12 October 2011

Mortuary Affairs

Joint Publication 4-06
Intentionally Blank 
i 

PREFACE 

1. Scope 

This publication provides joint doctrine for mortuary affairs support in joint operations. 

It outlines procedures for the search, recovery, evacuation (to include tracking of human 

remains), tentative identification, processing, and/or temporary interment of remains. This 

publication addresses both the Department of Defense’s mortuary affairs responsibilities in 

regards to civil support duties under United States Northern Command and to the other 

geographic combatant commanders. It further addresses decontamination procedures for 

handling contaminated human remains and provides for the handling of personal effects of 

deceased and missing personnel. 

2. Purpose 

This publication has been prepared under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff. It sets forth joint doctrine to govern the activities and performance of the 

Armed Forces of the United States in joint operations and provides the doctrinal basis for 

interagency coordination and for US military involvement in multinational operations. It 

provides military guidance for the exercise of authority by combatant commanders and other 

joint force commanders (JFCs) and prescribes joint doctrine for operations, education, and 

training. It provides military guidance for use by the Armed Forces in preparing their 

appropriate plans. It is not the intent of this publication to restrict the authority of the JFC 

from organizing the force and executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems most 

appropriate to ensure unity of effort in the accomplishment of the overall objective. 

3. Application 

a. Joint doctrine established in this publication applies to the Joint Staff, commanders of 

combatant commands, subunified commands, joint task forces, subordinate components of 

these commands, and the Services. 

b. The guidance in this publication is authoritative; as such, this doctrine will be 

followed except when, in the judgment of the commander, exceptional circumstances dictate 

otherwise. If conflicts arise between the contents of this publication and the contents of 

Service publications, this publication will take precedence unless the Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff, normally in coordination with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 

has provided more current and specific guidance. Commanders of forces operating as part of 

a multinational (alliance or coalition) military command should follow multinational doctrine 

and procedures ratified by the United States. For doctrine and procedures not ratified by the 

 
Preface 

ii JP 4-06 

United States, commanders should evaluate and follow the multinational command’s 

doctrine and procedures, where applicable and consistent with US law, regulations, and 

doctrine. 

For the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: 

WILLIAM E. GORTNEY 

VADM, USN 

Director, Joint Staff 
iii 

SUMMARY OF CHANGES 

REVISION OF JOINT PUBLICATION 4-06 

DATED 05 JUNE 2006 

• Changes the publication title from Mortuary Affairs in Joint Operations to 

Mortuary Affairs. 

• Expands on the role of mortuary affairs support for homeland defense and civil 

support operations and changes the chapter title from Mortuary Affairs Support 

in the United States to Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil 

Authorities. 

• Removes the tactics, techniques, and procedures for decontamination of human 

remains and personal effects. 

• Adds a chapter on Mortuary Operations. 

• Removes chapter on Procedures for the Search and Recovery of Human 

Remains and placed the information in appropriate chapter locations. 

• Removes chapter on Evacuation and Tentative Identification of Human 

Remains and placed the information in appropriate chapter locations. 

• Adds a chapter on Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations. 

• Replaces the term decontamination with contamination mitigation. 

• Changes the name of the mortuary affairs decontamination collection point to 

mortuary affairs contaminated remains mitigation site. 

• Removes appendix on International Agreements and Memorandums of 

Understanding. 

• Removes appendix on Common Forms Used in Mortuary Affairs and placed the 

forms in the appropriate chapter locations. 

• Adds appendix on Transportation of Contaminated Remains. 

• Adds appendix on Mortuary Affairs Assets and Capabilities. 

• Adds appendix on Foreign Humanitarian Assistance. 
Summary of Changes 

iv JP 4-06 

• Provides additional guidance on the recovery, handling, processing, and 

evacuation of portions to reflect current Armed Forces Medical Examiner 

guidance and Department of Defense (DOD) policy. 

• Provides additional guidance on the recovery, handling, processing, and 

evacuation of US contractor remains to reflect current DOD policy. 

• Provides updated guidance on the joint personal effects depot and its 

procedures and operations. 

• Provides guidance on inventory officer responsibilities for the collection, 

inventory, and shipment of personal effects. 
v 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................... ix 

CHAPTER I 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS PROGRAM 

 Introduction ................................................................................................................ I-1 

 Mortuary Affairs Policy ............................................................................................. I-2 

 Joint Mortuary Affairs Program ................................................................................ I-3 

 Military Mortuary Affairs Support ............................................................................ I-4 

 Roles and Responsibilities ......................................................................................... I-5 

CHAPTER II 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS SUPPORT IN A THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

 Joint Mortuary Affairs Office ...................................................................................II-1 

 Operational Mortuary Affairs Support .....................................................................II-3 

 Command and Control of Army Mortuary Affairs Assets .......................................II-4 

 Temporary Storage, Interment, and Disinterment Operations ..................................II-5 

 Mortuary Affairs Support to Non-United States Personnel ......................................II-8 

 Strategic Implications of Mortuary Affairs Interaction with the 

Death of Non-United States Civilians and Noncombatants .....................................II-9 

 Mass Casualty/Fatality Incident Considerations ......................................................II-9 

 Legal Considerations ..............................................................................................II-10 

 Special Considerations ............................................................................................II-11 

CHAPTER III 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS PLANNING 

 Introduction ............................................................................................................. III-1 

 Planning Guidance .................................................................................................. III-1 

 Planning Considerations ......................................................................................... III-2 

 Religious Considerations ........................................................................................ III-6 

 Mortuary Affairs Facilities ..................................................................................... III-6 

 Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Considerations .......................... III-6 

 Communications and Interoperability .................................................................... III-8 

 Public Affairs .......................................................................................................... III-9 

 Training ................................................................................................................... III-9 

CHAPTER IV 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS BATTLEFIELD OPERATIONS 

 Unit-Level Operations ............................................................................................ IV-1 

 Search and Recovery of Human Remains .............................................................. IV-1 

 
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vi JP 4-06 

 Mortuary Affairs Collection Point Operations ..................................................... IV-18 

 Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point Operations ................................................... IV-37 

CHAPTER V 

PERSONAL EFFECTS 

 Introduction .............................................................................................................. V-1

 General Guidance .................................................................................................... V-1 

 Roles and Responsibilities ....................................................................................... V-1 

 Unit Tasks ................................................................................................................ V-3 

 Personal Effects in a Theater of Operations ............................................................ V-4 

 Theater Personal Effects Depot Operations ............................................................. V-5 

 Joint Personal Effects Depot Operations in the Continental United States ........... V-11 

CHAPTER VI 

MORTUARY OPERATIONS 

 Overview ................................................................................................................. VI-1

 Port Mortuary .......................................................................................................... VI-1 

 Department of Defense Regional Mortuaries ......................................................... VI-2 

 Installation Mortuary Support ................................................................................. VI-2 

CHAPTER VII 

HOMELAND DEFENSE AND DEFENSE SUPPORT OF CIVIL AUTHORITIES 

 Introduction ............................................................................................................ VII-1

 Roles and Responsibilities ..................................................................................... VII-1 

 National Response Framework .............................................................................. VII-3 

 Defense Support to Civil Authorities .................................................................... VII-5 

 National Mass-Fatality Management Framework ................................................. VII-6 

 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management ..... VII-9 

 Homeland Defense ................................................................................................. VII-9 

CHAPTER VIII 

CONTAMINATED HUMAN REMAINS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS 

 Introduction .......................................................................................................... VIII-1 

 Overview of Department of Defense Operations in a 

Contaminated Environment ................................................................................. VIII-1 

 Mortuary Affairs Operations in a Contaminated Environment ........................... VIII-1 

 Mortuary Affairs Contaminated Human Remains Mitigation Site ...................... VIII-3 

 Temporary Storage of Contaminated Human Remains ....................................... VIII-9 

