often require extensive coordination between mortuary affairs, U.S. Embassy, DoS,

medical services, local law enforcement agencies and others. MACP OIC and NCOIC pre-

coordination and relationship building efforts upon assignment to a MACP can greatly aid in

expediting remains release. Becoming familiar with host nation procedures, documentation

requirements, and cultural differences to capture or update in local MACP Standard Operating

Procedures (SOP) provides a basis to expedite releases in the future. Mortuary affairs personnel

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possess vast knowledge and experience in matters of death that can produce better mortuary

affairs language in host nation support agreements.

b. MACP OIC and NCOICs should make contact with their camp or air base Host Nation

Coordination Cell if their location has one, U.S. Embassy staff, and the host nation’s support

office or the equivalent offices upon assignment to begin building relationships. MA review of

host nation support agreements can identify areas to focus or assist in coordination that de-

conflicts jurisdictional issues between the U.S. Military and the Host Country for the control and

release of U.S. Human Remains when a death occurs on or off-base, to eliminate litigation, and

minimize recovery and transportation delays. Knowledge gained may also benefit coalition

partners in the recovery of their coalition remains.

2.21. RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

a. MA records management adheres to Reference (x). Due to the inherent sensitivity of death

and the mortuary affairs mission, all information obtained by MA personnel must be kept

confidential and used for official purposes only.

b. Individual Deceased Case File (IDCF) records are primarily maintained electronically in

MARTS. All documentation received by a mortuary affairs facility must be uploaded to the

MARTS program. The document originals are forwarded with remains.

c. Mortuary affairs facility level documentation is maintained at the specific mortuary affairs

facility. Upon closing of the site, records are transferred to the next higher echelon: MACP or

TMEP to TMAO to USCENTCOM JMAO. Efforts are being pursued to add a capability to

MARTS to allow uploading facility level documentation to a new section in MARTS. These

original facility documents must be maintained and held until a permanent system of record is

available to record a scan of these documents.

d. Paper IDCF are forwarded with remains to AFMES. AFMES will retain these documents

from the IDCF indefinitely as part of the AFMES case file. When AFMES does not direct

remains to AFMES, also forward case file with remains. Disposition of the case file cannot be

ensured when received by civilian funeral homes and other entities. Therefore, the mortuary

affairs facility will perform a quality control review to ensure all documents in the deceased case

file are uploaded to MARTS as a permanent historical record. Prioritize scanning and uploading

any final death certificate or consular report of overseas death.

e. IDCF are maintained at the local MA facility for two years. Most documents are local

working documents used to evacuate remains out of the USCENTCOM AOR. These documents

are copies of documents permanently filed in other systems of record.

(1) Upon expiration of the holding period, a quality control review is conducted by the

MACP to ensure all documents in the individual case files are uploaded to the deceased’s

individual evacuation record in MARTS. The MACP OIC (or NCOIC if an OIC is not assigned)

will prepare a memorandum for record listing the deceased files by name and evacuation number

certifying that the records were confirmed to be uploaded to MARTS. The MACP will ship the

records to the TMAO.

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(2) TMAO will conduct a random review of 10 percent of the listed decedent case files to

confirm complete uploading of the files to MARTS. Audit results will be reported to the

USARCENT MAO and USCENTCOM JMAO listing any discrepancies (e.g., description of

documents found to not be uploaded to MARTS). USARCENT MAO and USCENTCOM

JMAO will review the discrepancies. If USARCENT MAO and USCENTCOM JMAO approve,

the certified files may be destroyed by incineration or shredding to ensure the end product cannot

be reassembled nor read. The OIC or NCOIC supervising the destruction will prepare a

memorandum for record certifying that the listed case files were destroyed, the date of

destruction, location, and the means used to complete destruction.

2.22. RESILIENCY AND MENTAL HEALTH READINESS

a. Avoid exposing professional mortuary affairs personnel or personnel assigned to support

mortuary affairs operations to the “deadly triangle.” Limit personnel’s exposure to all three main

stressors: Human Remains, Surviving Family Members, and Personal Effects. Exposure to all

three grief elements completes the overall picture of the deceased and creates a familiarity that

causes the mortuary affairs team member to increase the risk of internalizing the death.

b. MA personnel endure unique stresses placed upon them during deployments. By design a

Quarter Master MA company deployment is for six-month rotations during extended

contingency operations for elements that actively have an affiliated MA company mission. This

methodology has reduced the post-traumatic stress disorder cases among MA personnel working

in an arduous and grueling environment. Leaders must ensure that during and after these

deployments, MA Staff are allowed to decompress after dealing with death on a daily basis. The

mortuary affairs facility should allow staff to process experiences together as a group or one-on-

one when the workload allows. Leaders should coordinate with the local chaplain and

behavioral health team personnel to plan and implement a decompression program upon a

Service member’s return from deployment and maintain a resiliency program that will promote a

healthy physical and mental fitness life style.

c. Before deployment and before especially traumatic cases, leaders should tell personnel

what they are likely to see and give some suggestions on how they can deal with it. For

example, personnel are likely to confront details of the deceased’s personal life when working

with PE and overwhelming sensory stimulation (examples of this would be sights, smells, and

sounds) when working with the HR.

d. For many, exposure to and handling of PE is more difficult than handling HR. The

deceased are likely to have photos, letters, a watch, and a ring, all of which can provoke thoughts

about the deceased’s life. Electronic media constitute a minefield of personal material.

Exposure to personal material can inadvertently draw one into the story of the deceased’s life.

As one learns more about the deceased, emotions may become involved and feelings of loss and

grief are more likely. It is best to keep exposure to a minimum such as by taking breaks, avoid

dwelling on the PE or their content, and avoid becoming emotionally involved. It may help the

worker to share his/her thoughts with others and keep in mind the family will appreciate what is

being done for their loved one. Limiting this stressor is the intent of and why USCENTCOM

allows MACPs to receive sealed PE containers and provide a chain of custody form to confirm

receipt of the sealed containers.

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e. Mortuary personnel may see a wide variety of causes and manners of death: penetrating

wounds, blasts, burns, drowning, accidents, suicides, homicides, and natural death. Reactions to

HR may include surprise, shock, horror, curiosity, anger, and grief. Some HR are more

universally stressful to process such as remains of children. The remains of family or friends as

well as deceased Service members who were about the same age, sex, and race and wearing the

same uniform also tend to be stressful.

f. Exposure to HR and risk for emotional involvement should be kept to a minimum.

Suggestions include: Avoid looking at the hands or face, do not dwell on the cause or manner of

death, avoid imagining what the person’s last moments might have been like, remember the soul

is gone and the worker is performing a job.

g. Unpleasant odors associated with HR cannot be avoided and people are likely to feel sick

when they first encounter them. Some supervisors will recommend using masks or masking the

smell by applying menthol cream under the nose or in the nostrils, but the drawback is the

masking smell may become associated with the particular work. Mouth breathing tends to be an

effective way of diminishing unpleasant odors. Some become used to the unpleasant odors over

time, but such adaptation may be difficult.

h. It is particularly important for commanders to receive training on how to recognize distress.

Consulting with the local supporting behavioral health providers is strongly encouraged.

Training should include being alert to signs of distress, being open and approachable by

subordinates, providing support (examples of this would be listening skills and offering

guidance/advice), and knowing when and to whom to make referrals. It is command’s

responsibility to ensure personnel know what support is available, how to access it, and how to

promote a healthy environment. Service members should support one another and encourage

each other to seek help.

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SECTION 3: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND LOGISTICS AND

ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE

HQ USCENTCOM Logistics and Engineering Directorate will:

a. Manage MA support in the AOR pursuant to DoD, Joint Staff, Service regulations, and HQ

USCENTCOM policy.

b. In coordination with the LS, determine when to transition from the Combatant Command

MA Program based on contingency operations back to the Peacetime MA Support Program.

c. During contingency operations ensure that MARTS is operational and used by all MA sites.

d. Establish MA policy, procedures, and operational requirements.

e. Ensure compliance by LS, TMAO, and all MA activities.

3.2. SERVICE COMPONENT COMMANDS

Service Component Commands will:

a. Ensure subordinate commanders comply with theater MA policies and procedures.

b. Ensure subordinate commanders can perform unit level MA operations.

c. Designate a primary and alternate MAO by memorandum or another official document

(See Appendix C). Provide contact information of the primary and alternate MAOs to the LS,

TMAO, and USCENTCOM JMAO (see Appendix H). Appointees must attend the first

available 4V MAO course at the JMAC, Fort Lee, Virginia upon assignment. JMAC is

developing a virtual 4V course to increase accessibility.

d. Ensure MARTS is operational and used by all MA sites.

e. Use available resources to conduct MA operations. In the event MA resources are not

available or insufficient, notify the TMAO to request assistance.

f. Develop SOPs that specify how subordinate units will conduct MA operations during

contingency operations. The SOP must address actions units are to perform in the event of a

mass fatality and aircraft recovery procedures in both contaminated and non-contaminated

environments.

g. Ensure HR transfers and evacuations are not delayed or interfered with for any reason.

h. Ensure HR transfers do not interfere with other flight line operations unless required due to

operational necessity.

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i. Ensure subordinate commanders do not withhold the request of HR evacuation airlift for

any reason.

j. When directed, provide MA services at the local level by regional Service mortuaries or

through established Service contracts in the USCENTCOM AOR pursuant to Reference (ee)

(MTTP 4-46 when published and supersedes ATP 4-46), and Service directives.

k. Develop plans in support of LSCO involving large scale fatalities in the USCENTCOM

AOR. Plans will specify when and where all mortuary facilities will be established and their

projected capabilities.

3.3. UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND DISTRIBUTION AND DEPLOYMENT

OPERATIONS CENTER DIRECTOR

USCENTCOM Distribution and Deployment Operations Center Director will:

a. Assist TMAO with transportation requests in order to maximize preservation of remains

and ensure the most expeditious repatriation of fallen Service members and other decedents.

b. Serve as review authority for U.S. MILAIR transportation and evacuation of U.S.

government contractors, U.S. Citizens, escorts, coalition forces’ intra-theater airlift and non-U.S.

civilian personnel.

c. CDDOC will strive to return HR as expeditiously as airlift will allow to the Dover Port

Mortuary as directed by AFMES. Airlift will be priority one pursuant to Reference (gg).

3.4. U.S. ARMY CENTRAL

U.S Army Central will:

Serve as the LS for MA under the Combatant Command concurrent return MA Program unless

otherwise directed by CDRUSCENTCOM to return to current death MA Program. As the LS,

USARCENT will:

a. Execute MA operations including those duties exceeding normal peacetime capabilities,

such as responding to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attacks.

b. Coordinate with HQ USCENTCOM JMAO to establish MA processing facilities which

include a TMAO, Theater Personal Effects Depot, TMEP, MACPs, and a MACRMS based on

MA operational requirements.

c. Report, as directed, to HQ USCENTCOM JMAO on the force structure requirements to

support MA operations.

d. Conduct inspections of MA units (MACPs and TMEPs) assigned to the USCENTCOM

AOR to ensure each site is visited at least once per MA company rotation. Identify program

deficiencies and follow up to ensure corrective actions are taken. Report the results of these staff

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assistance visits to include corrective actions and progress towards accomplishment of these

actions to HQ USCENTCOM JMAO.

e. Ensure units participating in contingency operations are informed of theater MA policies

and procedures and are able to conduct established unit level MA operations.

f. Coordinate with the U.S. Army Regional Mortuary, Europe and Africa (USARM, E-A) to

obtain point of contact information for MA support when the USARM, E-A is used as the

servicing mortuary.

g. Ensure TMAO publishes daily reports detailing the evacuation status of decedents’ remains

and PE. Message traffic is Secret-REL to USA, FVEY until the PADD of HR has been verified

and notified; at which point it becomes Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

h. Ensure TMAO provides HQ USCENTCOM JMAO a monthly update (theater roll-up)

detailing the total number of deaths in the AOR for that month, status of PE recovery and

shipment to JPED, and the overall capability and status of the TMEP, MACPs, and, if applicable,

MACRMS personnel/equipment. In addition, include an explanation of any deficiency and

status of actions and efforts required for correction.

i. Ensure a minimum of one 92M30 Liaison Officer is assigned and located at each MACP

and TMEP to ensure subject matter expertise is available to the local command, MARTS is

accessible, MARTS entries are accurate, and theater MA policies are adhered to.

j. Maintain or establish a refrigerated storage capability for 50 HRs at each MACP or TMEP

to support LSCO. Commercially procured or locally fabricated shelving systems may be used to

increase capacity while avoiding stacking of transfer cases.

3.5. U.S. AIR FORCE CENTRAL COMMAND

U.S. Air Force Central Command will:

a. Maintain a trained MA force structure capability to provide support for geographically

supported units.

b. Ensure AFCENT MACPs and TMEPs comply with Theater MA guidance and policies.

c. Provide and maintain the existing MACP and TMEP capability provided by USAFCENT

to evacuate the deceased of all Services, civilians, and others entitled to mortuary affairs support

from outside the CONUS theaters to the specified DoD mortuary. Maintain or establish a

refrigerated storage capability for 50 HRs at each MACP or TMEP to support LSCO.

d. Serve as the LS under the Peacetime (Current Death) MA Support Program when directed

by CDRUSCENTCOM. As LS for the Current Death MA Program when reimplemented,

USAFCENT will:

(1) Execute MA support to all Services pursuant to References (m) and (n).

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(2) Keep decedents name Secret-REL to USA, FVEY until PADD has been verified and

notified at which point it becomes CUI.

(3) Provide HQ USCENTCOM JMAO a monthly update (theater roll-up) detailing the total

number of deaths in the AOR for that month and the overall capability and status of the MA

facilities. In addition, include an explanation of any equipment or supply deficiency and status

of actions required for correction.

3.6. U.S. NAVAL FORCES CENTRAL COMMAND

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command will:

a. During contingency operations, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT)

commanders afloat will evacuate all U.S. HR and PE to the TMEP or nearest MACP. The

TMEP (or MACP) will evacuate HR to the Port Mortuary at Dover AFB. If unable to evacuate

HR due to operational constraints, USNAVCENT will work with the TMAO on an acceptable

means of movement for HR to the Dover Port Mortuary. The conditions established in

Paragraph 2.1g and 2.1g provide guidance on Burial at Sea.

b. Ensure HR are properly stored, comply with USCENTCOM policies, and keep the TMAO

informed of HR evacuation or movement activity. Maintain or establish a refrigerated storage

capability for 50 HRs at each MACP or TMEP to support LSCO.

c. When operations return to the Peacetime MA Support Program, USNAVCENT will follow

Service regulations for the process and evacuation of HR while afloat. Notify and provide

USAFCENT information on HR status.

3.7. U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES CENTRAL COMMAND

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command will:

a. Will coordinate through HQ Marine Corps, to request assistance from Marine Forces

Reserves to deploy personnel retrieval platoons when required.

b. Ensure USMC MACPs and TMEPs comply with Theater MA guidance and policies when

employed.

c. Maintain or establish a refrigerated storage capability for 50 HRs at each MACP or TMEP

to support LSCO when employed.

d. Provide geographical area support to all Services.

e. Keep decedents name Secret-REL to USA, FVEY until PADD has been verified and

notified at which point it becomes CUI.

f. Provide TMAO a monthly update (theater roll-up) detailing the total number of deaths in

the AOR for that month and the overall capability and status of the MA facilities. In addition,

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include an explanation of any equipment or supply deficiency and status of actions required for

correction.

3.8. THEATER MORTUARY AFFAIRS OFFICE

Theater Mortuary Affairs Office will:

a. During contingency operations, provide MA support, evacuation tracking of the fallen,

guidance, and manage MA operations and assets within the USCENTCOM AOR under the

supervision of USARCENT MAO.

b. Ensure AFMES and the TCAC or Service Casualty Office have received a report of death

for any remains being evacuated to a MACP or TMEP. Confirm whether or not AFMES is

directing remains to Dover AFB. When remains are not directed by AFMES to AFMES for

examination, coordinate transportation disposition with the Service Casualty Office.

c. Notify AFMES immediately upon learning of any subsequent found Portions, PPE, or DE

that will be shipped to AFMES to ensure the assigned Medical Examiner can be made aware of

the items being shipped.

d. Coordinate flight travel for the fallen with CDDOC utilizing the first airlift mission

provided by Air Mobility Division. Coordinate transportation of HR from originating collection

point or TMEP through Ramstein AFB, Germany or other refueling location directed by AMD,

for re-icing and onward movement to final destination.

e. Validate contract company MILAIR Requests to ensure proper reimbursement TAC billing

information and billing POC is included. Ensure the contract provides reimbursable MA support

information to the contractor.

f. Submit HR joint movement request via the “Intra-Theater Airlift Request System (ITARS)”

upon notification from MACP. The ITARS request establishes the requirement for airlift and is

used to justify scheduling the remains movement from the AOR back to Dover Port Mortuary. If

the ITARS request is missing information, it should be submitted as-is and the TMAO will

communicate with the CDDOC to keep them updated as data becomes available.

g. Conduct quarterly inspections of MA facilities (MACPs and TMEPs) assigned to the

USCENTCOM AOR to ensure each site is visited at least once per calendar year. Identify

program deficiencies, ensure SOPs adhere to this regulation, U.S. Army, and USARCENT

guidance, and follow up to ensure corrective actions are taken. Report the results of these staff

assistance visits to include corrective actions and progress towards accomplishment of these

actions to HQ USCENTCOM JMAO and USARCENT MAO.

h. Assist USARCENT in developing contingency plans in support of LSCO involving

fatalities in the HQ USCENTCOM AOR.

i. Provide HQ USARCENT and USCENTCOM JMAO daily reports detailing the status of

decedents’ HR and PE pending recovery or in transit until arrival at final destination (AFMES,

final MILAIR requested DoD APOD, or JPED).

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(1) HR trackers (PowerPoint) will include: time elapsed (calculated from Remains Actual

Time of Arrival [RATA], at the origin MACP) with the date and time group of the calculation;

MA Evacuation number; air mission number, decedent type “who;” combat or non-combat

reported status “what;” the location of death “where;” the reported date and time of death

“when;” and disposition “why” (e.g. Pending final determination by AFME, MILAIR

repatriation, or other applicable description). The report will include evacuation status from the

point of origin to the Dover Port Mortuary graphically on a slide scale. The graphic will indicate

time of incident, time TMAO Notified, and all MA sites on the evacuation plan. Estimated times

of arrival and departure will be updated with actual times as movements are confirmed. An

updated tracker is distributed when evacuation path is established, modified, or movements are

confirmed. Message traffic is sent on SIPRNet as Secret-REL to USA, FVEY and limited to

qualified personnel until PNOK has been verified and notified at which point it becomes CUI.

The term “Fallen Hero” insinuates other deaths eligible for mortuary services titled differently

without “Hero” were not heroes or as important. To ensure all decedents are properly honored,

HR tracker filenames and headers will use the “Mortuary Affairs Tracker” heading followed by

the qualifier: “SM” for Service Member, “CIV” for Civilian, “CTR” Contractor, “DEP” for

DoD Sponsored Dependent, or “CL” for Coalition.

(2) Temporarily held HR at a MACP that are not being evacuated to AFMES or a Service

Casualty Office directed location will be reported daily by SIPRNet e-mail until transferred back

to originating organization (e.g. temporary hold of a contractor or coalition member to allow

contract company or coalition nation to arrange evacuation by commercial or coalition air). The

report will include decedent’s status (e.g. Royal Navy, Contractor, etc.), date arrived at MACP,

MACP location, originating organization (e.g. UK Coalition, Lucent Targeting LLC, etc.) and a

description of the plan for disposition updated as the plan may evolve.

(3) A consolidated HR report (Excel Spreadsheet) will be used when six or more

evacuation movement missions are under execution or expected for mass fatality events. Entries

are created upon manifesting a HR on an evacuation mission and removed when the HR arrives

at AFMES or the directed final MILAIR destination. The consolidated HR report will include:

Corresponding Mortuary Affairs Tracker number (correlates to the published tracker for the air

mission) Service (USA, USN, USMC, USAF), personnel status (SM, CIV, CTR), rank, last

name, first name, date of death, location of death, date HR arrived at origin MACP, Radio-

Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag number, last known location with date. HR mission

trackers will be titled “Mortuary Affairs Tracker-YYYY-A update 1” using the calendar year of

initial scheduled flight and a one character sequential alphabet letter to distinguish missions and

the update number to distinguish future updates. Once all one character alphabet letters are used,

double letters will be used (e.g., AA, AB, AC, AD) until exhausted. The sequence continues

with the next sequential combination (e.g., BA, BB, BC, BD). Message traffic is sent on

SIPRNet as Secret-REL to USA, FVEY and limited to qualified personnel until PNOK has been

verified and notified at which point it becomes CUI.

(4) PE trackers ensure PE is monitored for collection and evacuation in a timely manner for

U.S. Service members, DoD civilians, and DoD contractors when PE will be sent to JPED.

Entries are created on an Excel spreadsheet upon death and removed when the PE shipment

arrives at the JPED. The PE tracker will include: Service (USA, USN, USMC, USAF),

personnel status (SM, CIV, CTR), rank, first two letters of last name, date of death, location of

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CCR 638-1, 18 May 2022

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death, date PE delivered to MACP, RFID Tag number, last known location with date. Each

individual transfer case containing disassociated effects from an event being shipped to AFMES

will be reported on a single line entry with the corresponding RFID tag tracking number.

Message traffic is sent encrypted on Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet)

as CUI and is limited to qualified JPED, TMAO, ARCENT MAO, and USCENTCOM JMAO

personnel.

j. Provide HQ USARCENT and HQ USCENTCOM JMAO a monthly update (theater roll-up)

by the fifth of the month for the previous month detailing by location the total number of fallen

prepared, the total number of PE processed and shipped, the total refrigerated HR storage

capability, equipment status, and supply level status of all MA assets. Include corrective actions

and progress towards accomplishment of these actions in the report.

k. In countries operating under the Peacetime MA Support Program, the TMAO will work

with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate to coordinate casualty procedures and

evacuation.

l. Forward paper records to USCENTCOM J4 JMAO at the end of concurrent return

operations and the closing of the TMAO. Ensure an electronic copy of the current

MACP/TMEP/TMAO SOP is provided to USARCENT MAO and JMAO within 10 days of

effective date.

m. Coordinate with MA Company FTN rotations to identify and deploy a minimum 92M20

level Liaison Officer to non-USARCENT MA sites to provide concurrent return MA program

expertise, theater MA policy and procedure oversight, and to ensure MARTS operational

support. Confirm incoming MA Company has coordinated JMAC MARTS training and the

activation of individual MARTS accounts between 90 to 120 days prior to deployment to ensure

MARTS accounts are activated before deployment.

n. Develop a maintenance support plan in coordination with the MA Company FTN rotations

to ensure all essential MA equipment and systems are fully mission capable (e.g., vehicles,

refrigeration units, ice machines, MARTS access, printers, scanners, phone lines, computers,

networks, RFID write capability). Track faults resulting in non-mission capable status being

reported until corrective actions are taken. Supervise MA Company FTN rotation’s liaison

relationship with local supporting commands providing direct maintenance support to ensure

cooperative efforts to resolve any faults with an emphasis on non-mission capable faults.

o. Supervise the MA company’s resiliency plan to ensure MA staff are cared for while

performing the demanding MA mission. Ensure mental health support is provided for MA

locations and communication systems are in place to make sure staff are coping well and have

readily available means to reach out for assistance privately if desired. Chaplain and other

mental health support resources’ contact information must be provided to all MA staff. An

emphasis should be placed on established support networks that MA staff may already be

familiar with and more likely to contact.

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3.9. THEATER MORTUARY EVACUATION POINT

Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point will:

a. Provide general support in the reception and evacuation of all HR. Upon receipt at the

TMEP, remains will be processed and stored in refrigerated units until onward movement is

available. Use of the USCENTCOM Mortuary Affairs Evacuation Ice Worksheet is required by

all mortuary affairs activities to document icing efforts and resulting transfer case internal

temperature at the receiving mortuary affairs facility. TMEP personnel are responsible for

conducting quality control procedures to ensure all data collected by the MACP is complete,

accurate, uploaded to MARTS, and forwarded with each HR. Storage capability for 50 HRs will

be maintained to support MASCAL events.

b. Notify TMAO immediately upon learning of any subsequent found Portions, PPE, or DE

that will be shipped to AFMES so that the assigned Medical Examiner can be made aware of the

items being shipped.

c. The TMEP will notify the TMAO or HQ USCENTCOM JMAO if strategic airlift cannot

be scheduled to evacuate HR from the TMEP or designated inter-theater hub within 24 hours of

their arrival at the facility. Pursuant to Reference (ee), remains should not be held at the TMEP

for more than 24 hours in order to minimize decomposition, preserve forensic evidence, and

expedite return of remains to the family.

d. Ensure RFID tags are programed and operational. Place a tag on each TC and PE shipment

to track real-time movement. Tracking numbers are normally fourteen numerical digits. Seven

digit RFID tags are obsolete and should be turned in to the local Transportation Movement

Office (TMO).

e. In countries operating under the Combatant Command concurrent return MA Program,

MACPs and/or the TMEP will serve as the primary means of processing, providing quality

control, and evacuating deceased persons eligible for mortuary services from the place of death

to the Dover Port Mortuary.

f. Forward paper records to TMAO when the TMEP ceases operation.

g. Function as a TPED during LSCO to consolidate PE, prepare pallets, and ship PE to the

JPED. Ensure all PE is prepared for shipment with special handling code of “KY” where “K”

indicates clothing and “Y” indicates that the shipment requires special handling hand-to-hand

receipt. This designation complies with requirements to protect PE from damage and pilfering.

h. Provide MA Company HQ a monthly update (theater roll-up) by the third of the month for

the previous month detailing the total number of fallen prepared by the TMEP, the total number

of PE processed, the total refrigerated HR storage capability, the overall capability, and

equipment and supply status of all MA assets at the TMEP. Include corrective actions and

progress towards accomplishment of these actions in the roll-up to TMAO.