 Temporary Interment of Contaminated Human Remains ................................. VIII-10 

 Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point Operations ................................................ VIII-10 

 Port Mortuary ..................................................................................................... VIII-11 

 Final Disposition ................................................................................................ VIII-11 

 Mortuary Affairs Contaminated Remains Mitigation Site Records .................. VIII-11 
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vii 

APPENDIX 

A Sample Format for Mortuary Affairs Appendix to an Operation Plan ..... A-1 

B Mass Interment ...........................................................................................B-1 

C Foreign Humanitarian Assistance ..............................................................C-1 

D Transportation of Contaminated Human Remains .................................... D-1 

E Religious Support to Mortuary Affairs ...................................................... E-1 

F Mortuary Affairs Assets and Capabilities .................................................. F-1 

G Key Points of Contact ............................................................................... G-1 

H References ................................................................................................. H-1 

J Administrative Instructions ......................................................................... J-1 

GLOSSARY 

Part I Abbreviations and Acronyms .................................................................. GL-1 

Part II Terms and Definitions ............................................................................. GL-5 

FIGURE 

IV-1 Example of a Straight-Line Box Search ................................................... IV-2 

IV-2 DD Form 567, Record of Search and Recovery ....................................... IV-5 

IV-3 DD Form 565, Statement of Recognition of Deceased ............................ IV-7 

IV-4 DD Form 1074, Questionnaire of Local Inhabitants ................................ IV-8 

IV-5 Search and Recovery Tag for Human Remains, 

Ground/Non-Vehicular ............................................................................. IV-9 

IV-6 Search and Recovery Tag for Human Remains, Aircraft ....................... IV-10 

IV-7 Search and Recovery Tag for Portion .................................................... IV-11 

IV-8 Search and Recovery Tag for Disassociated Personal Effects ............... IV-12 

IV-9 Sample Recovery Site Map .................................................................... IV-17 

IV-10 Mortuary Affairs Collection Plan (Temporary)–Site Plan ..................... IV-20 

IV-11 Sample Layout of a Collection Point ..................................................... IV-21 

IV-12 DD Form 1077, Collection Point Register of Deceased Personnel ........ IV-22 

IV-13 Evacuation Tag for Human Remains ..................................................... IV-24 

IV-14 Evacuation Tag for Portions ................................................................... IV-25 

IV-15 Evacuation Tag for Individual Portions (for Inclusion Inside a 

Human Remains Pouch Several Portions) ............................................. IV-26 

IV-16 Sample 3 × 5 Alpha Index Card ............................................................. IV-27 

IV-17 DD Form 1075, Convoy List of Remains of Deceased Personnel ......... IV-28 

IV-18 DD Form 1380, US Field Medical Card ................................................ IV-29 

IV-19 DD Form 2064, United States Department of Defense 

Certificate of Death ................................................................................ IV-30 

IV-20 DD Form 890, Record of Identification Processing 

(Effects and Physical Data) .................................................................... IV-32 

IV-21 DD Form 1076, Record of Personal Property/Personal Effects ............. IV-33 

IV-22 DD Form 1076C, Record of Personal Property/Personal Effects 

(Continuation Sheet) .............................................................................. IV-34 

IV-23 Evacuation Tag for Disassociated Effects .............................................. IV-35 
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viii JP 4-06 

IV-24 Evacuation Channels for Human Remains ............................................. IV-36 

IV-25 Suggested Layout for Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point .................... IV-40 

IV-26 Suggested Format for Theater Mortuary Evacuation Logbook.............. IV-42 

IV-27 DD Form 1384, Transportation Control and Movement Document ...... IV-44 

IV-28 DD Form 1387, Military Shipment Label .............................................. IV-45 

IV-29 DD Form 1387-2, Special Handling Data/Certification ......................... IV-45 

IV-30 Recommended Placement of Human Remains, Ice, and 

Case File in a Transfer Case ................................................................... IV-47 

V-1 Suggested Layout for a Personal Effects Depot ........................................ V-7 

V-2 Suggested Format for Personal Effects Depot Logbook ........................... V-8 

V-3 Suggested Format for Certificate of Destruction .................................... V-13 

VII-1 Typical Mortuary Affairs Assets ............................................................. VII-4 

VII-2 Typical Incident Command System Structure ........................................ VII-7 

VIII-1 Suggested Mortuary Affairs Contaminated Remains 

Mitigation Site Layout (Chemical) ....................................................... VIII-5 

B-1 Diagram of Interment Site ..........................................................................B-5 

B-2 DD Form 1079, Interment/Disinterment Register ......................................B-6 

B-3 Interment Processing Tag ...........................................................................B-8 

C-1 Recommended Equipment/Supply Package for 

Humanitarian Assistance Operations .........................................................C-6 
ix

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

COMMANDER’S OVERVIEW 

 Describes the Mortuary Affairs (MA) Program 

 Discusses MA Support in a Theater of Operations

 Explains MA Planning 

 Discusses MA Battlefield Operations 

 Provides Guidance on Handling Personal Effects 

 Covers Mortuary Operations 

 Addresses MA Support for Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil 

Authorities 

 Outlines MA Operations in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear 

Environment and Handling of Contaminated Human Remains and Personal 

Effects 

Mortuary Affairs Program 

The Joint Mortuary Affairs 

Program provides support 

across the range of military 

operations. 

The Joint Mortuary Affairs Program is a broadly based 

military program providing for the care and disposition 

of missing and deceased personnel, including personal 

effects (PE). Based on the guidance and direction of 

the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) and the Chairman of 

the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Joint Mortuary Affairs 

Program provides guidance to the combatant 

commands and Services. 

Mortuary Affairs Policy Policy as stated in Department of Defense Directive 

(DODD) 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy, is that the 

human remains of all members of the Armed Forces of 

the United States will be returned for permanent 

disposition in accordance with the decedent’s will or 

the laws of the state (territory, possession, or country) 

of the decedent’s legal residence as directed by the 

person authorized to direct disposition of human 

remains (PADD). 

Joint Mortuary Affairs 

Program 

During peacetime and peace operations, mortuary 

services are provided at the local level by regional 
Executive Summary 

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The program provides for 

professional mortuary 

services, supplies, and related 

services to statutorily eligible 

personnel.

Service mortuaries or through established Service 

contracts. During military operations when local 

support capabilities are exceeded or not available, the 

Department of Defense (DOD) can direct all human 

remains go to a specified mortuary, normally the Port 

Mortuary at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. The 

specified mortuary will provide positive identification 

(ID) (if augmented by Armed Forces Medical Examiner 

System), mortuary services, and return human remains 

to a place designated by the PADD for permanent 

disposition. 

Military Mortuary Affairs 

Support 

Mortuary affairs (MA) support begins at the unit level. 

Commanders are responsible for the recovery and 

evacuation of human remains of assigned and attached 

personnel (military, DOD civilian and contractor) to the 

nearest MA facility (usually located at the nearest 

support area). The Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army 

have personnel with MA training and have the 

capability to establish and operate mortuary affairs 

collection points (MACPs). The Army, however, is the 

only Service with an Active Component dedicated MA 

force structure and the capability to provide backup 

support to all Services and is often tasked to operate 

MACPs on an area basis. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

In all cases, the direct initial 

contact with family members 

of deceased personnel is 

performed by the parent 

Service. 

The Secretary of the Army serves as the executive 

agent for MA for DOD. 

Geographic combatant commanders (GCCs) give 

authoritative direction and guidance on providing MA 

support to all assigned and attached forces physically 

present in their area of responsibility (AOR). 

Commander, United States Transportation 

Command, provides strategic airlift to evacuate human 

remains from outside the continental US to a 

designated DOD mortuary. 