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3.10. MORTUARY AFFAIRS COLLECTION POINT

Mortuary Affairs Collection Point will:

a. Receive, refrigerate, document, and evacuate HR and all their associated PE. MACPs will

contact the TMAO when HR are received for processing; at which time they will begin gathering

preliminary identification information and inventory all PE recovered with the remains. Visible

PE on remains are inventoried without removal or disturbance. All PE on the remains will be

evacuated to AFMES unless an item presents a risk to personnel or aircraft (e.g., explosives, pint

of butane lighter fluid, etc.). Any item nominated for removal must be reported through TMAO

to USARCENT MAO for JMAO approval. HR must be refrigerated until they can be evacuated

to the TMEP or loaded on an aircraft for onward movement. Storage capability for 50 HRs will

be maintained to support MASCAL events.

b. Process and evacuate HR for those authorized MA services pursuant to established training

and regulations. Current icing techniques are published by the Joint Mortuary Affairs Center and

are included in Reference (ee). The goal of water icing and re-icing is to maintain a 34-40

degree Fahrenheit temperature inside the transfer case during the transportation movement to

ensure optimal preservation of unembalmed remains. Use of the USCENTCOM Mortuary

Affairs Evacuation Ice Worksheet is required by all mortuary affairs activities to document icing

efforts and resulting transfer case internal temperature at the receiving mortuary affairs facility.

Uploading completed worksheets to MARTS allows real-time feedback to prior MACPs on the

effectiveness of the icing effort and potential quantity adjustments needed.

c. Notify TMAO immediately upon learning of any subsequent found Portions, PPE, or DE

that will be shipped to AFMES so that the assigned Medical Examiner can be made aware of the

items being shipped.

d. Ensure remains are processed and prepared for evacuation as quickly as possible using air

transport when available, or retrograde convoys to the TMEP for onward movement. Notify the

TMAO and the intermediate MACP or TMEP destination of onward movement.

e. Notify the TMAO, or if unavailable, USCENTCOM JMAO, if intra-theater airlift cannot

be scheduled to evacuate remains from the MACP to the TMEP within 12 hours of arrival.

f. Ensure RFID tags are programed and operational. Place a tag on each TC and PE shipment

to track real-time movement. Tracking numbers are normally fourteen numerical digits. Seven

digit RFID tags are obsolete and should be turned in to the local TMO.

g. Institute formal chain of custody procedures by documenting receipt and onward

movement of remains in the MARTS. Use DD Form 1075 convoy list of remains to document

the chain of custody from the MACP onward.

h. Forward paper records to TMAO when the MACP ceases operation.

i. Provide MA Company HQ a monthly update (theater roll-up) by the third of the month for

the previous month detailing the total number of fallen prepared by the TMEP, the total number

of PE processed, the total refrigerated HR storage capability, the overall capability, and

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CCR 638-1, 18 May 2022

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equipment and supply status of all MA assets at the MACP Include corrective actions and

progress towards accomplishment of these actions in the roll-up to TMAO.

j. Submit an after action review to USCENTCOM JMAO, through TMAO and USARCENT

MAO, upon completion of the coordinated release of U.S. human remains from a host nation

hospital, mortuary, or other host nation agency. As soon as practicable once the MACP staff

have recovered, detail actions taken, other personnel or agencies that supported the MACP, and

documentation required by host nation to secure the release in order to aid future coordination

efforts at all MACPs.

k. Update MACP SOP prior to end of rotation and provide a copy to TMAO.

3.11. SERVICE COMPONENT COMMAND MORTUARY AFFAIRS OFFICER

Service Component Command Mortuary Affairs Officer will:

a. Conduct MA training and awareness to ensure compliance with this regulation,

Reference (ee) and applicable Service regulations and with assistance from TMAO. MA support

begins at the tactical unit level.

b. Advise commanders to ensure a DA Form 1156 is prepared with available information to

accompany the remains to the MACP when a death occurs.

c. Monitor recovery of remains and associated PE of assigned personnel, including

organizational clothing and individual equipment. Recovery of deceased personnel must be

accomplished as soon as the operational environment permits safe recovery. Units unable to

recover deceased personnel due to traumatic loss, loss exceeding unit capabilities, or operational

environmental factors will request additional search and recovery support from the TMAO.

d. Ensure remains are recovered utilizing HRP(s) and transported with the personal effects

found on remains.

e. Ensure a member of the recovery team is prepared to provide tentative identification and

accompany the remains to the MACP or medical facility.

f. Ensure HR(s) are transported by the quickest means possible to the closest MACP for

processing and evacuation to the Dover Port Mortuary. If transportation of HR from the incident

location or medical treatment facility cannot be accomplished within four hours of death, HR

may be moved to an alternate location for cooling and proper preservation while awaiting

evacuation. Units will notify the TMAO, and if necessary, request command assistance to

transport HR to a MACP for onward movement. See Paragraph 2.1.b for guidance on

accomplishing cooling of an HR.

g. Ensure initial and supplemental personnel casualty reports are submitted pursuant to

established DoD and Service directives.

h. Provide the TMAO relevant information related to a death (as applicable): The believed-

to-be identities of the deceased (name, grade, SSN, branch of service, and unit of assignment),

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estimated date, time, and place of the incident, and the apparent cause of death. These details

will not be discussed, displayed or announced publicly for any reason. This information will

only be shared with MA personnel and immediate commanders on a NEED-TO-KNOW basis,

and managed as personally identifiable information. Positive identification is determined by

AFMES and notifications to NOK are made through the casualty notification process.

i. Ensure the decedent’s billeting area is secured as soon as practical to protect PE. Ensure a

Summary Courts-Martial Officer/Inventory Officer/Inventory Board is assigned within 12 hours

of death to recover PE within 48 hours, safeguard and deliver decedent’s PE to the nearest

MACP within 72 hours of death. See Appendix F for the SCMO Checklist and JPED contact

info for guidance. Submit a memorandum with an estimated SCMO/IO/IB appointment,

collection and delivery timelines to TMAO if operational constraints prevent meeting specific

timelines.

j. Maintain a stock of HRPs equal to 10 percent of current manpower strength for units at

Brigade, Regiment, and below. Division-level units and above, Combat Support, and Combat

Service Support units will maintain a stock of HRPs equal to 5 percent of their current strength.

Units responsible for maintaining Class IX stocks for the theater will maintain additional stocks

of HRPs equal to 5 percent of the combined strength of the units they support. Units will ensure

HRPs are secured, stored out of sight, and issued for MA purposes only.

3.12. SENIOR DEFENSE OFFICIALS AT U.S. EMBASSIES

Senior Defense Officials at U.S. Embassies will:

a. Designate a primary and alternate MAO in writing (see Appendix C). Provide contact

information for the primary and alternate MAO to the LS, TMAO, and USCENTCOM JMAO

(see Appendix H). Ensure MAO is properly trained in MA operations. They may attend the first

available on-line distance learning 4V MAO course provided by JMAC, Fort Lee upon

assignment.

b. Maintain updated copies of all Joint and Service specific MA regulations, directives and

guides as listed in Appendix J.

c. Develop SOP for local MA processes and evacuation. Provide the current SOP to HQ

USCENTCOM JMAO and as updated.

d. Request support as needed from the TMAO.

3.13. U.S. ARMY REGIONAL MORTUARY, EUROPE AND AFRICA

When requested on behalf of HQ USCENTCOM, USARM, E-A is available to guide and assist

the LS and the TMAO on mortuary procedures when recovering and transporting HR to

Ramstein AFB with transfer to USARM, E-A facilities in Landstuhl, Germany for mortuary

services and processing.

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3.14. REPORTS

MA-related information for USCENTCOM is included in Component situation reports, fallen

evacuation status reports, monthly TMAO MA supply roll-up, or as otherwise directed by

USCENTCOM.

3.15. BOARDS

The HQ USCENTCOM JMAO, USARCENT MAO, and TMAO do not participate routinely on

any USCENTCOM Boards. Participation is as needed upon request.

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CCR 638-1, 18 May 2022

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SECTION 4: ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

4.1. PROPONENT

The proponent of this regulation is the HQ USCENTCOM Operations Division, Directorate of

Logistics and Engineering (CCJ4-J43). Units are invited to submit comments and suggested

improvements directly to HQ USCENTCOM ATTN: CCJ4-J43OPS/JMAO, 7115 South

Boundary Boulevard, MacDill AFB FL 33621-5101, JMAO SIPRNet e-mail:

centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj4-[email protected], SVoIP 302-529-3453; NIPRNet e-

mail centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj4-joint[email protected], DSN 312-529-3453;

Commercial 813-529-3453.

4.2. ACCESSIBILITY

Publications and Forms are available on the USCENTCOM SIPRNet Releasable (REL)

Publications Information Portal at the following link:

https://ccj6.rel.centcom.smil.mil/R_DIV/RD/RDP/SitePages/Home.aspx. This CCR and related

references are available on the USCENTCOM JMAO page at

https://intelshare.intelink.gov/sites/CCJ4/SitePages/CCJ4%20JMAO.aspx.

4.3. RELEASABILITY

There are no releasability restrictions on this instruction within the U.S. Federal Government.

Contact the USCENTCOM Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Office if requested for public

release pursuant to the FOIA.

4.4. EXPIRATION

This regulation will expire in five years pursuant to USCENTCOM CCR 25-30, Preparation of

Administrative Publications, unless revised or rescinded.

OFFICIAL:

PATRICK D. FRANK

Major General, U.S. Army

Chief of Staff

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CCR 638-1, 18 May 2022

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: HUMAN REMAINS ACCEPTANCE FOR REFRIGERATED STORAGE

1. Purpose. To provide guidance on the refrigerated storage of HR in the USCENTCOM AOR.

The intent of this policy is to ensure support is provided within the scope of authorizations.

2. Applicability. This policy applies to all U.S. and Coalition units operating in the

USCENTCOM AOR. JTF Commanders and Service Component Commanders are responsible

for implementing this policy within their commands. Contractors Authorized to Accompany the

Force (CAAF) are subject to Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA) and Uniform

Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

3. References.

a. DoDD 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy, Incorporates Change 2, 2 September 2021

b. DoDI 1300.29, Mortuary Affairs Program, 28 June 2021

c. DoDI 3020.41, Operational Contract Support (OCS), Incorporates Change 2, 31 August

2018

d. AR 638-2, Army Mortuary Affairs Program, 13 July 2021

4. Policy. U.S. Military mortuary affairs facilities in the USCENTCOM AOR may be the only

accessible locations to provide refrigerated storage for HR to aid in HR preservation. Losing

commands will notify MACPs of a human remain(s) being recovered to their location. TMAO

will be notified by phone of alerts to inbound decedents without delay. Acceptance of remains

occurring without an alert will be reported to TMAO within an hour of arrival and MARTS

entries will be completed within four hours of arrival. The following procedures apply to the

acceptance and refrigerated storage of the specific status of HR. The AFMES may not direct

remains to AFMES if the circumstances of death do not warrant a medico-legal death

investigation or if statutory authority to exert jurisdiction cannot be made. In these cases, the

losing command’s assistance may be needed to coordinate the final disposition.

a. U.S. Military, DoD Civilian Employees, U.S. Contractors (U.S. Citizen and non-citizen),

U.S. Citizens, and Coalition Partners are authorized recovery to a MACP for refrigerated storage

until transportation or disposition can be arranged. The losing command or activity must provide

a death certificate, identification media (e.g., photo identification) for the deceased, a DA 1156,

or USCENTCOM equivalent, and a point of contact whom will assist with arranging final

disposition if not directed to AFMES. Companies are responsible for coordinating transportation

for their deceased employees; see Appendix B for specific guidance.

b. Non-U.S. Citizens (local national or other country national citizens) that are not employees

of a U.S contract company who die on U.S. Military installations may be recovered to a MACP

for refrigerated storage until release to parent nation or disposition can be arranged. The

documentation requirements listed in 4.a. are met to the extent allowed by circumstances of the

deceased. The physician declaring death will contact AFMES to determine if a forensic

examination is required. The physician declaring death will contact host nation authorities to

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CCR 638-1, 18 May 2022

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coordinate transfer of remains to local authorities when an AFMES examination is not required.

When host nation authorities refuse to accept the transfer of non-U.S. Citizen (non-U.S.

Contractor remains) the following steps are followed:

(1) For local national remains, the mortuary affairs activity will contact the International

Committee of the Red Crescent (ICRC) to request assistance in transfer of remains to local

authorities.

(2) For citizens of countries other than where the mortuary affairs activity is located or

when local transfer is unavailable due to political or other reasons, the mortuary affairs activity

will contact the nearest U.S. Embassy for assistance. When there is no U.S. Embassy, the U.S.