Each Service is responsible for MA support, to include 

tentative ID and disposition of human remains and PE, 

for its own personnel unless otherwise directed by the 

GCC or mutual support agreements between the 

Services. 
Executive Summary 

xi

Mortuary Affairs Support in a Theater of Operations 

Joint Mortuary Affairs Office GCCs normally establish a joint mortuary affairs office 

(JMAO) within their commands to provide policy to 

their assigned Service components and support the joint 

force. The JMAO develops MA-specific directives and 

geographic specific operation orders for the GCC, 

while providing oversight of Service component MA 

operations and programs. 

Operational Mortuary Affairs 

Support 

Operational MA support can be broken down into four 

types of support: 

 Direct support (DS) is to a specific force and 

authorizes the MA team to answer directly to the 

supported forces request for assistance. 

 Area support is not a support relationship, but 

rather a method by which a unit may provide 

support. 

 General support (GS) is a support relationship that 

can be established between units. 

 Inter-Service support is support provided by 

another Service to support operations. 

Command and Control of 

Army Mortuary Affairs Assets 

The deployment and assignment of US Army MA 

assets are dynamic and can be readily tailored to meet 

operational requirements. The company structure 

allows for deployment of a collection team, an MA 

platoon, or the company as a whole. 

Temporary Storage, 

Interment, and Disinterment 

Operations 

Commanders are responsible for temporary storage, 

interment, and disinterment operations to ensure the 

preservation and accountability of human remains 

under their control. The primary objectives of these 

operations are to maintain morale and field sanitation 

and to comply with the law of war, international law, 

and international agreements. 

Mortuary Affairs Support to 

Non-US Personnel 

Existing standardization agreements should be used 

whenever possible to facilitate common policies and 

procedures among participating nations. MA personnel 

process adversary detainee human remains and PE in 
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accordance with the Geneva Convention Relative to the 

Treatment of Prisoners of War. 

Strategic Implications of 

Mortuary Affairs Interaction 

with the Death of Non-US

Civilians and Noncombatants 

While it is in the interest of US and multinational 

forces to not be involved in the handling of the human 

remains of civilian and noncombatant deaths, this is a 

situation with specific political and cultural sensitivities 

that cannot always be avoided. Civil affairs (CA) 

personnel can assist local agencies interfacing with US 

military assets providing support to transport the human 

remains. CA personnel advise the command on 

cultural traditions impacting the handling and transport 

of human remains. 

Mass Casualty/Fatality 

Incident Considerations 

GCCs are responsible for the proper execution of MA 

when such events occur within their AOR. 

Coordination with the Armed Forces Medical Examiner 

(AFME) is mandatory in all peacetime mass 

casualty/fatality incidents, no matter where the incident 

occurs. 

Legal Considerations The legal considerations for MA support in a theater of 

operation stem from the commanders’ responsibility for 

health and public hygiene as well as articles of the law 

of war and the Geneva Conventions. The MA program 

should include the commander’s guidance on the rules 

of the use of force or rules of engagement and rules for 

gathering evidence to the forces conducting MA 

operations. 

Special Considerations Special considerations should include: special religious 

and cultural considerations; and use of nonmilitary MA 

support. 

Mortuary Affairs Planning 

Planning Guidance GCCs are responsible for developing policies for the 

overall supervision of all MA matters. Subordinate 

commanders are responsible for ensuring that the MA 

support guidance from higher headquarters is 

implemented in their overall operational concept of 

operations. 

Planning Considerations Commanders and MA support planners at all levels 

should consider the following during planning and 

execution: review or establish multinational 
Executive Summary 

xiii

agreements; number of expected fatalities; level of 

infrastructure development (e.g., port mortuary 

location, intratheater lines of communications, airfields, 

and other facilities); and operational requirements. 

Religious Considerations Religious beliefs and practices will influence the 

handling of human remains and may impact joint and 

multinational operations. Religious support teams can 

advise on specific religious practices associated with 

handling of the deceased and interment operations. 

Environmental, Safety, and 

Occupational Health 

Considerations 

While complete protection of personnel, equipment, 

facilities, and the environment during military 

operations may not always be possible, planners should 

carefully address environmental, safety, and 

occupational health considerations during joint 

operations. 

Public Affairs The public release of information on casualties during 

peacetime should be in accordance with the individual 

Service’s policies and procedures. All requests for 

information on the deceased should be referred to the 

appropriate JMAO or medical examiners and/or 

coroners (ME/Cs), who will coordinate the release of 

the requested information though the public affairs 

office once authorized. 

Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations 

Unit-Level Operations Unit-level operations consist of the initial search, 

recovery, and evacuation of unit deceased personnel to 

the nearest MACP. This is the first step in the MA 

process on the battlefield. 

Search and Recovery of 

Human Remains 

When searching for human remains, follow a 

systematic method. This allows team members to 

thoroughly cover a large area. Once the entire area has 

been searched and all relevant items marked, the team 

will begin the documentation and recovery process. 

Personnel designated to document and safeguard PE 

must thoroughly check the entire human remains for 

PE, including the hands, neck, pockets, boots, and loadcarrying equipment. Once human remains, portions, 

and disassociated effects have been tagged and placed 

in human remains pouches, the human remains should 

be evacuated to the evacuation point. It is vital that all 
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xiv JP 4-06

aspects of the recovery operation be documented. This 

documentation provides a spatial and contextual 

reference as to where human remains, artifacts, and 

other material evidence are found within the recovery 

site.

Mortuary Affairs Collection 

Point Operations 

The MACP is the basic unit for modern day MA 

support. These MACPs provide DS and/or GS for 

receiving, refrigeration, processing, tentative ID, and 

evacuation of human remains and their accompanying 

PE. 

Theater Mortuary Evacuation 

Point Operations 

A theater mortuary evacuation point (TMEP) will be 

established with the primary mission of evacuating all 

human remains and accompanying PE to a military 

mortuary. Locate the TMEP at or adjacent to a major 

aerial port of embarkation. This arrangement will 

capitalize on all available aircraft and corresponding 

logistic support. 

Personal Effects 

General Guidance 

Personal effects include all 

personal items the individual 

possesses at the time of death, 

excluding government 

property. 

Disposition of PE includes the collection, receipt, 

recording, accountability, storage, and disposal of the 

PE of US military personnel, civilians under US 

military jurisdiction, and all deceased persons for 

whom the US provides mortuary services. All efforts 

are made to safeguard and protect PE from the elements 

and pilferage during the entire handling and 

transportation process. 

Roles and Responsibilities The GCC is responsible for the control and 

coordination of MA support. This includes PE support 

for all US military personnel, US civilians and others, 

multinational partner, local national, and adversary 

personnel. 

The theater MA officer is responsible for determining 

the theater process for handling and evacuation of PE.

The MACP is responsible for inventorying, recording, 

safeguarding, and evacuating all decedent effects. 

Each deployed unit is responsible for the appointment 

of a PE inventory officer. The unit is responsible for
Executive Summary 

xv

 the collection, inventory, safeguarding, packaging, and 

evacuation of all PE for the unit member. 

The theater inventory officer is the sole responsible 

designee that ensures there is a clear chain of custody 

from the moment of incident to the MACPs. 

The theater PE depot is responsible for the receipt, 

safeguard, inventory (when required), storage, 

palletizing, and evacuation of PE back to the 

continental US PE depot. When a PE depot is 

established, the need for a Service to handle the 

disposition of PE is eliminated. 

Joint Personal Effects Depot 

Operations in the 

Continental US 

A joint personal effects depot (JPED) is structured into 

five main sections: receiving, administration, 

processing, inventory officer final inventory, and 

shipping. The Casualty and Mortuary Affairs 

Operations Center maintains a JPED as required to 

support DOD operations around the world. 

Mortuary Operations 

Overview DOD installations provide mortuary services for 

authorized personnel through contract with local 

commercial vendors. When commercial mortuary 

services are not available or are cost prohibitive, DOD 

or the Services may establish regional mortuaries. 

Port Mortuary The port mortuary’s mission is to fulfill the US 

commitment of ensuring dignity, honor, and respect to 

our fallen and provide care, service, and support to their 

families. The port mortuary is where the AFME’s 

office often determines cause and manner of death and 

obtains positive ID of deceased personnel. 

Department of Defense 

Regional Mortuaries 

Regional mortuaries are strategically placed to support 

overseas installations and operations and provide the 

full spectrum of mortuary services for a geographical 

region to all personnel who are authorized DOD 

mortuary services. 

Installation Mortuary Support In the US, installation mortuary support is handled in 

accordance with Service and installation regulations 

and guidance. Installations establish contracts for 

mortuary services. 
Executive Summary 

xvi JP 4-06

Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil Authorities 

Defense Support of Civil 

Authorities 

DOD may be required to provide defense support of 

civil authorities (DSCA) for domestic incidents as 

directed by the President or when consistent with 

military readiness and appropriate under the 

circumstances and the law as per Homeland Security 

Presidential Directive-5, Management of Domestic 

Incidents, and DODD 3025.18, Defense Support of 

Civil Authorities (DSCA), to support civilian entities 

following the occurrence of a natural, man-made, or 

terrorist incident. 

United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) 

and United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) 

provide DSCA as directed by the President or SecDef, 

which is typically after local, state, tribal, and other 

federal resources are overwhelmed and civil authorities 

have requested DOD assistance. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

Within the Department of 

Defense, mortuary affairs 

capabilities exist at the Service 

level that can be called upon 

to support a defense support 

of civil authorities mission 

assignment. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 

establishes federal response operations structures in 

Presidential declared disasters/emergencies including: 

the deployment of emergency response teams, 

establishment of joint field office, coordination of 

overall incident, provision of funds, and issuance of 

mission assignments to include those assigned for the 

MA mission. The Department of Health and Human 

Services provides oversight of Emergency Support 

Function (ESF) #8, the ESF applicable to mass fatality 

management, and is responsible for assisting the ME/C 

office in coordinating response activities. 

National Response 

Framework 

According to the National Response Framework (NRF) 

the responsibility for responding to disaster incidents 

begins at the local level, specifically the local 

government affected by the disaster. The NRF 

however, plays a key role in helping community leaders 

mitigate the effects of the disaster event by facilitating 

the involvement of state, federal, and private sector 

assets prepared to aid the local response effort. MA 

activities are included within ESF #8—Public Health 

and Medical Services. 

National Mass-Fatality 

Management Framework 

Once assets are deployed, DOD units must interface 

with civilian entities in accordance with the National 
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xvii

Incident Management System’s Incident Command 

System (ICS). DOD assets will interface with civilian 

response units within the ICS. MA units will operate 

within the operations section, as part of a fatality 

management branch and under the DOD chain of 

command at all times. 

Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological, and Nuclear 

Consequence Management 

During chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

(CBRN) events that go beyond the ability of a state to 

respond, USNORTHCOM or USPACOM will activate 

and deploy CBRN response forces tailored to the scale 

and scope of the incident. When authorized by SecDef, 

DOD MA assets can help mitigate the potential health 

risks posed by mass fatalities and assist in incident 

response and recovery operations. 

Homeland Defense GCCs are responsible for coordinating DOD MA 

operations within their AORs. In DSCA incidents, 

local, tribal, or state ME/Cs will usually maintain 

jurisdiction over both military and civilian fatalities, 

including decedents from mass fatality incidents. 

Contaminated Human Remains and Personal Effects 

Overview of Department of 

Defense Operations in a 

Contaminated Environment 

CBRN consequence management is a US Government–

level responsibility to which DOD will provide support 

as directed to DHS, the Department of State, or other 

appropriate departments and agencies in the conduct of 

CBRN response. All DOD installations develop and 

exercise CBRN response plans, which outline 

operations and give tasks to staff functions such as 

public health and medical services, public affairs, legal 

counsel, and MA. 

Mortuary Affairs Operations 

in a Contaminated 

Environment 

The primary MA mission in a CBRN environment is 

the establishment and operation of a mortuary affairs 

contaminated human remains mitigation site 

(MACRMS) to complete MA ID tasks and 

contamination mitigation. Unit personnel, wearing 

appropriate mission-oriented protective posture gear, 

are responsible for the recovery of deceased unit 

members while evacuating the area. The unit will 

establish a collection point (CP). The unit will 

transport the human remains to either the CP or to the 

MACRMS as directed. The MACRMS is an 

established location utilizing specialized equipment 
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xviii JP 4-06

where MA personnel safely handle contaminated 

human remains and perform the MA tasks. 

Theater Mortuary Evacuation 

Point Operations 

The TMEP will receive all human remains processed 

and cleared for evacuation from the MA processing 

point for contaminated human remains. The TMEP 

will not process these human remains but rather act as a 

transfer point. 

Port Mortuary The port mortuary will receive the human remains from 

the TMEP and store them until coordination for final 

disposition can be made. The AFME will determine 

the handling procedures for human remains marked 

with CBRN labels on a case by case basis, based on 

contaminant and exposure levels. 

CONCLUSION 

 This publication provides joint doctrine for MA support 

in joint operations. It outlines procedures for the 

search, recovery, evacuation (to include tracking of 

human remains), tentative ID, processing, and/or 

temporary interment of human remains. This 

publication addresses both the DOD’s MA 

responsibilities in regards to civil support duties under 

Commander, USNORTHCOM and to the other GCCs. 

It further addresses decontamination procedures for 

handling contaminated human remains and provides for 

the handling of PE of deceased and missing personnel.
I-1 

CHAPTER I 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS PROGRAM 

1. Introduction 

The Joint Mortuary Affairs Program is a broadly based military program providing for 

the care and disposition of missing and deceased personnel, including personal effects (PE). 

Based on the guidance and direction of the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) and the Chairman 

of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), the Joint Mortuary Affairs Program provides guidance to 

the combatant commands (CCMDs) and Services. The combatant commanders (CCDRs) 

develop implementation plans based on CJCS policy and doctrine. Each Service implements 

the doctrine. The Joint Mortuary Affairs Program provides support across the range of 

military operations for: 

a. Search, recovery, identification (ID), evacuation, temporary interment, disinterment, 

contamination mitigation, and reinterment of deceased US military personnel, US civilians 

and others (when requested by the Department of State [DOS]), and multinational partner, 

third country, local national, and adversary personnel. These mortuary affairs (MA) 

functions may be performed, under the civil support construct, in support of federal, state, or 

tribal authorities when requested by a jurisdictional federal department or agency and 

authorized by SecDef. 

b. Operating MA processing points during military operations. MA processing points 

include mortuary affairs collection points (MACPs), theater mortuary evacuation points 

(TMEPs), MA processing points for contaminated remains, temporary interment sites, PE 

depots, and Department of Defense (DOD) mortuaries. 

c. Preparing and coordinating shipment of human remains to the place designated by the 

person authorized to direct disposition of human remains (PADD). 

d. Operation of the port mortuary at Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Delaware, and DOD 

mortuaries outside the continental United States (OCONUS) for the preparation of human 

remains and coordination of final disposition. Establishment of other port mortuaries, if so 

directed. 

Note: The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) may, for logistical or 

operational purposes, delegate the use of an OCONUS mortuary. 

e. Collecting, inventorying, storing, and processing PE of deceased and missing US 

military personnel, US civilians and others (when requested by DOS), and multinational 

partner, third country, local national, and adversary personnel. 

“Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead, and I will measure with 

mathematical exactness, the tender mercies of its people, their loyalty to high 

ideals, and their regard for the laws of the land.” 