DoS will be contacted to assist with transfer to nation of citizenship or other disposition. A

request for assistance will be elevated to TMAO, USARCENT MAO and USCENTCOM JMAO

if disposition is not coordinated after 24 hours of the receipt of remains.

c. Deceased enemy who die in U.S. Custody may require an AFMES examination. As such,

these deceased enemy are authorized recovery to a MACP for refrigerated storage until

transportation to AFMES or disposition can be arranged. AFMES and the command’s legal staff

must be consulted to determine whether or not an examination is required. Deceased enemy are

afforded the same dignity, honor and respect as U.S. Citizens, but are stored separately in

refrigerated storage designated for enemy combatants. The documentation requirements listed in

4.a. are met to the extent allowed by circumstances of the deceased. The command exercising

authority over enemy decedent at the time of death is responsible for coordinating release to the

host nation or other entity for final disposition when not directed to AFMES for examination.

d. Deceased enemy who die outside of U.S control or custody or during combat engagements

are left undisturbed for local authorities or enemy combatants to provide recovery and

disposition.

e. Local civilian population not on a U.S. military instillation who die as a result of enemy

action or as a result of U.S. or Coalition military operations are not recovered to a MACP or

TMEP. The deceased are cared for by the host nation under local traditions and religious beliefs.

f. Remains temporarily held to allow contract companies, coalition members, or other entities

time to coordinate transportation require the same documentation as listed in 4.a. The limitations

of MARTS programming require unique procedures to document the temporary hold. Mortuary

affairs personnel will perform a joint inspection with the origin activity to ensure no UXO is

present. The HRP will be sealed in the presence of the origin activity’s representative and a

memorandum for record created to be signed by both parties attesting to the number of the seal

applied. The memo will include a final signature line to be used when retrieving remains by the

original activity to document the seal matches the original seal. When the seal memo is used, no

DD Form 1076 is required. Mortuary affairs personnel will create an entry in MARTS and

upload the required documentation. A MARTS remarks entry will be made indicating

“Temporary Hold for (name of originating activity).” No ship to entry is required. Upon release

to the originating activity, the DD Form 1075 will be completed with legible entries for the

person recovering the remains. The entry for “action/change of custody purpose” will be “return

to original activity for disposition.” The final DD Form 1075 will be uploaded to MARTS. A

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MARTS remarks entry will be made indicating “Remains released to originating activity (Name

of person recovering remains) for final disposition.”

g. Decedent with U.S. Government interest. Military Criminal Investigative Organizations,

U.S. State Department or other Investigative agencies that present an investigative interest in a

specific decedent that normally would not be recovered to a MACP for evacuation to AFMES

will present such interest to AFMES for further coordination. AFMES will verbally notify the

JMAO and TMAO and follow up with e-mail confirmation on the rare occurrence where enemy

or other decedents who die outside of U.S control or custody or during combat engagements are

directed to AFMES for examination so that the mortuary affairs team may be prepared to

receive. Other unique circumstances may originate at the Combatant Command level.

Approved DoD support will be communicated by the JMAO.

5. Responsibilities.

a. U.S. Military Commanders or Civilian Leadership.

(1) Recover authorized decedents to the nearest MACP.

(2) Provide an alert to the local mortuary affairs facility of inbound remains and provide

required documentation.

(3) Assist in disposition of remains when AFMES does not require an examination.

b. Employers of contractors supporting the DoD.

(1) Recover authorized decedents to the nearest MACP.

(2) Coordinate with Next-of-Kin to provide disposition of remains when AFMES does not

require an examination.

(3) Coordinate transportation of decedents to disposition location directed by the Person

with Authority to Effect Disposition (PAED).

c. Attending physician or physician declaring death.

(1) Complete a death certificate for the deceased.

(2) For non-U.S. Citizens, contact AFMES to determine if a forensic examination is

required. Coordinate with host nation to determine death investigation requirements or

jurisdictional considerations.

d. Mortuary affairs facility.

(1) Alert TMAO on inbound remains.

(2) Coordinate with ICRC for disposition of non-U.S. Citizen remains.

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(3) Request TMAO and JMAO assistance when disposition of remains has not been

confirmed after 24 hours of the receipt of remains.

6. Point of Contact. The point of contact for this policy is the JMAO in the CCJ4-J43OPS

Division who can be reached at: SIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj4-

[email protected].mil, or NIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj4-

JointMAO@mail.mil.

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APPENDIX B: AUTHORIZATIONS FOR DECEASED TRANSPORTATION AND

MORTUARY SERVICES

1. Purpose. To provide guidance on the movement of HR to comply with the AFMES

examination, when directed, or to provide disposition as coordinated by the respective Service

Casualty Office when remains are not directed to AFMES. The intent of this policy is to ensure

support is provided within the scope of authorizations.

2. Applicability. This policy applies to all U.S. and Coalition units operating in the

USCENTCOM AOR. JTF Commanders and Service Component Commanders are responsible

for implementing this policy within their commands. CAAF are subject to MEJA and UCMJ.

3. References.

a. DoDD 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy, Incorporates Change 2, 2 September 2021

b. DoDI 1300.29, Mortuary Affairs Program, 28 June 2021

c. DoDI 3020.41, Operational Contract Support (OCS), Change 2, 31 August 2018

d. DoDI 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility, Incorporating Change 5, 23 October 2020

e. DoDI 5154.30 Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) Operations, Incorporates

Change 1, 21 December 2017

f. DoDI 5505.10, Criminal Investigations of Noncombat Deaths, Change 1, 28 April 2020

g. AR 638-2, Army Mortuary Affairs Program, 13 July 2021

4. Policy. HR will be evacuated out of the USCENTCOM AOR as expeditiously as possible to

preserve the HR for the AFMES forensic examination and to best preserve remains for the

family’s funeral services. The following summarize transportation and mortuary services

provided based on whether or not remains are directed to AFMES. Transportation authorities

become more complicated when remains are not directed to AFMES.

a. U.S. Military, DoD Civilian Employees, or DoD sponsored dependent accompanying

member on orders. HR will be prepared and evacuated to Dover AFB (or other AFMES

location) when directed by AFMES. When AFMES does not direct to Dover (or other AFMES

location), the respective Service Casualty Office will direct remains to a servicing mortuary

based on family wishes. Normally AFMAO at Dover AFB is the servicing mortuary for

USCENTCOM unless the PADD directs remains be prepared OCONUS due to family residency

or wishes.

b. U.S. Citizen DoD Contractors (Includes U.S. Military retirees working in a DoD contractor

status). Pursuant to References (l) and (o), HR of U.S. DoD contractors who die while

accompanying or supporting U.S. Forces within the AOR will receive MA support pursuant to

established contractual agreements. If the deceased member’s employment contract authorizes

airlift as a government furnished service, and the member’s death occurred during the period of

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the contract, the parent company may elect to use commercial air or formally request opportune

and non-interference basis reimbursable U.S. MILAIR transportation. (Tabs to Appendix B

provide examples of MILAIR requests for specific circumstances). If MILAIR is desired, the

employer must submit a MILAIR request to TMAO, a Funds Verification and Use Authorization

(FVUA) with sections 1 and 2 completed, a copy of the employee’s Letter of Authorization

(LOA), contract pages covering mortuary affairs support provided by government, death

certificate, U.S. Passport, and confirmation of the death report having been completed with the

Theater Casualty Assistance Center or the supported Service’s Casualty Office. The employer

must provide their Transportation Account Code (TAC) and POC information on their MILAIR

request for coordinating payment of reimbursable expenses. The TMAO will compile and

submit the request using the procedures in Appendix B, Tab 1. MILAIR requests with required

documentation and subsequent approvals will be uploaded to MARTS and will be forwarded to

USCENTCOM JMAO for audit purposes. DoD contractors must be a U.S. citizen to receive

U.S. MILAIR evacuation to the Dover Port Mortuary. Upon completion of the AFMES

examination, the remains are released to a Funeral Home local to Dover coordinated by the

employer or family. When AFMES does not direct to Dover, the Funeral Home local to Dover

selected by the family or the employer receives the remains at a direct transfer on the flight line.

Any human remains transfer case(s) provided by the government must be returned to AFMAO

by the funeral home transporting remains from Dover Air Force Base within 72 hours to avoid

the contractor being billed for the replacement cost of the transfer case.

c. Non-DoD affiliated U.S. Citizens (including contractors supporting contracts for U.S.

Government agencies other than the DoD). Pursuant to Reference (i), subsections (a)(1)-(6), the

DoD is authorized to furnish transportation of HR for specific groups of U.S. citizens on a

reimbursable basis. Subsection (a)(5) of the reference extends transportation to any U.S. citizen

upon the specific request of the DoS. DoS Executive Secretary (EXECSEC) may formally

request U.S. MILAIR transportation from the SecDef EXECSEC. The DoS will provide TMAO

a copy of the SecDef EXECSEC response approving the DoS MILAIR request. MILAIR

requests submitted by TMAO require a predetermined TAC to be provided with the request to

Air Mobility Command (AMC). Therefore, DoS must also provide TMAO a TAC for AMC to

bill the flight or a DoS resource or funds manager POC name and contact info to coordinate re-

imbursement. If DoS is unable to provide a TAC, USCENTCOM JMAO will attempt to

coordinate the temporary use of a TAC with a Service casualty office or USTRANSCOM J8.

Once a billable TAC is coordinated by USCENTCOM JMAO, the TMAO may compile and

submit the transportation request using the procedures in Appendix B, Tab 1. Once approved,

documentation will be uploaded to MARTS and forwarded to USCENTCOM JMAO for audit

purposes.

d. Coalition Forces. Remains of coalition forces will receive MA support based upon current

legal authorities, agreements, regulations, and policies between the U.S. and the associated

country. To care for the fallen coalition member and expeditiously begin preservation, all

MACPs are authorized to receive deceased coalition members and place in refrigerated storage

upon the request of coalition forces. Pursuant to agreements, and upon written request by the

coalition senior national representative, MACP and/or the TMEP will prepare the HR of

coalition forces for evacuation. If no agreement exists covering MA support, OSD Military

Personnel and Readiness must approve the coalition request for support. The remains and

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transfer case(s) may be draped with the coalition member’s national flag if provided by the

coalition forces.

(1) When handling coalition HR, MA personnel must document all actions and MA assets

used. The method of reimbursement for HRP, TCs, and transportation costs (if applicable) will

be based on agreements, authorities or policies in place at the time of requirement. Coalition

representatives will advise the MACP/TMEP if there are specific cultural sensitivity

requirements that need to be accommodated upon receiving or while preparing the HR for

evacuation.

(2) Intra-theater airlift for deceased coalition personnel will be provided on an opportune

and non-interference basis pursuant to current agreements, authorities or policies. Coalition

commanders will submit a MILAIR request to Joint Task Force J4. When authorized, MILAIR

will be used to evacuate HR to a designated APOD location within USCENTCOM. The

MILAIR request is coordinated by the JTF J4 with TMAO, CDDOC, CCJ5-CCC/Coalition Air

Operations, and HQ USCENTCOM CCJ3-Force Deployment. Approval and funding sources

will be coordinated by CCJ3-Force Deployment, DSN: 312-529-3446, SVoIP: 302-529-3092,

Duty Phone: 813-841-0751, SIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj3-f-fd-

plans@mail.smil.mil.

(3) Upon the completion of airlift to the APOD, coalition HR will be turned over to their

respective governments for final repatriation flight(s). Coalition personnel will ensure their

respective governments are prepared to receive and provide follow-on transfer to the final place

of disposition. The TMEP may provide additional re-icing support to assist in preserving

remains. Any transfer cases provided for the movement will be sanitized and returned to TMEP

operational control upon completion of the repatriation to avoid coalition reimbursement billing.

e. Foreign National Citizens. Remains of foreign national citizens or foreign national

detainees held by the U.S. Military or government will be handled pursuant to existing

international laws and the laws of the Geneva Convention. U.S. Embassy assistance may be

required to coordinate foreign national citizen repatriation when they are employees of a U.S.

Contractor.

f. MWD. MWDs have proven to be a force enabler and asset to safeguard U.S. forces. They

are treated with dignity and respect upon death. If co-mingled with HR, canine remains will be

evacuated to the Dover Port Mortuary for AFMES DNA analysis and separation. Clearly

distinguishable MWD remains are placed in a separate transfer case. See Appendix G for further

detailed guidance on the care and disposition of MWD remains.

5. Responsibilities.

a. U.S. Military Commanders or Civilian Leadership.

(1) Assist mortuary affairs activities with obtaining documentation as needed.

(2) Monitor subordinate contract companies to aid with transportation as authorized.

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b. Employers of contractors supporting the DoD.

(1) Begin commercial air coordination as soon as possible when AFMES directs an

examination.

(2) Coordinate with Next-of-Kin for disposition of remains when AFMES does not require

an examination.

(3) Coordinate transportation of decedents to disposition location. MILAIR options may

be available if commercial air will cause additional delays in transportation.

c. Mortuary affairs facility.

(1) Confirm AFMES exam requirement and ensure TMAO knows of the decision.

(2) Coordinate MILAIR information requests with TMAO when contract companies are

considering MILAIR as an option to avoid commercial delays.

(3) Request assistance when disposition of remains has not been confirmed after 24 hours

of the receipt of remains at a mortuary affairs facility.

6. Point of Contact. The point of contact for this policy is the CCJ4-J43 CUOPS Division who

can be reached at: SIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj4-[email protected]l, or

NIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj4-JointMAO@mail.mil.

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APPENDIX B, TAB 1, HR AIRLIFT REQUEST

1. The TMAO request for intra-theater and inter-theater airlift support for HR movement is

accomplished by entering an electronic request on the respective web portal.

a. Intra-theater airlift support is requested by TMAO staff on the USTRANSCOM

Consolidated Air Mobility Planning System (CAMPS) website:

https://campswebcen.maf.ustranscom.smil.mil/Portal/UnprotectedForms/Banner.aspx. Requests

are routed in CAMPS to CDDOC for review and approval. AMD assigns the validated

transportation request to available missions.

b. Inter-theater requests are submitted by TMAO directly to 618th Air Operations

Center/Tanker Airlift Control Center using their web portal: https://tacc.us.af.mil/Home (see

Figure 3). An intra-theater CAMPS request also should be entered if intra-theater airlift will be

or may be required to position HR at an alternate departure APOD in order to assign the quickest

evacuation flight mission out of theater. TMAO’s SOP contains details of specific procedures.