William Ewart Gladstone 

British Prime Minister (four times between 1864 and 1894) 
Chapter I 

I-2 JP 4-06 

f. Developing standards and specifications for the preparation of human remains, 

cremation, caskets, and urns. 

g. Compilation of records and other data to support search and recovery (S&R) of 

human remains during operations in the theater. 

h. Developing standard policies and procedures for implementation of the Joint 

Mortuary Affairs Program. 

2. Mortuary Affairs Policy 

Policy as stated in Department of Defense Directive (DODD) 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs 

Policy, is that the human remains of all members of the Armed Forces of the United States 

will be returned for permanent disposition in accordance with the decedent’s will or the laws 

of the state (territory, possession, or country) of the decedent’s legal residence as directed by 

the PADD. OCONUS, geographic combatant commanders (GCCs) will determine if and 

when operational constraints necessitate a transition to a program of temporary interment in 

their area of responsibility (AOR) for United States Pacific Command (USPACOM); this 

applies to non-US portions of the USPACOM AOR. When military necessity or other 

factors prevent evacuation of human remains, the remains may be kept in refrigerated storage 

or temporarily interred according to established procedures. The GCC makes the temporary 

interment decision, and the responsibility may not be delegated to subordinate commanders. 

GCCs may implement temporary interment to accommodate the mandate of some religious 

communities for a timely interment. Such policy may not be identical between US, 

multinational partner, local national, or adversary personnel. Interments performed within 

the scope and direction of the GCC are temporary, except for at sea disposition and when 

human remains are contaminated and present an ongoing threat to the living. Disinterment 

may commence when evacuation of the human remains is operationally acceptable. The 

recovery, evacuation, tentative ID, and final disposition of deceased military and civilian 

personnel under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces of the United States are command 

responsibilities. Unit commanders who sustain losses are responsible for the recovery and 

evacuation of human remains to the nearest MA site. For humanitarian, health, and morale 

reasons in foreign countries, this policy may be extended to the local populace fatalities. It is 

DOD policy that: 

a. The human remains of all members of the Armed Forces of the United States will be 

provided permanent disposition to the extent authorized in their appropriate Service 

regulations or by federal statutes. 

b. All human remains shall be handled with reverence, care, priority, and dignity 

befitting them and the circumstances, in accordance with Defense Transportation Regulation 

4500.9-R, Part VII, Human Remains Movement. 

c. To the extent possible, PE will be returned to the person eligible to receive effects 

(PERE) as rapidly as possible. Only custody of the PE is transferred from the Service 

concerned to the PERE. Any question of title or ownership must be determined by 
Mortuary Affairs Program 

I-3 

agreement among the interested parties, or, if necessary, the civil courts in the county, tribal, 

or state domicile of the deceased or missing person. 

d. Every reasonable effort will be made to identify human remains and fully account for 

unrecovered human remains of US military personnel, government employees, government 

contractors, their dependents, and others who die in military operations, training accidents, 

and other fatality incidents. 

e. Temporary interment is a last resort to protect unit health, safety, and sanitation. 

Temporary interment should be only considered after all other courses of action (COAs) 

have been explored. Authority for temporary interment in a theater resides with the GCC. 

Burial at sea may be authorized by the ship’s captain only when a preservation capability is 

not available aboard ship or when transfer to shore is not operationally feasible. The 

commander of a geographic CCMD OCONUS may approve temporary interments when 

human remains are contaminated with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

(CBRN) hazards and adequate contamination mitigation is not possible without endangering 

other personnel. Human remains will be disinterred as soon as possible based upon 

operational and safety requirements. 

f. The preservation of human remains and PE will be given the highest priority. Every 

effort will be made to preserve the condition of human remains including those recovered 

from past conflicts. 

g. MA personnel afford human remains a uniformly high level of dignity and respect 

regardless of the status of the deceased, whether military or civilian, and regardless of the 

circumstances under which the fatalities occurred, whether combat or noncombat. 

h. DOD may provide mortuary support for the disposition of human remains and PE 

upon the request of DOS. The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness will 

coordinate this support with DOS to include cost reimbursement, where appropriate. 

i. The disposition of allied, multinational partner, combatant or noncombatant host 

nation (HN), or third country human remains will likewise be given the same dignity and 

respect afforded US personnel. Coordination for handover to the HN will reside with the 

GCC in coordination with, and in conjunction with, the DOS through the HN embassy or the 

International Red Cross or Red Crescent, as appropriate. 

j. The policy for supplying MA support to civil authorities in the United States is 

discussed in Chapter VII, “Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil Authorities.” 

3. Joint Mortuary Affairs Program 

a. Local Support. During peacetime and peace operations, mortuary services are 

provided at the local level by regional Service mortuaries or through established Service 

contracts. Human remains are prepared and returned to a place designated by the PADD for 

permanent disposition. Decedent’s PE are shipped to the PERE in accordance with Service 

regulations and procedures. 
Chapter I 

I-4 JP 4-06 

b. Military Operations. During military operations when local support capabilities are 

exceeded or not available, DOD can direct all human remains go to a specified mortuary, 

normally the port mortuary at Dover AFB. The specified mortuary will provide positive ID 

(if augmented by AFMES), provide mortuary services, and return human remains to a place 

designated by the PADD for permanent disposition. 

c. The Joint Mortuary Affairs Program further covers emergency situations, such as 

S&R efforts for mass fatality incidents and temporary interment of remains when no other 

option is available. 

d. The program provides for professional mortuary services, supplies, and related 

services to statutorily eligible personnel. 

4. Military Mortuary Affairs Support 

a. Unit Level. MA support begins at the unit level. Commanders are responsible for 

the recovery and evacuation of human remains of assigned and attached personnel (military, 

DOD civilian and contractor) to the nearest MA facility (usually located at the nearest 

support area). The Marine Corps Personnel Retrieval and Processing (PRP) Company 

provides S&R teams in support of units within the Marine Corps operational area. Each 

Service will notify the next of kin (NOK) (this includes special operations forces and other 

personnel who may not be assigned to a Service component command). Service instructions 

for casualty matters such as notification are provided in Department of Defense Instruction 

(DODI) 1300.18, Department of Defense (DOD) Personnel Casualty Matters, Policies, and 

Procedures. 

b. Mortuary Affairs Collection Point. The Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army have 

personnel with MA training and have the capability to establish and operate MACPs. The 

Army, however, is the only Service with an Active Component dedicated MA force structure 

and the capability to provide backup support to all Services and is often tasked to operate 

MACPs on an area basis. Once the MACP receives human remains from the evacuating 

unit, the human remains are logged in and a case file is established. At that time, all 

classified documents, hazardous materials, weapons, and munitions are removed. 

Investigative agencies may collect evidence as required and provide it to the AFMES as 

warranted. Human remains should be handled with great care in regard to preservation of 

forensic evidence. Organizational clothing and individual equipment should not be removed 

in the operational area without approval of the AFMES. The human remains should not be 

cleaned or fingerprinted except by authorized investigative authorities or at the direction of 

the AFMES. Investigative personnel should use non-invasive fingerprinting methods to 

obtain the fingerprints whenever possible. PE should be inventoried for accountability and 

chain of custody. PE should remain with the human remains during evacuation. The human 

remains are tagged and placed in a human remains pouch (HRP). The HRP is sealed with a 

metal, numeric seal if available. The seal number is recorded in the case file. The human 

remains are refrigerated in secure storage until transportation is coordinated and human 

remains are recorded for manifest. Human remains should be evacuated as quickly as 

possible, using air transport, when available, or retrograde convoys, to the TMEP. The 

TMEP is usually located in a secure area on, or near, an aerial port of embarkation (APOE). 
Mortuary Affairs Program 

I-5 

Movement of human remains is situational and theater specific and should be accomplished 

in the most expedient manner possible. 

c. Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point Support. The TMEP provides general 

support (GS) to all authorized personnel within the theater of operations, and can operate as 

an MACP for units in the area. Upon receipt at the TMEP, the human remains are received 

and processed utilizing quality control (QC) procedures to complete case files prior to 

evacuation from theater. Photographs are taken as required to document the human remains 

without removal of clothing or equipment, or further manipulation. After processing, the 

noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) will make the determination if a new HRP is 

required to protect and preserve the human remains. PE are inventoried or re-inventoried as 

required. When discrepancies are found, an investigation will be initiated. Numeric seals 

will not be broken without approval of the theater mortuary affairs office (TMAO). Safety of 

personnel always has priority over procedures. HRPs will have a numeric seal affixed (when 

possible) prior to evacuation and the seal number recorded in the case file and in the 

Mortuary Affairs Reporting and Tracking System (MARTS). Chain of custody will be 

maintained or initiated by TMEP personnel. 

d. Servicing Mortuary. Human remains are prepared for final disposition at a DOD 

mortuary after release by the cognizant medical authority. When human remains are 

received at the mortuary, they are positively identified and prepared for final disposition as 

directed by the PADD. 