Figure 3. Sample HR Transportation Request

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2. Billing information is critical: TAC – Transportation Account Code.

a. Military, DoD Civilian, or authorized dependent: TMAO uses the designated pre-

determined TAC provided by the parent Service.

b. DoD Contractors:

(1) When MILAIR is authorized for contractors on a reimbursable basis, the employer will

request a FVUA form from the local MACP or TMAO with block 1.N. and 1.O. pre-filled with

the origin and destination locations. The MACP or TMAO also enters the MACP NCOIC’s

contact information and the corresponding International Civilian Air Organization codes in the

origin and destination blocks on page two to aid in obtaining the cost estimate. TMAO obtains a

USTRANSCOM Single Mobility System cost estimate for box 1L. Alternately, the funds

manager can obtain a cost estimate from the contact information provided in the instructions on

the form for block 1L. This may be pursued concurrently while the company researches

commercial air availability. The employer will then enter their funds manager info in sections 1

and 2, obtain their assigned funds/resource manager’s approval signature, and submit the FVUA

with their MILAIR Request to the MACP or TMAO (see Figure 4 for recommended entries).

The FVUA form’s continuation page three is not needed if printed or scanned. On occasion, the

contract company may not have an assigned TAC for air shipping. In those cases, the contract

company will coordinate with the command they support or their assigned contracting officer to

utilize an available TAC for billing purposes. The contract company will coordinate

reimbursement to the TAC funds manager for air movement charges. If commercial air becomes

available that will transport the deceased to the required destination quicker, and the decedent

has not begun the MILAIR movement, the employer may utilize the commercial airlift.

(2) The MACP and TMAO will ensure the MILAIR request indicates the TAC to be used

and billing POC information. The TMAO submits the MILAIR request on the respective web

portal. The MACP submits the FVUA and DD Form 1384 to the APOD Transportation

Movement Office. MACP will ensure the TAC is entered in Box 17 “TR ACCT” on the DD

Form 1384 to ensure the correct transportation account is billed.

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Figure 4. Funds Verification and Use Authorization (FVUA)

(Current fillable version of the form is available from TMAO)

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c. When non-DoD decedents are authorized MILAIR by the SecDef EXECSEC, ensure the

TMAO MILAIR request includes the DoS designated TAC with billing POC information or the

USCENTCOM JMAO coordinated TAC. The MACP submits the FVUA and DD Form 1384

with designated TAC in box 17 to the APOD Transportation Movement Office.

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APPENDIX B, Tab 2

Sample US Citizen, CAAF Contractor MILAIR transport request from AOR to AFMES

(No Mortuary Affairs Paragraph in contract)

Company Letterhead

Date:

Subject: Military Airlift (MILAIR) Request

Our employee (First Middle Last), a U.S. Citizen, Passport # (123456789), SSN (123-45-6789),

passed away on (DD MMM YYYY) at (Location), (Combat or Non-Combat) related. The

official death report has been made to the Theater Casualty Assistance Center or the supported

Service’s Casualty Office.

(Contract Company) currently forward headquartered at (Location, Country) requests opportune,

non-interference reimbursable Military Airlift (MILAIR) to repatriate our fallen contractor to

Dover Air Force Base as directed by the AFMES. Upon AFMES release, remains will be

transferred to (Name of Local Funeral Home) for preparation and transportation to the location

directed by primary next-of-kin.

Our employee is categorized as Contractor Personnel Authorized to Accompany the Force

(CAAF) and was working under Contract # (X99X9X-99-X-9999/9999). See employee’s

attached letter of authorization (LOA). Our contract does not include a mortuary affairs

paragraph; therefore, we request MA support and transportation pursuant to DoDD 1300.22.

(if contract does not specify MA support provided, include this paragraph) Our efforts to secure

commercial transportation has not been successful. (or include other justification: e.g.,

commercial air unavailable at location due to COVID crisis) Additional delays in pursuing non-

MILAIR will jeopardize unembalmed remains preservation and compromise forensic analysis.

Transportation Account Code (TAC) for billing is: (9999). This memo guarantees payment of

reimbursable costs. Payment POC is (First MI Last, Title, company or department, commercial

phone, DSN phone, mobile phone, e-mail). A Funds Verification and Use Authorization

(FVUA) letter with sections 1 and 2 completed is attached and the electronic version will be e-

mailed to TMAO for the additional electronic processing.

A company representative (will/will not) accompany the remains to Dover to complete the

transfer to a local funeral home. (If COVID or other restrictions are lifted and allow a

representative include their name (First Middle Last), a U.S. Citizen, Passport #, SSN, mobile

phone, e-mail). A theater evacuation escort request memo is attached.

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CCR 638-1, 18 May 2022

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Point of Contact for this request is the undersigned at (commercial phone, DSN phone, mobile

phone, e-mail).

First MI. Last

Title

Company

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CCR 638-1, 18 May 2022

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APPENDIX B, Tab 3

Sample US Citizen, CAAF Contractor MILAIR transport request from AOR to AFMES

(Contains Mortuary Affairs Paragraph in contract)

Company Letterhead

Date:

Subject: Military Airlift (MILAIR) Request

Our employee (First Middle Last), a U.S. Citizen, Passport # (123456789), SSN (123-45-6789),

passed away on (DD MMM YYYY) at (Location), (Combat or Non-Combat) related. The

official death report has been made to the Theater Casualty Assistance Center or the supported

Service’s Casualty Office.

(Contract Company) currently forward headquartered at (Location, Country) requests opportune,

non-interference reimbursable Military Airlift (MILAIR) to repatriate our fallen contractor to

Dover AFB as directed by the AFMES. Upon AFMES release, remains will be transferred to

(Local Funeral Home) for preparation and transportation to the location directed by primary

next-of-kin.

Our employee is categorized as Contractor Personnel Authorized to Accompany the Force

(CAAF) and was working under Contract # (X99X9X-99-X-9999/9999). See employee’s

attached Letter of Authorization (LOA) and the contract page(s) indicating U.S. GOVT provided

reimbursable mortuary affairs support and transportation.

Transportation Account Code (TAC) for billing is: (9999). This memo guarantees payment of

reimbursable costs. Payment POC is (First MI. Last, title, company or department, commercial

phone, DSN phone, mobile phone, e-mail).

A company representative (will/will not) accompany the remains to Dover to complete the

transfer to a local funeral home. (If COVID or other restrictions are lifted and allow a

representative include name (First Middle Last), a U.S. Citizen, Passport #, SSN, mobile phone,

e-mail). A theater evacuation escort request memo is attached.

Point of Contact for this request is the undersigned at (commercial phone, DSN phone, mobile

phone, e-mail).

First MI. Last

Title

Company

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CCR 638-1, 18 May 2022

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APPENDIX B, Tab 4

Sample U.S. Citizen, CAAF Contractor MILAIR transport request from AOR to DAFB (Local

Funeral Home)

Company Letterhead

Date:

Subject: Military Airlift (MILAIR) Request

Our employee (First Middle Last), a U.S. Citizen, Passport # (123456789), SSN (123-45-6789),

passed away on (DD MMM YYYY) at (Location), (Combat or Non-Combat) related. The

official death report has been made to the Theater Casualty Assistance Center or the supported

Service’s Casualty Office.

(Contract Company) currently forward headquartered at (Location, Country) requests opportune,

non-interference reimbursable Military Airlift (MILAIR) to repatriate our fallen contractor to

Dover AFB. The AFMES has not directed remains to AFMES. Upon arrival at DAFB, remains

will be transferred on the flight line to (Name of Local Funeral Home) for preparation and

transportation to the location directed by primary next-of-kin. The human remains transfer

case(s) provided by the government must be returned to AFMAO by the funeral home

transporting remains from Dover AFB within 72 hours to avoid the contractor being billed for

the cost of the transfer case.

Our employee is categorized as Contractor Personnel Authorized to Accompany the Force

(CAAF) and was working under Contract # (X99X9X-99-X-9999/9999). See employee’s

attached letter of authorization (LOA) and the contract page(s) indicating U.S. GOVT provided

reimbursable mortuary affairs support and transportation.

Transportation Account Code (TAC) for billing is: (9999). This memo guarantees payment of

reimbursable costs. Payment POC is (First MI. Last, title, company or department, commercial

phone, DSN phone, mobile phone, e-mail). A Funds Verification and Use Authorization

(FVUA) letter with sections 1 and 2 completed is attached and the electronic version will be e-

mailed to TMAO for the additional electronic processing.

A company representative (will/will not) accompany the remains to Dover to complete the

transfer to a local funeral home. (If COVID or other restrictions are lifted and allow a

representative include name (First Middle Last), a U.S. Citizen, Passport #, SSN, mobile phone,

e-mail). A theater evacuation escort request memo is attached.

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Point of Contact for this request is the undersigned at (commercial phone, DSN phone, mobile

phone, e-mail).

First MI. Last

Title

Company

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CCR 638-1, 18 May 2022

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APPENDIX C: SAMPLE MORTUARY AFFAIRS OFFICER APPOINTMENT MEMO

Unit Letterhead

OFFICE SYMBOL Date: DD Month YYYY

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

Subject: Appointment of Mortuary Affairs Officers

Reference: CCR 638-1, Mortuary Affairs Support

1. Pursuant to CCR 638-1, the following personnel are assigned as the primary and alternate

Mortuary Affairs Officers (MAO) to perform duties as outlined in the above regulation:

a. Primary: MAJ John Doe, Comm: +900-0-000-0000, DSN 318-430-XXXX, or e-mail

[email protected].

b. Alternate: MAJ Jane Doe, Comm: +900-0-000-0000, DSN 318-430-XXXX, or e-mail

jane.c.doe.mil@mail.mil.

2. This memorandum supersedes any previous published memorandums.

3. My point of Contact for this request is MAJ Jack Doe, Comm: +900-0-000-0000, DSN 318-

430-XXXX, or e-mail jack.d.doe[email protected].

JERRY J. DOE

Major General, U.S. Army

Director of Operations

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APPENDIX D: EXAMPLE THEATER EVACUATION ESCORT MEMO

Figure 5. Example Theater Evacuation Escort Memo

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Figure 5. (Continued)

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APPENDIX E: CONTRACTOR PERSONAL EFFECTS

1. Purpose. To provide guidance on the handling of PE for contractors whom die in the

USCENTCOM area of Operations. The intent of this policy is to ensure proper support is

provided to affected contract employees and their survivors

2. Applicability. This policy applies to all U.S. and Coalition units operating in the

USCENTCOM AOR. JTF Commanders and Service Component Commanders are responsible

for implementing this policy within their commands. CAAF are subject to MEJA and UCMJ.

3. References.

a. DoDD 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy, Incorporates Change 2, 2 September 2021

b. DoDI 1300.29, Mortuary Affairs Program, 28 June 2021

c. DoDI 3020.41, Operational Contract Support (OCS), Incorporates Change 2, 31 August

2018

d. AR 638-2, Army Mortuary Affairs Program, 13 July 2021

4. Policy. PE, also known as personal property for the living, for contractors that are medically

evacuated from or die in a theater of operations will be immediately secured upon the

contractor’s death or departure from theater for safeguarding and proper disposition. Contractors

are an integral force enabler and deserve proper handling of their PE.

a. Contractors medically evacuated out of a theater of operations. Personal property, for

contractors that are medically evacuated out of a theater of operations with no expectation of

returning will be immediately secured and joint inventoried by two company representatives

within 24 hours of the employee’s departure from theater. The senior company (employer)

representative will confirm no UXO nor customs prohibited items are packed for shipment. PE

will be carefully packed, secured in a durable container, and shipped within 72 hours by the

employer to the location directed by the contract employee. Carrier shipment tracking will be

used when available and provided to the employee. The inventory personnel’s contact

information will be included on the PE inventory. When an employment agreement exists that

contradicts this guidance, the employment contract language will apply.

b. Deceased U.S. Citizen contractor’s PE located on a U.S. Military base or at a place under

the jurisdiction of the U.S. Military in a Theater of Operation; the commanding officer of the

place or command shall permit the legal representative named on a decedent’s duly executed will

or the surviving spouse of the decedent, if present, to take possession of the effects of the

deceased that are then in camp or quarters. If there is no legal representative or surviving spouse

present, the installation commanding officer shall appoint a SCMO to collect the effects of the

deceased that are then in camp or quarters. A joint inventory will be conducted by the SCMO

and one company representative within 24 hours of death using a DD Form 1076. The SCMO

will confirm no UXO nor customs prohibited items are packed for shipment. PE will be

carefully packed, secured in a durable container, and delivered by the SCMO to the nearest

MACP. The MACP will confirm no UXO nor customs prohibited items are present, will accept

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the sealed containers from the SCMO on a chain of custody form, and coordinate military

shipment of PE to the JPED. The inventory personnel’s contact information will be included on

the PE inventory. The JPED will prepare PE for delivery to the decedent’s personal

representative, NOK, or executor of the will as directed by the employer in accordance with the

state laws in which the employee was a resident. The company will provide a POC name, phone

number, and e-mail at the company or insurer whom JPED may coordinate payment of charges

for the shipment to the NOK. Each shipping container will include a copy of the PE inventory

and will be shipped without delay upon legal determination of the Person Eligible to Receive

Effects (PERE) by the contract company as reported to the Service Casualty Office. Carrier

shipment tracking will be used when available. The use of the JPED SCMO Checklist is highly

encouraged.