5. Roles and Responsibilities 

a. Secretary of the Army

(1) Serve as the executive agent (EA) for MA for DOD consistent with the 

guidance in DODD 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy. 

 (2) Maintain the Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Board (CJMAB) and appoint a 

chairman. 

b. Geographic Combatant Commanders

(1) Give authoritative direction and guidance on providing MA support to all 

assigned and attached forces physically present in their AOR. 

(2) Designate a Service component to serve as the lead Service for the theater MA 

support program at the AOR level. As necessary, designate a lead Service at selected 

subordinate joint force commander (JFC) levels and assign responsibilities, tasks, and assets. 

(3) Assume lead responsibility and coordination for fatalities occurring within the 

commander’s AOR and assign tasks and assets, and organize commands as necessary to 

execute the MA mission. 

(4) Establish a joint mortuary affairs office (JMAO) to provide oversight of MA 

support within their AOR. The GCC is authorized to establish a TMAO when the JMAO has 
Chapter I 

I-6 JP 4-06 

an extended area of operation and a centralized office within a theater is needed for 

overseeing MA operations. The JMAO and/or TMAO is responsible for detailed MA 

planning, the execution of the MA support mission, guidance, and policy within the 

operational area. 

(5) Provide MA support to other CCMDs when appropriate. 

c. Commander, United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) 

provides strategic airlift to evacuate human remains from OCONUS to a designated DOD 

mortuary. 

d. Services. Each Service is responsible for MA support, to include tentative ID and 

disposition of human remains and PE, for its own personnel unless otherwise directed by the 

GCC or mutual support agreements between the Services. In all cases, the direct initial 

contact with family members of deceased personnel is performed by the parent Service. 

(1) US Army Responsibilities 

(a) Maintain an MA force structure capable of providing support to its units 

and GS to the other Services. The Army will provide collection and evacuation support to 

the other Services through its facilities. GS, as it relates to MA operations, is defined as 

activities related to the operation and maintenance of a central MACP, the handling of 

decedent PE, and any mutually agreed-upon support. 

(b) Maintain the records and charter of the CJMAB. 

(c) Provide technical assistance to other Services upon request. 

(2) US Navy Responsibilities

(a) Maintain a force structure to provide MA support for its units. At sea, 

fatalities are handled by the ship’s medical department. 

(b) During peacetime, provide or arrange MA support for the Navy, Marine 

Corps, and Coast Guard when operating as part of the Department of the Navy. Maintain the 

capability to accomplish burials at sea. 

(c) Appoint a member to serve on the CJMAB. The Secretary of the Navy 

may appoint an additional member from the Marine Corps to serve on the CJMAB. 

(3) US Air Force (USAF) Responsibilities

(a) Maintain a trained MA force structure capability to provide support for its 

units. 

(b) Appoint a member to serve on the CJMAB. 
Mortuary Affairs Program 

I-7 

(c) Provide and maintain the capability to evacuate the deceased of all Services 

from OCONUS theaters to the specified DOD mortuary. 

(d) Operate and maintain a port-of-entry mortuary within the continental 

United States (CONUS) and as required, establish other CONUS port-of-entry mortuaries in 

support of all Services. 

(4) US Marine Corps Responsibilities. Maintain an MA force structure capability 

to provide support to Marine Corps units. 

(5) US Coast Guard Responsibilities

(a) In the US and its possessions and territories, provide or arrange MA 

support for its own personnel. 

(b) Manage an MA program using civilian providers. Maintain the capability 

to accomplish burials at sea. 

e. Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Board

(1) The CJMAB functions as a coordinating board for MA policy, procedures, 

mobilization planning, recommendations on mortuary services during military operations 

and promotes uniform Service policies, procedures, plans, and records for the disposition of 

human remains and PE. 

(2) The CJMAB meets at least twice a year or at the call of the Chairman of the 

CJMAB to support special incidents. In the case of prolonged hostile action, the Chairman 

of the CJMAB determines if there is a requirement to activate a full-time CJMAB. If 

activated, the CJMAB becomes the governing body from which MA wartime policy will be 

promulgated to the Services. However, as a governing body, the CJMAB does not exercise 

command and control (C2) over the Services’ MA functions, personnel, and facilities. C2 

responsibilities are retained by the individual Services. 

(3) Functions of the CJMAB may include, but are not limited to, disposition of 

human remains, PE programs, and, as necessary, CONUS military mortuary expansion. 

Peacetime guidelines also include procedures for supporting mass casualty/fatality incidents 

(MC/FIs). 

For additional information, refer to DODD 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy.

f. Joint POW/MIA [Prisoner of War/Missing in Action]Accounting Command 

(JPAC). JPAC’s mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all Americans 

missing as a result of the Nation’s past conflicts. 

g. Joint Mortuary Affairs Center (JMAC) 

(1) The US Army’s JMAC provides comprehensive MA expertise and technical 

assistance to all Services and CCMDs; monitors current operations, exercises, and readiness; 
Chapter I 

I-8 JP 4-06 

interfaces with federal and DOD agencies on MA matters; and maintains MA records as 

required. 

(2) The JMAC will provide recommendations to the CJMAB on changes in MA 

policy and procedures. 

h. Armed Forces Medical Examiner System

(1) The roles and responsibilities of the AFMES are outlined in Title 10, United 

States Code (USC), Section 1471; DODD 5154.24, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology 

(AFIP); DODI 5154.30, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Operations. 

(2) In general, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner (AFME) has the authority to 

conduct a forensic pathology investigation, including an autopsy, of the death of any military 

member serving on active duty where the US Government (USG) has exclusive jurisdictional 

authority, including where the circumstances surrounding the death are suspicious, 

unexpected, or unexplained. In wartime, the AFMES will review every case to determine 

the cause and manner of death to secure information for completion of military records, to 

obtain data for substantiating protective equipment, to protect the welfare of the military 

community (such as in the investigation of novel wounding agents or possible “friendly fire” 

incidents), or when the Service member is an aircrew member and the death occurs during 

flight operations (and not as a result of hostile fire). The AFME, in consultation with 

relevant law enforcement, intelligence, and safety agencies, and the GCC or subordinate 

JFC, has the authority to order such autopsies in the operational area or upon the return of 

human remains to other locations. The AFMES has the expertise in the fields of forensic 

sciences related to ID and is the DOD scientific authority for the ID of human remains in 

current deaths and other deceased individuals for whom a death certificate has not been 

issued. These techniques include, but are not limited to, anthropological examination, 

antemortem/postmortem dental comparison, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis, and 

consultation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for antemortem/postmortem 

latent print comparison. The AFME also provides medical certification for cause of death 

and manner of death. Services and CCMDs may request from the AFME assistance in the 