c. Deceased non-U.S. Citizen, other country national, or local national contractor’s PE located

on a U.S. Military base or at a place under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Military in a Theater of

Operation; the commanding officer of the place or command shall permit the legal representative

named on a decedent’s duly executed will or the surviving spouse of the decedent, if present, to

take possession of the effects of the decedent that are then in camp or quarters. If there is no

legal representative or surviving spouse present, the installation commanding officer shall

appoint a SCMO to collect the effects of the decedent that are then in camp or quarters. A joint

inventory will be conducted by the SCMO and one company (employer) representative within 24

hours of death using a DD Form 1076. The SCMO and senior company (employer)

representative will confirm no UXO nor customs prohibited items are packed for shipment. PE

will be carefully packed and secured in a durable container. Custody of the containers will be

transferred to the contract company (employer). The inventory personnel’s contact information

will be included on the PE inventory. The contract company (employer) will prepare PE for

delivery to the decedent’s personal representative, NOK, or executor of the will as directed by

the country laws in which the employee is a citizen. Each shipping container will include a copy

of the PE inventory and will be shipped without delay upon legal determination of the PERE by

the contract company (employer). Carrier shipment tracking will be used when available. The

use of the JPED SCMO Checklist is highly encouraged. When an employment agreement

language or host nation laws exists that contradicts this guidance, the employment contract or

host nation laws will apply.

d. For contractor PE located in a Theater of Operation at a place off-base on the local

economy not funded by nor under contract with nor under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Military;

status of forces agreement or host nation laws prevail. The employer should permit the legal

representative named on a decedent’s duly executed will or the surviving spouse of the decedent,

if present, to take possession of the effects of the decedent. If there is no legal representative or

surviving spouse present and the employer provided billeting, the employer shall appoint two

company representatives within 24 hours of death to conduct a joint inventory to collect the

effects of the decedent that are then in the non-U.S. Government owned or contracted living

quarters. The senior company (employer) representative will confirm no UXO nor customs

prohibited items are packed for shipment. PE will be carefully packed, secured in a durable

container, and shipped by the employer to the NOK, personal representative, or executor of the

decedent’s will as directed by the country laws in which the employee is a citizen. Each

shipping container will include a copy of the PE inventory and will be shipped without delay

upon the contract company’s legal determination of the PERE. The inventory personnel’s

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contact information will be included on the PE inventory. Carrier customs clearance procedures

apply and shipment tracking will be used when available. For non-U.S. Citizen CAAF or Non-

CAAF contractor/employee PE consult with the U.S. Embassy in the respective country for

specific guidance. When an employment agreement language or host nation laws exists that

contradicts this guidance, the employment contract or host nation laws will apply.

e. Reimbursable Support for PE shipments from austere locations to destinations other than

JPED; Contractors are generally responsible for providing their own logistical support.

However, in austere, uncertain, and/or hostile environments where commercial shipping or postal

operations are not available at the location of PE, the DoD may provide logistical support to

transport PE accompanied by a company (Employer) representative to the first nearest location

with commercial shipping services or U.S. Postal operations to enable the employer to ship PE.

CAAF may receive Government-furnished support commensurate with the operational situation

in accordance with the terms and conditions of their contract.

5. Responsibilities.

a. U.S. Military Commanders or Civilian Leadership with contractors assigned.

(1) Assign a Summary Courts-Martial Officer/Inventory Officer when required under

Reference (k) to care for the contractor’s PE.

(2) Ensure a report of death is completed with the TCAC or Service Casualty Office for

any contractor who becomes seriously ill or injured, very seriously ill or injured, or deceased.

b. Employers of contractors supporting the DoD.

(1) Assign an employee to assist the appointed Summary Courts-Martial Officer/Inventory

Officer with joint inventory when required under Reference (k) to care for the contractor’s PE.

(2) Collect PE from non-U.S. controlled areas where the employer maintains jurisdiction

through lease or agreement and provide to appropriate NOK when spouse is not present.

(3) Coordinate with U.S. Embassy, host nation or Parent nation as applicable to recover

and provide disposition for PE when PE is located in an area not controlled or under the

jurisdiction of the U.S. government nor employer.

c. MACPs or TMEP. Accept PE for covered contractors for shipment to JPED. HHG such as

furnishings, refrigerators, and wash machines will be processed through the contract company’s

normal transportation channels. HHG will not be processed through MACPs, TMEP, or JPED.

6. Point of Contact. The point of contact for this policy is the CCJ4-J43 CUOPS Division who

can be reached at: SIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj4-jmao@mail.smil.mil, or

NIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj4-JointMAO@mail.mil.

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APPENDIX F: JOINT PERSONAL EFFECTS DEPOT SUMMARY COURT-MARTIAL

OFFICER CHECKLIST

Figure 6. Joint Personal Effects Depot Summary Court-Martial Officer Checklist

*** The most current copy may be obtained by contacting the JPED directly ***

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Figure 6. (Continued)

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Figure 6. (Continued)

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Figure 6. (Continued)

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Figure 6. (Continued)

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Figure 6. (Continued)

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Figure 6. (Continued)

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APPENDIX G: REPATRIATION OF DECEASED MILITARY WORKING DOGS

1. Purpose. To provide interim policy based on past practices until the DoD publishes joint

policy on repatriation of deceased MWDs from all deployed locations. The intent of this policy

is to provide dignity and honor for the deceased MWD during repatriation within the constraints

of deployed locations.

2. Applicability. This policy applies to all U.S. and Coalition units operating in the

USCENTCOM AOR. JTF Commanders and Service Component Commanders are responsible

for implementing this policy within their commands.

3. Policy. Deceased MWDs in the USCENTCOM AOR will be evacuated to Kuwait for

cremation to enable onward movement to their home station when no cremation or medical

incineration facilities are available at the place of death (See Tab 1 for approved alternate

medical incineration facilities and Tab 2 for medical incineration facilities standards of care). If

co-mingled with HR, canine remains will be evacuated with HR to Dover AFB for AFMES

DNA analysis and separation. Clearly distinguishable MWD remains are placed in a separate

transfer case.

a. MWD is defined as a canine with a DoD Tattoo or a Special Operations Forces managed

canine. Contract companies are responsible for the repatriation of their deceased Working Dogs

at no additional cost to the Government. U.S. Forces with MWDs should become familiar with

the nearest U.S. Army veterinary unit’s location. Veterinary units in the USCENTCOM AOR

will assist with the disposition of deceased MWDs within the USCENTCOM AOR.

b. Forward deployed Veterinary Corps Officers (VCO) at Role 2 Veterinary Treatment

Facilities (VTF) will stock two remains Pouches type 2A (NSN 9930-01-331-6244), one

commercially available container large enough to accommodate a MWD and one commercially

available temporary cremation urn kit (plastic temporary urn, shipping box, plastic liner bag, and

twist tie) per MWD in quantities to support 10 percent of the MWDs assigned to their care. The

U.S. Postal Service offers a Cremated Remains Animal Kit 2 (CRE_P2) that may be pre-ordered

on the U.S. Postal Service website by VCOs. The kit contains the outer mailing box, package

sealing tape, bubble cushion, and a self-sealing plastic bag for a secondary containment for the

transport urn (not included).

c. MWD handlers are responsible for recovering their assigned MWDs who become deceased

in a deployed location. The U.S. Forces to which the MWD team was attached are responsible

for recovery if the handler is not able. MWDs are placed in a remains pouch and then placed in

non-class I refrigeration for preservation, if available, while awaiting transportation to a VTF. If

no refrigeration is available, the most appropriate container available will be used with ice to aid

in preservation. Place the MWD in a remains pouch and then into the container. Add a

sufficient amount of ice to assist in preservation. If neither is available, the kennel may be

utilized with the MWD placed in leak-proof bags and a blanket overwrap before placing in the

kennel for transport. A U.S. Flag may cover the fallen MWD during evacuation. The MWD

should be transferred to refrigeration or an iced container as soon as available.

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d. The VCO who is treating the MWD at the time of death or is first to access the MWD after

death should perform a post-mortem examination as soon after death as possible. Post-mortem

results will be reported to the MWD Trauma Registry to aid in research to improve survivability

of deployed MWDs. The level of examination and shipping tissues for routine data collection is

dependent upon available shipping capability from the deployed location and most current

guidance from the veterinary services. MWD Microchip number will be validated where

reasonably possible and included on all disposition documentation. The MWD parent

organization is responsible for notifying the DoD MWD Chief at Lackland AFB to remove the

MWD from the rolls. VCO should secure and finalize the MWD deployment record and start

chain of custody to ensure it is uploaded to Veterinary Services Systems Management, the

electronic Veterinary Health Record.

e. VCOs will become familiar with the nearest cremation facility or clean incineration facility

that will accept MWDs and where funding has been coordinated. The current list of

USCENTCOM deceased MWD approved medical incineration or cremation sites may be found

at Tab 1 of this Appendix G or from the USCENTCOM POC in Paragraph 5. Clean incineration

is defined as: The process in which an incinerator is completely cooled and cleaned before the

MWD is cremated to ensure no foreign debris are comingled with MWD cremated remains. This

ensures dignity and honor for the MWD within the constraints of deployed locations. Standards

of Care may be found in Tab 2 of this Appendix G. The VCO or Animal Care Specialist (MOS

68T) assigned by the VCO will supervise the cremation or incineration and collection of MWD

cremated remains into the temporary cremation urn kit if permitted by the facility. VCO will

provide a death certificate and memorandum for record to accompany the cremated remains

stating that a clean incineration of remains was accomplished and the remains pose no health

hazard (zoonotic). If the MWD parent organization provided an escort to receive the cremated

remains, the VCO will transfer the packaged cremated remains and documents to the escort so

they may hand-carry to the parent organization for repatriation. Escort must be prepared to show

these documents to customs upon departing Kuwait and upon arrival in the CONUS. If the

MWD parent organization desires shipment, the VCO will transfer the urn and shipping

materials to the handler or kennel master who will prepare the temporary cremation urn for

MILAIR transport (with a copy of the documents inside the urn shipping box and a second copy

affixed to the outside of the box) to the address requested by the MWD unit and deliver the

package to the nearest Transportation Management Office on the flight line for MILAIR

shipping.

f. If no facilities exist in the location of MWD death, the U.S. Forces to which the MWD team

was attached or operating with will coordinate transportation to Kuwait with the Component

Service Validator and CJOA J4 for intra-theater airlift. Utilization of either the Channel Routes

or the air casualty evacuation procedures used for HR to recover the MWD to Kuwait Theater

Mortuary Evacuation Point are authorized by the USCENTCOM intra-theater transportation

Letter of Instruction. Both handler/escort and the fallen MWD should be moved together by the

most expedient method available. If veterinary refrigeration and ice is not available during

evacuation delays, MA refrigeration units may be used when no HR are present. Concurrently,

the CJOA J4 will contact Area Support Group-Kuwait (ASG-KU) VCO at Camp Arifjan to

prepare for receiving the MWD and to coordinate cremation. The handler, escort, or MWD

parent organization will provide the ASG-KU VCO the address/base and POC contact

information in writing for the MWD parent organization where the cremated remains are to be

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shipped or the name and contact information for the Service member who will be hand carrying

the cremated remains released by the ASG-KU VCO. If necessary due to personnel availability

or loss of clean cremation capability in Kuwait, the ASG- KU VCO may coordinate with another

VCO to perform these duties on a case-by-case basis. This is authorized only if the

accommodating VCO’s unit agrees and funding is coordinated.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES. Proper dignity and honor for a fallen MWD requires a team effort.

The following organizations are required to implement procedures to support this policy.

a. U.S. Forces operating with MWD teams.

(1) Become familiar with the nearest Role 2 VTF location to their operating area and the

mortuary affairs evacuation procedures for their operating area. Be prepared to self-recover

MWD and evacuate using established procedures to nearest cremation or incineration facility or

Camp Arifjan for cremation if one does not exist near the location of death. Coordinate a

handler, kennel master or unit representative to receive the urn after cremation.

(2) Stock remains pouches or other suitable biological containment bags large enough for

MWDs operating with the command for self-recovery.

b. VCOs.

(1) Forward deployed VCOs will order the items listed in the policy and maintain stocks.

(2) Forward deployed VCOs should consider if an MWD with a terminal medical condition

may be transported to Veterinary Medical Center Europe or CONUS Home Station if it would

not be considered inhumane to delay euthanasia. This alternative minimizes the challenges of

repatriating the MWD.

(3) Forward deployed VCOs will explore alternate cremation sites suitable for deceased

MWDs closer to their VTF that become available and are encouraged to report and nominate

them to Camp Arifjan ASG-KU VCO and USCENTCOM POC in paragraph five. Incinerators

currently contracted for other uses may not be utilized for MWD clean cremation unless the

contract allows for this use

(4) Camp Arifjan ASG-KU VCO will maintain visibility of the International Veterinary

Hospital’s cremation service and report any service disruptions to the

USCENTCOM/USARCENT Veterinarian and the USCENTCOM POC in paragraph six.

(5) Camp Arifjan ASG-KU VCO will monitor the evacuation status and be prepared to

receive MWD from evacuation assets to temporarily store deceased MWD until cremation can

be accomplished.

(6) Prepare a death certificate if one did not accompany the MWD.

(7) Ensure cremated remains are packaged in the temporary cremation urn and transferred

to the handler/escort/kennel master to carry or ship by MILAIR to the location designated by the

MWD parent organization. Prepare a memorandum for record to accompany the cremated

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remains stating that a clean incineration of remains was accomplished and the remains pose no

health hazard (zoonotic) nor contain any item of United States Department of Agriculture

agricultural concern.

c. Area Support Group-Kuwait.

(1) Develop a method of payment for the sole animal cremation facility in Kuwait, the

International Veterinary Hospital, and ensure the cremation facility receives payment for

cremation services.

(2) Initiate a contract modification to the incinerator contracts to allow for clean

incineration/cremation as a secondary capability when incinerators described in Tab 2 to this

Appendix G are identified and nominated.

d. Mortuary Affairs Collection Points, Transfer Points or Evacuation Points.

(1) Be prepared to utilize refrigeration capabilities to temporarily store MWDs until

cremation, if VCO does not have refrigeration capability. MWDs should be isolated from HR.

(2) Provide assistance in scheduling evacuation and completing movement when requested.

5. POINT OF CONTACT. The point of contact for this policy is the CCJ4-J43 OPS Division

who can be reached at: SIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj4-jmao@mail.smil.mil,

or NIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom[email protected]. J43 Group Phones

are Commercial: 813-529-3453, DSN: 312-529-3453, SVoIP: 302-529-3453

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Tab 1: United States Central Command Military Working Dog, Approved Alternate

Medical Incineration or Cremation Sites, As of 2 NOV 2021

Location:

Contractor Officer Representative (COR):

COR DSN:

COR Email:

Contractor:

Address/Base:

Email:

Phone:

Contract Number:

Contract expiration Date:

Location:

Contractor Officer Representative (COR):

COR DSN:

COR Email:

Contractor:

Address/Base:

Email:

Phone:

Contract Number:

Contract expiration Date:

Location:

Contractor Officer Representative (COR):

COR DSN:

COR Email:

Contractor:

Address/Base:

Email:

Phone:

Contract Number:

Contract expiration Date:

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Tab 2: USCENTCOM MWD MEDICAL INCINERATION FACILITY STANDARDS OF

CARE

1. Purpose. To establish policy based on best practices to provide alternate cremation capability

for deceased MWDs in the USCENTCOM AOR. The intent of this policy is to provide dignity

and honor for the deceased MWD during alternate cremation within the constraints of deployed

locations. This policy recognizes the limitation on facilities available in the USCENTCOM AOR

while providing a capability to meet or accomplish customs exportation or repatriation

requirements.

2. Applicability. This policy applies to all United States (U.S.) and Coalition units operating in

the USCENTCOM AOR. JTF Commanders and Service Component Commanders are

responsible for implementing this policy within their commands.

3. Policy. Customs, mailing and shipping regulations require deceased MWDs to be cremated to

enable the MWD’s repatriation to CONUS or other country for final disposition. Military and

contracted medical waste incinerators may offer a capability to ensure MWDs can be brought

home after enduring the ultimate sacrifice. The following standards ensure the most respectful

cremation of MWDs can be accomplished:

a. The use of a medical waste incinerator as an alternate cremation capability must be

coordinated with the contracting officer (KO) or contracting officer representative (COR)

supervising the contract for which the medical waste incinerator performs. Military commanders

must approve the use of government owned medical waste incineration equipment operated by

military members in their command.

b. A nomination is sent to the USCENTCOM JMAO to request the site be added to the

approved alternate cremation site list. Documentation is submitted showing POCs information

as listed on Tab 1 to this Appendix G and confirmation that coordination has been completed to

ensure no unexpected costs to the government will be incurred and the contractor can perform

MWD cremation in an honorable and respectful manner.

c. The single chamber, single burn medical waste incinerators, such as the Medi-Burn units,

are most appropriate for effecting the cremation of an MWD. Multi-chamber continuous feed

medical waste incinerators do not provide the level of respect and honor MWDs deserve.

d. The nominated medical waste incinerator must be capable of providing these minimum

standards of care:

(1) Capable of allowing the MWD to be respectfully placed in a cool single chamber or

feed by a mechanical system into a pre-heated single chamber and the ability to recover the

cremated remains upon cooling. (Chambers utilizing blowers that would disturb and dissipate

the cremated remains preventing a minimum 95% recovery of cremated remains would not meet

requirements)

(2) Contract company or commander has procedures in place to assure chain of custody.

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(3) Contract company or commander assigns a qualified, trained and experienced operator

for the equipment used to conduct the incineration / cremation.

(4) Capability performing a pre-cleaning of the cold chamber to remove 95% of all loose

ashen and metalogic waste before placing the MWD in the chamber.

(5) Capability of incineration at 1800 degrees Fahrenheit with expected recovery of 95% of

cremated WMD remains.

(6) Capability to complete the incineration / cremation in one operation cycle.

(7) Capability to allow the MWD handler to witness the incineration / cremation if desired

and if allowed within contract or military unit safety limitations.

(8) Capability to recover approximately 95% of cremated remains into a temporary transfer

urn provided by the military animal care specialist, MWD handler, or unit representative.

(9) Medical waste incinerator has passed any required inspection or certification.

(10) Medical waste incinerators utilized for stray deceased animals allow a capability to

perfect procedures and times to ensure complete cremation of animals the size of an MWD.

e. The processes developed at each alternate cremation location will include:

(1) MWD escort (Handler, unit representative or VET Staff) will schedule a date and time

convenient for the contract company or military unit commander to avoid interruptions to their

operations.

(2) Medical waste incinerator operator will provide an estimate of time required to

complete the cremation based on the medical waste incinerator’s rated pounds per hour

capabilities and historical cooling time needed after the cycle. *Note: Pounds per hour means if

the MWD is 100# and placed in a chamber certified for 50# per hour, it should run at least 2

hours to insure complete cremation of material.

(3) Medical waste incinerator operator will ensure the chamber of the medical waste

incinerator is completely clean (vacuum or use blower) prior to introducing the MWD for

cremation.

(4) MWD escort will bring MWD to Cremation location contained in leak proof bags.

Prior coordination should be made with the operator to determine if the HRPs are able to be

incinerated in their medical waste incinerator. The metal bindings may prevent incineration of

the HRP. The best practice is to ensure the MWD is prepared within a leak proof bag within the

HRP.

(5) MWD escort will certify that no UXO is present and will provide a temporary transfer

urn into which the cremated remains will be placed.

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(6) MWD escort deserves the military unit or the contractor’s attention and empathy while

they are at the facility. Non-standard hours may be used to avoid a need to rush the cremation

and if more convenient for the military unit commander or the contractor to avoid additional

costs that a service interruption may incur.

(7) Handle the MWD with the highest dignity, honor, and respect.

(8) Allow escort to place MWD in the chamber if desired and if safety protocols allow.

Escorts should be allowed to witness the cremation if desired and protocols allow even if

positioning at a lengthy distance is required.

(9) The contractor operator will allow the medical waste incinerator to thoroughly cool and

then recover the cremated remains of the MWD as much as possible and place in the temporary

transfer urn provided by the MWD escort.

(10) Refer to the MWD as “ready to go home” after cremation services are rendered.

(11) Always maintain a professional composure.

(12) The MWD escort will receive the cremated remains from the contractor operator.

(13) The contractor operator will completely clean (vacuum or use blower) the chamber of

the medical waste incinerator prior to introducing next MWD for cremation.

4. Responsibilities. Proper dignity and honor for a fallen MWD requires a team effort. The

following organizations are required to implement procedures to support this policy.

a. U.S. Forces operating with MWD teams.

(1) Become familiar with the potential medical waste incinerators in the operational area to

provide a nomination as an alternate cremation location to the POC office in paragraph 5.

(2) Provide a command representative to accomplish MWD cremation coordination if the

MWD Handler is unable to perform the duties. Ensure directions provided by the VCO or

Animal Care Specialist (MOS 68T) are followed.

b. VCOs.

(1) Forward deployed VCOs will assist the MWD escort in coordinating cremation.

(2) Stock temporary transfer urns and shipping over-boxes and provide to MWD escort to

facilitate transport of the MWD cremated remains to the final destination.

(3) Ensure cremated remains are packaged in the temporary cremation urn and transferred

to the handler/escort/kennel master to carry or ship by MILAIR to the location designated by the

MWD parent organization. Prepare a memorandum for record to accompany the cremated

remains stating that a clean incineration of remains was accomplished and the remains pose no

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health hazard (zoonotic) nor contain any item of United States Department of Agriculture

agricultural concern.

(4) Become familiar with the potential medical waste incinerators in the operational area to

provide a nomination as an alternate cremation location to the POC office in paragraph 5.

c. Component Operational Contract Support Integration Cell

(1) Coordinate with cognizant contracting officer to ensure use of medical waste

incinerator would not obligate additional costs to the government or such additional costs are

captured, approved, budgeted and paid.

(2) Develop COR checklists to ensure contractor performance of duty.

d. Theater Mortuary Affairs Office, Mortuary Affairs Collection Points, Transfer Points or

Evacuation Points.

(1) Be prepared to utilize refrigeration capabilities to temporarily store MWDs until

cremation, if VCO does not have refrigeration capability. MWDs should be isolated from HR.

(2) Provide assistance in scheduling evacuation and completing movement when requested.

5. Point of Contact. The point of contact for this policy is the CCJ4-J43 OPS Division who can

be reached at: SIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj4-[email protected], or

NIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx[email protected]. J43 Group Phones are

Commercial: 813-529-3453, DSN: 312-529-3453, SVoIP: 302-529-3453.

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APPENDIX H: POINTS OF CONTACT

a. USCENTCOM JMAO (Joint Mortuary Affairs Office)

7115 S. Boundary Blvd, BLDG 570, Room N152, MacDill AFB/Tampa, FL 33621-2101

Group Phones – Ask for the Joint Mortuary Affairs Officer

Comm: 813-529-3453, DSN: 312-529-3453, SVoIP: 302-529-3453

SIPRNet e-mail: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mesg.ccj4-jmao@mail.smil.mil

NIPRNet e-mail: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mesg.ccj4-jointmao@mail.mil

USCENTCOM JMAO Page (CAC Access Required):

https://intelshare.intelink.gov/sites/CCJ4/SitePages/CCJ4%20JMAO.aspx

b. USCENTCOM CCJ3-Force Deployment (Coalition Transportation Approvals)

DSN: 312-529-3446, SVoIP: 302-529-3092, Duty Phone: 813-841-0751

SIPRNet: centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj3-f-fd-[email protected]

c. USARCENT MAO (Mortuary Affairs Office)

G4 Battle Watch Desk - Ask for the Mortuary Affairs Office

DSN: 312-889-7460, SVoIP: 302-367-9049

SIPRNet e-mail: usarmy.shaw.usarcent.mbx.g4-chops@mail.smil.mil

NIPRNet e-mail: usarmy.shaw.usarcent.mbx.g4-chops@army.mil

d. TMAO (Theater Mortuary Affairs Office)

1st TSC OCP, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, DSN: 318-480-3532, SVoIP: 308-430-0037 or 1452

SIPRNet e-mail: usarmy.arifjan.1-tsc.mbx.1tsc-ma@mail.smil.mil

NIPRNet e-mail: usarmy.arifjan.1-tsc.mb[email protected]

e. AFMES (Armed Forces Medical Examiner System)

24-hour on-call investigator for death reporting

Commercial: 202-409-6811

f. TCAC (Theater Casualty Assistance Center)

1st TSC HRSC, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

DSN: 318-432-5116 or 318-480-2106, SVoIP: 308-430-2219 or 0518

SIPRNet e-mail: usarmy.arifjan.1-tsc.mbx.hrsc-casualty-[email protected]

NIPRNet e-mail: usarmy.arifjan.1-tsc.mbx.centcom-casualty-reports@mail.mil

g. Joint Personal Effects Depot (JPED) (DODAAC FB4497)

CDR, JPED, (ATTN: Operations Manager), 122 Purple Heart Drive, Dover, Delaware 19902

Comm: 302-346-7965, DSN: 312-366-7965

[email protected]

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h. U.S. Embassy locator

USEmbassy.gov (Provides contact info and website lookup based on country)

i. Insulated Human Remains Transfer Case (IHRTC) Repairs

Repair Parts are available from the manufacturer using government purchase/credit card.

Skydyne Sales 845-858-6400. No DLA NSNs are assigned and no depot maintenance program

exists.

j. International Committee of the Red Crescent (ICRC)

Global Protection Delegate

[email protected]

Commercial (202) 808 6252

k. American Red Cross

Wiesbaden, Germany – Service to the Armed Forces

DSN: 314-548-1769

l. U.S. Army Regional Mortuary, Europe and Africa (USARM, E-A)

Landstuhl Teamlines Comm: 06371-9464-6950, DSN (314) 590-6950

Group Mailbox: usarmy.rheinland-pfalz.21-tsc.list.dmc-mortuary@army.mil

m. RFID Tag Tracking Website

https://national.rfitv.army.mil/login/login.do

n. Joint Mortuary Affairs Center (JMAC)

1840 Quartermaster Road, Bldg., 7143, Fort Lee, VA 23801

Email: usarmy.lee.tradoc.list.lee-qm-jmac-[email protected]

Website: https://quartermaster.army.mil/mac/jmac_main.html

JMAC milSuite Site:

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/community/spaces/sustainnet/quartermastercommunity/jointmort

uaryaffairs

Sergeant Major: Comm. (804) 734-4673, DSN: 312-687-4673

Director: Operations: Comm. (804) 734-3665, DSN: 312-687-3665 (Readiness, MARTS,

CHR)

Director: Training & Development: (804) 734-3674, DSN: 312-687-3674 (AIT, NCOES,

MAO)

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APPENDIX I: GLOSSARY

1. Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms. Pursuant to the DoD Dictionary of Military and

Associated Terms, an abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase pronounced as a word

(e.g., SecDef). An acronym is a shortened form of a phrase of words, where the letters of the

acronym stand for the terms of its meaning and is also read as a word (e.g., ASAP [as soon as

possible]). An initialism is a shortened form of a word or phrase that is not spoken as a word;

each letter is spoken separately (e.g., DoD).