ID of any human remains. Normally, the AFMES operates as a supporting agency to the 

supported CCDR. The AFME coordinates with the CCDR and Services to determine if 

AFMES support is required. 

j. Port-of-Entry Mortuary Facility. The Air Force Mortuary at Dover AFB, 

Delaware, is the designated port-of-entry mortuary facility. It handles most human remains 

from OCONUS to include wartime fatalities. Human remains are embalmed (as required), 

dressed, casketed, and prepared for shipment. Coordination is made with the Services to 

arrange for the disposition of the human remains as directed by the PADD. During military 

operations or MC/FIs, the Air Force Mortuary at Dover AFB can be tasked to provide 

mortuary services to include autopsy, medical examination, positive ID, embalming, 

cremation, dressing, casketing, and preparation and shipment for final disposition when 

supported by the AFMES. 
Mortuary Affairs Program 

I-9 

k. Religious Support Team (RST) and Behavioral (Mental) Health Support. Given 

the context of mortality surrounding MA and the hostile conditions that may exist, causing 

extreme stress, Service component RSTs and behavioral health professionals should be 

utilized for combat and operational stress control/management. 

l. Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC). In an MC/FI, whether due to 

natural disaster or a terrorist event among the US population, a joint EFAC should be 

established to mitigate the suffering of families. MA needs to work closely with the EFAC 

in order to facilitate the collection of DNA, notification of NOK, and transfer of PE. 

 
Chapter I 

I-10 JP 4-06 

Intentionally Blank 
II-1 

CHAPTER II 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS SUPPORT IN A THEATER OF OPERATIONS 

1. Joint Mortuary Affairs Office 

a. Geographic Combatant Command Level. GCCs normally establish a JMAO 

within their commands to provide policy to their assigned Service components and support 

the joint force. The JMAO develops MA-specific directives and geographic-specific 

operation orders (OPORDs) for the GCC, while providing oversight of Service component 

MA operations and programs. For additional guidance on the preparation of appendix 3 

(Mortuary Affairs) to annex D (Logistics), see Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual 

(CJCSM) 3122.03, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), Volume II, 

Planning Formats. The JMAO oversight responsibilities may include the following: 

(1) Implementing procedures concerned with S&R, evacuation, tentative ID, and 

return of human remains. This may include providing operational guidance to Service 

components and to subordinate joint force or single-Service commands on the disposition of 

human remains of those personnel assigned or attached to multinational forces. 

(2) In coordination with the Service components and Service logistic support 

commands, determine the appropriate levels of mortuary supplies and equipment in theater. 

The Services are responsible for maintaining the levels assigned to them. 

(3) Providing procedural guidance concerning transfer of adversary, multinational 

military and civilian human remains and their PE to the custody of another government, 

including maintenance of records required by the Geneva Conventions. 

(4) Coordinating the development of the MA support plan for the AOR. Ensuring 

all Service components are informed of support locations and comply with directives. 

(5) Coordinating with Service component commands for data on the recovery 

status of deceased and missing personnel. 

“In Flanders Fields the poppies blow 

Between the crosses, row on row, 

That mark our place; and in the sky 

The larks, still bravely singing, fly 

Scarce heard amid the guns below. 

We are the Dead. Short days ago 

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, 

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie 

In Flanders Fields.” 

From the poem “In Flanders Fields” 

By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD, (1872–1918) 

Canadian Army 
Chapter II 

II-2 JP 4-06 

(6) Coordinating the establishment of other offices or multinational force liaisons, 

as required, to supervise MA activities for a Service component, subordinate joint force, or 

on a geographic basis. 

(7) Designating port of embarkation (POE) holding facilities and surface and aerial 

evacuation routes of human remains and PE. 

(8) Coordinating holding facilities, interment, disinterment, and reinterment of 

human remains within the AOR. In wartime, this includes providing a recommendation to 

the respective GCC regarding temporary disposition of human remains when return to the 

US has been operationally or logistically challenged or human remains pose a health 

concern. 

(9) Maintaining a central records point for deceased personnel and PE. 

(10) Continuing to function after periods of military operations to oversee Service 

efforts to resolve the status and effect the evacuation of human remains and PE not 

previously accomplished. The GCC determines if the JMAO will continue to function in 

support of efforts to process human remains and PE of non-US military personnel. The 

Service component’s headquarters coordinates transfer of human remains and records to 

parent Service control in the US. Parent Service headquarters are responsible for final 

archiving of records. The JMAO assists Service headquarters in coordinating these actions. 

(11) Monitoring established agreements with affected countries, multinational 

partners, USG, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). If agreements are not 

established, the JMAO may coordinate and negotiate for affected country support in 

coordination with host country laws, Service component mortuary office, or GCC. If 

agreements cannot be negotiated, MA support is performed under current US military 

procedures in coordination with host country laws. 

(12) Maintaining liaison with the joint force public affairs office. 

(13) Coordinating with the joint environmental management board on MA 

environmental protection activities as required. 

(14) Publishing guidance on environmental protection requirements and references 

as required. 

(15) Delegating responsibilities to and providing oversight of the TMAOs. 

b. JMAO at the Subordinate Joint Force Level

(1) A subunified command or joint task force (JTF) may establish a JMAO.

(2) If determined necessary, the GCC may delegate MA support authority to the 

subordinate command, which will allow the commander to designate a lead Service 

component (usually the Army) to handle MA for the command. Additionally, the 

subordinate JFC may direct the logistics directorate of a joint staff (J-4) to establish and 
Mortuary Affairs Support in a Theater of Operations 

II-3 

operate a joint task force–mortuary affairs office (JTF-MAO). If established, the JTF-MAO 

should: 

(a) Provide guidance to facilitate the conduct of MA programs. 

(b) Maintain data pertaining to the recovery, tentative ID, and temporary 

disposition of all US deceased or missing in the designated operational area. 

(c) Maintain data pertaining to the recovery, tentative ID, and temporary 

disposition of all other deceased in the operational area in accordance with the Geneva 

Conventions. 

(d) Serve as an MA liaison between the subordinate JFC, the Service 

component MA offices, and the TMAO. 

(e) Serve as the central clearing point for MA-related information.

(f) Monitor the deceased and missing personnel PE program. 

(g) Perform planning, execution, technical, and management functions. 

(h) Develop and disseminate standards and procedures as well as collect and 

present MA management statistical data. 

2. Operational Mortuary Affairs Support 

a. Clear command relationships, to include support relationships, must be defined and 

articulated to all concerned as MA assets are normally distributed throughout the operational 

area and may support several units simultaneously. MA teams will normally be assigned 

general or direct support relationships to their supported units. Command relationships are 

addressed in Joint Publication (JP) 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States; JP 

3-0, Joint Operations; and JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning. 

b. Operational MA support can be broken down into four types of support: 

(1) Direct Support (DS). DS is to a specific force and authorizes the MA team to 

answer directly to the supported forces request for assistance (RFA). An example would be 

a specific S&R team assigned to a unit for a specified mission assignment. The S&R team 

would answer directly to the supported unit until the mission was completed. 

(2) Area Support. Area support is not a support relationship, but rather a method 

by which a unit may provide support. A good example is a combat sustainment support 

battalion (CSSB). Within its capability, it may support all units operating within its 

operational area, hence area support. 

(3) General Support. GS is a support relationship that can be established between 

units. The Army is to provide backup general MA support to all Services when the Service 

capability to handle its own MA functions is exhausted or not resident. GS is given to a 
Chapter II 

II-4 JP 4-06 

supported force as a whole and not to any particular subdivision thereof. The TMEP would 

be a GS asset. 

(4) Inter-Service Support. Inter-Service support is support provided by another 

Service to support operations. Marine Corps intertheater air support for transport of remains 

between MACP and TMEP locations would be an inter-Service support asset. Inter-Service 

support relationships are usually spelled out in agreements or theater orders or directives. 