1TSC

First Theater Sustainment Command

AFB

Air Force Base

AFMAO

Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations

AFMES

Armed Forces Medical Examiner System

AMC

Air Mobility Command

AMD

Air Mobility Division

AOR

Area of Responsibility

APOD

Aerial Port of Debarkation

ASG-KU

Area Support Group-Kuwait

CAAF

Contractors Authorized to Accompany the Force

CAMPS

Consolidated Air Mobility Planning System

CBCA

Customs and Border Clearance Agents

CBP

Customs and Border Protection

CCJ4

United States Central Command Logistics and Engineering

Directorate

CCJ4-J43

United States Central Command Operations Division,

Directorate of Logistics and Engineering

CDDOC

United States Central Command Distribution and Deployment

Operations Center

CDRUSCENTCOM

Commander, United States Central Command

CONUS

Contiguous United States

CUI

Controlled Unclassified Information

Disassociated Effects

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

DoS

Department of State

EXECSEC

Executive Secretary

FTN

Force Tracking Number

HHG

Household Goods

Headquarters

Human Remains

HRP

Human Remains Pouch

ICRC

International Committee of the Red Crescent

IDCF

Individual Deceased Case File

Inventory Officer

ITARS

Intra-Theater Airlift Request System

JMAC

Joint Mortuary Affairs Center

JMAO

Joint Mortuary Affairs Office

JPED

Joint Personal Effects Depot

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JTF

Joint Task Forces

LOA

Letter of Authorization

Lead Service

LSCO

Large Scale Combat Operations

Mortuary Affairs

MACP

Mortuary Affairs Collection Point

MAO

Mortuary Affairs Officer

MARTS

Mortuary Affairs Reporting and Tracking System

MASCAL

Mass Casualty

MATP

Mortuary Affairs Transfer Point

MEJA

Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act

MILAIR

Military Airlift

MWD

Military Working Dog

NCOIC

Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge

NIPRNet

Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network

NOK

Next of Kin

OCONUS

Outside Continental United States

OIC

Officer in Charge

PADD

Person Authorized to Direct Disposition

PAED

Person with Authority to Effect Disposition

Personal Effects

PERE

Person Eligible to Receive Effects

PNOK

Primary Next-of-Kin

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment

RFF

Request for Forces

RFID

Radio-Frequency Identification

SAA

Senior Agriculture Agent

SCMO

Summary Courts-Martial Officer

SecDef

Secretary of Defense

SIPRNet

Secret Internet Protocol Router Network

SOP

Standard Operating Procedures

TAC

Transportation Account Code

Transfer Case

TCAC

Theater Casualty Assistance Center

TEE

Theater Evacuation Escorts

TMAO

Theater Mortuary Affairs Office

TMEP

Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point

TMO

Transportation Movement Office

UCMJ

Uniform Code of Military Justice

USARCENT

United States Army Central

USARM, E-A

United States Army Regional Mortuary, Europe and Africa

USCENTCOM

United States Central Command

USNAVCENT

United States Naval Forces Central Command

USTRANSCOM

United States Transportation Command

UXO

Unexploded Ordnance

VCO

Veterinary Corps Officers

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VTF

Veterinary Treatment Facilities

2. Terms/Definitions. Unless otherwise noted, these terms and their definition are for the

purpose of this regulation.

combatant command mortuary affairs support program. Also known as Concurrent Return

Mortuary Affairs Program. The CDRUSCENTCOM has assumed responsibility for the

evacuation of decedents for all Services and others for whom mortuary services are authorized.

TMAO and the DoS (U.S. Embassy) assist in arranging unique evacuations from areas within the

USCENTCOM AOR where no contingency operations exist nor is there an established U.S.

Military presence.

dignified carry or honorable carry. A team of trained mortuary affairs, aerial port squadron or

other specialized members conducts an organized movement of a transfer case containing human

remains or portions from one conveyance to another during evacuation with dignity, honor, and

respect.

disassociated effects. Personal effects located at an incident site but not found on the human

remains or cannot be associated to a particular decedent at the time of recovery. Also referred to

as unassociated effects.

mortuary affairs (MA) operations. The search, recovery, tentative identification, care,

processing, and evacuation of HRs.

mortuary affairs collection point (MACP). USARCENT staffed or designated location

designated to receive, process, provide tentative identification (if feasible), complete

documentation in MARTS and evacuate human remains to the AFMES. MACPs provide

support to all Services in a geographical area. The secondary MACP mission is to receive

personal effects from the unit SCMO or inventory officer, securely store and evacuate to the

JPED as soon as transportation is available. MACPs are the first mortuary affairs facility in the

USCENTCOM Combatant Command Mortuary Affairs Support Program. Once a unit

commander recovers their deceased member to a MACP, their evacuation requirements end and

USCENTCOM assumes responsibility. MACPs are normally located at the logistic support

areas.

mortuary affairs transfer point or mortuary affairs transit point (MATP). A temporary holding

location that is approved by the first O-6 in the chain of command, is visually separate from a

casualty collection point at a contingency location, and is not normally staffed. MATPs are

funded and maintained by personnel from the local command. A MATP’s sole purpose is to

provide refrigerated storage capability for the command’s human remains when evacuation to a

USARCENT Staffed MACP or TMEP is not possible due to weather, enemy threat or aircraft

availability. MATP locations are beneficial when ground or air evacuation is historically

delayed preventing a unit from transferring a decedent to a MACP or TMEP within four hours.

peacetime mortuary affairs support program. Also known as Current Death Mortuary Affairs

Program in doctrine. TMAO is deactivated and USAF becomes the lead Service for evacuation

of remains to AFMES or CONUS. Mortuary affairs coordination and evacuation responsibilities

revert to individual Services.

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person authorized to direct disposition of human remains (PADD). The only person authorized

to direct the disposition of remains. Contact the Service Casualty Office for specific guidelines

and the designated PADD.

person with authority to effect disposition (PAED). The term used to designate the person

authorized to direct the disposition of civilian remains. (For brevity, this document’s reference

to PADD applies to the civilian equivalent PAED situations)

ramp ceremony/transfer observance. A small group of immediate teammates and the member’s

leadership present at the evacuation aircraft or vehicle to render honor and recognize the loss of a

teammate. USCENTCOM chooses to use the term transfer observance to signify the somber

sanctity of the action of evacuating a decedent to the medical examiner for forensic examination

requirements. The term transfer observance places emphasis on the individual attendee’s loss

opposed to the collective masses who create a large ceremonious gathering with multiple

elements that increases the risk of delays that degrade the condition of a decedent.

theater evacuation escort (TEE). An individual designated to accompany the remains of a

deceased Service Member during evacuation from the point of death in USCENTCOM AOR to

the AFMES. No DoD requirement nor authorization exists for TEE. Unique circumstances may

require a TEE such as when the decedent’s next-of-kin is deployed to Theater or a contract

company representative is needed to take custody of remains after release from AFMES.

theater mortuary evacuation point (TMEP). The TMEP is responsible for validating the

documentation prepared at the MACP, completing any processing of the remains, and

coordinating strategic airlift for evacuation of the remains to the servicing mortuary. A TMEP is

typically located at a strategic Aerial Port of Embarkation/Debarkation.

“three-second” silent salute. A modified salute conducted in a slow three-second motion,

opposed to the normal military snap, to convey honor and respect for the fallen Service member.

The three-second silent salute demonstrates the nation pauses to honor the sacrifice of the fallen

Service member. Non-military in attendance of a fallen Service member movement may render

respects with a slow three-second movement of hand-over-heart. All attendees of a fallen civilian

movement may render respects with a slow three-second movement of hand-over-heart.

united states central command area of responsibility. This includes all states on the Arabian

Peninsula; the Central and South Asian and the Levant Region.

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APPENDIX J: REFERENCES

a. Title 4 U.S. Code 8, Respect for the flag, 7 July 1976

b. Title 5 U.S. Code 5742, Transportation of remains, dependents, and effects; death

occurring away from official station or abroad, 28 January 2008

c. Title 10 U.S. Code 562, Transportation of Remains of Casualties Dying in a Theater of

Operation, 1 January 2007

d. Title 10 U.S. Code 1471, Forensic pathology investigations, 5 October 1999

e. Title 10 U.S. Code 1481, Recovery, Care, and Disposition of Remains: Decedents

Covered, 10 August 1956

f. Title 10 U.S. Code 1482, Expenses incident to Death, 10 August 1956

g. Title 10 U.S. Code 1484, Pensioners, indigent patients, and persons who die on military

reservations, 10 August 1956

h. Title 10 U.S. Code 1485, Dependents of members of armed forces; death while outside

United States, 10 August 1956

i. Title 10 U.S. Code 1486, Other citizens of United States, 10 August 1956

j. Title 10 U.S. Code 1487, Temporary interment, 10 August 1956

k. Title 10 U.S. Code 7712, Disposition of effects of deceased persons by a summary court-

martial, 1 February 2019

l. DoDD 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy, Incorporates Change 2, 2 September 2021

m. DoDI 1300.18, Department of Defense (DoD) Personnel Casualty Matters, Policies, and

Procedures, Incorporates Change 1, 14 August 2009

n. DoDI 1300.29, Mortuary Affairs Program, 28 June 2021

o. DoDI 3020.41, Operational Contract Support (OCS), Incorporates Change 2, 31 August

2018

p. DoDI 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility, Incorporates Change 5, 23 October 2020

q. DoDI 5154.30, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) Operations, Change 1,

21 December 2017

r. DoDI 5505.10, Criminal Investigations of Noncombat Deaths, Change 1, 28 April 2020

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s. Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR) – Part V, Department of Defense Customs and

Border Clearance Policies and Procedures, Chapter 502, Paragraph L. Human Remains and

Personal Effects, 7 January 2022

t. Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR) – Part V, Department of Defense Customs and

Border Clearance Policies and Procedures, Chapter 506, DoD Customs and Border Clearance

Senior Agriculture Agent (SAA) program, 12 October 2021

u. JP 4-0, Joint Logistics, 8 May 2019

v. NATO ATP-92 Edition A Volume 1E (STANAG 2070), Emergency Burial Procedures,

January 2016

w. NATO QSTAG 655, Handling of Deceased Personnel in an Area of Operations,

5 September 1996

x. Army Regulation (AR) 25-400-2, Army Records Information Management System

(ARIMS), 2 October 2007

y. Army Regulation (AR) 638-2, Army Mortuary Affairs Program, 13 July 2021

z. Army Regulation (AR) 638-8, Army Casualty Program, 23 June 2015

aa. Army Regulation (AR) 715-9, Operational Contract Support Planning and Management,

24 March 2017

bb. Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA PAM) 638-2, Procedures for The Army Mortuary

Affairs Program, 23 June 2015

cc. Army Field Manual (FM) 4-40, Quartermaster Operations, October 2013

dd. Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 1-05.05, Religious Support and Casualty Care, 28

August 2019

ee. Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 4-46, Contingency Fatality Operations,

17 December 2014. (until superseded by Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

(MTTP) 4-46, Mortuary Affairs in a Theater of Operations, Final Draft Pending Publishing)

ff. Mortuary Affairs Contaminated Remains Mitigation Site Tactical Handbook, September

2016

gg. USCENTCOM Intra-Theater Airlift Letter of Instruction (FOUO), 22 January 2021

hh. USCENTCOM memorandum, Delegation of Authority to Approve Passengers, Cargo,

and Human Remains Airlift Requirements, 13 May 2019.

ii. Air Force Instruction (AFI) 34-501, Mortuary Affairs Program, 16 April 2019

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jj. Air Force Instruction (AFI) 31-126, AR 700-81, OPNAVINST 5585.3B, MCO 5585.6,

DoD Military Working Dog (MWD) Program, 17 January 2019

kk. Marine Corps Order (MCO) 4050.38D, Personal Effects and Baggage Manual,

2 November 2009

ll. Marine Corps Order (MCO) 4400.201-V13, Management of Property in Possession of the

Marine Corp, 3 November 2016

mm. Department of the Army memorandum, Hazardous Material Packaging Waiver, MAW-

ECBC-2017-03-A, for Chemically – Contaminated Human Remain (C-CHR) Packaged in a C-

CHR Transfer Case System (C-CHRT), 21 June 2017

nn. Air Transportability Test Loading Activity (ATTLA) Internal Air Transport Certification

for Chemical Contaminated Human Remains Transfer Case (C-CHRT), 28 June 2017

oo. Technical Guide [TG]195A, Safety and Health Guidance for Mortuary Affairs

Operations: Infectious Materials, November 2015 (United States Army Public Health Center’s

USAPHC’s)