3. Command and Control of Army Mortuary Affairs Assets 

a. Introduction

(1) The deployment and assignment of US Army MA assets is dynamic and can be 

readily tailored to meet operational requirements. The company structure allows for 

deployment of a collection team, an MA platoon, or the company as a whole. 

(2) Regardless of size of the deployed MA element, the gaining command must 

develop and publish the command relationship for MA within the operational area. When 

other Service MA assets are deployed, they may have a different C2 structure. 

b. Tailored Deployment

(1) Tailored deployment of the MA company has been the norm for the majority of 

military operations over the past two decades. Operational considerations and constraints 

often limit the deployment of MA assets into the operational area. Forward collection 

platoons or even individual collection sections may be deployed into the operational area. 

Scarce MA assets will likely be controlled as a theater asset. 

(2) An MA collection section will usually be under the operational control 

(OPCON) of a US Army sustainment brigade. When the MACP is physically separated 

from the sustainment brigade, it may be placed under the tactical control (TACON) of the 

logistics unit commander on the installation where it is located. TACON in this aspect may 

be limited to force protection and specific support requirements determined by operational 

mission analysis. The MACP would provide GS within the sustainment brigade’s 

operational area. 

c. Company Deployment

(1) Full deployment of the MA company may occur during a major area conflict. 

When this occurs, the unit does not remain as a whole during the deployment. The various 

MA platoons/sections will be distributed throughout the area of operations per 

JMAO/TMAO guidance. MA assets may be tasked to provide any level of support based on 

mission requirements and availability of assets. C2 of the various MA elements must be 

established to ensure mission success. 

(a) The MA company is usually assigned, attached, or placed under the 

OPCON of a CSSB to provide GS to a sustainment brigade’s operational area. 
Mortuary Affairs Support in a Theater of Operations 

II-5 

(b) The main collection platoon may be OPCON to a CSSB to provide GS to a 

sustainment brigade’s operational area. 

(c) An MA collection section may be OPCON to a different CSSB than the 

one controlling the company to provide GS to another sustainment brigade’s operational 

area. 

(d) An MA collection section may be TACON to a brigade support battalion 

providing DS to a brigade combat team. 

(2) Once coordination is complete and MA sites are established, the locations are 

published to the units within the operational area. All human remains within the theater of 

operations or operational area will be evacuated through the TMEP. Therefore, this 

notification must be to all Services and supported multinational partners, not just Army 

forces. 

(3) The TMEP and PE depot placement within the operational environment are 

based upon the TMAO guidance. Normally these platoons will be OPCON to a sustainment 

brigade within the theater. Regardless of the size of the operational area, a TMEP and PE 

depot are usually established to coordinate evacuation of human remains and PE out of the 

operational area. 

4. Temporary Storage, Interment, and Disinterment Operations 

a. Commanders are responsible for temporary storage, interment, and disinterment 

operations to ensure the preservation and accountability of human remains under their 

control. The primary objectives of these operations are to maintain morale and field 

sanitation and to comply with the law of war, international law, and international 

agreements. However, human remains are to be evacuated as long as the operational 

situation permits. The exception to this is the evacuation of adversary human remains, which 

will be interred unless they are turned over to the HN or the Red Cross/Red Crescent. If they 

are interred, the site must be noted on accountability records as an interment site. 

(1) The GCC is responsible to ensure that all US human remains that are 

temporarily interred are disinterred and returned to the US for disposition to the extent 

possible based on operational and public health and safety considerations. This 

responsibility is carried out by the JMAO. In the event that the human remains of 

multinational partner personnel are present at the interment site, it should be maintained if 

operationally feasible until custody of the site can be transferred to the appropriate 

government. The JMAO is responsible for monitoring, coordinating, and providing special 

guidance during disinterment operations. 

(2) It is the responsibility of the designated MA lead Service component 

commander to coordinate and supervise disinterment operations within the designated 

operational area. The MA lead Service normally provides specialized equipment, personnel, 

and other support as necessary to accomplish the mission. Each individual component 

commander’s MA office coordinates with the JMAO and obtains records and reports of 

temporary interments that will be necessary during the disinterment. 
Chapter II 

II-6 JP 4-06 

(3) Handling US dependent and/or US civilian fatalities will be conducted in the 

same manner as US military personnel. The same records and reports are used. 

(4) When conducting interment/disinterment operations, it is important to take 

religious considerations into account when feasible. 

(5) Interment and disinterment records to include burial at sea are forwarded to the 

JMAC upon completion of military operations. The JMAC will maintain historical records 

of all interment and disinterment operations to include burial at sea during military 

operations conducted by US MA forces. 

b. Temporary Storage. Temporary storage of US, multinational partner, third country, 

local national, and adversary human remains is necessary to slow down decomposition while 

waiting processing or transportation. Refrigerated storage maintained at a temperature 

between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 1.1 and 4.4 degrees Celsius should be pushed as far 

forward as possible. If refrigerated storage is not available, then keep the human remains 

stored under a tent or inside a hardened structure out of the elements. Never stack human 

remains when they are in an HRP only. Transfer cases containing human remains may be 

stacked for storage transportation purposes when operationally necessary (such as for 

security reasons or when there are limited refrigeration storage or transportation assets). 

When temporary storage or transport is not an option, temporary interment may be 

authorized by the GCC. 

c. Temporary Interment

(1) The expedient and respectful repatriation of deceased personnel to the PADD is 

the top priority of the joint MA program. However, during extreme tactical or logistic 

situations that leave no alternatives, a program of temporary interment may be implemented. 

All interments, whether performed at the unit level or by MA personnel, are considered 

temporary except for committal at sea. 

(2) Temporary interment of US or multinational partner human remains outside the 

respective national borders is the least preferred method. Every effort should be made to 

return human remains to the respective nation as soon as possible. When interment sites are 

established, separate sites should be established for the temporary interment of US, 

multinational partner, and adversary deceased. Unit commanders must obtain permission 

from the GCC to conduct temporary interment operations. In extreme circumstances, when a 

unit is cut off and has no means to communicate with higher headquarters, the senior 

commander is responsible for deciding whether temporary interment will be utilized after all 

known support options have failed. When operational or logistic circumstances prohibit the 

evacuation of human remains and the temporary interment of human remains is necessary, 

recovery operations should be conducted as soon as possible. For further guidance, see 

Appendix B, “Mass Interment.” 

d. Isolated Interments

(1) When the tactical situation requires a unit to move out of an area in an 

expedient manner without evacuating human remains, the unit may request permission 
Mortuary Affairs Support in a Theater of Operations 

II-7 

through command channels from the GCC to conduct isolated interments. Isolated 

interments are individual shallow graves constructed to prevent leaving human remains 

unattended in open areas. Inter all PE and other ID media with the human remains. Do not 

remove the ID tags or the ID card from the human remains under any circumstances. 

Attempt to mark the interment site in a manner that is easily distinguishable for future 

recovery teams. 

(2) The unit prepares and submits an incident report on the isolated interment to 

higher headquarters as soon as time permits. This report should then be forwarded through 

channels to the joint MA office. Timely and accurate documentation from the unit is vital in 

ensuring that all human remains are recovered and evacuated in a timely manner. At a 

minimum, the incident report should include the following: 10-digit grid coordinates (by 

Global Positioning System [GPS]), the number of isolated graves, the tentative ID of each 

human remains, and how each isolated grave is marked. 

e. Committal at Sea. When death occurs aboard ship, or when human remains are 

recovered from the sea, the human remains should be preserved for burial on land. This is 

applicable whether the human remains are US, multinational partner, or adversary. 

Committal at sea is permissible only when refrigerated storage facilities cannot be made 

available aboard ship and transfer to shore cannot be accomplished within a reasonable time 

or is operationally inadvisable. 

(1) Prior to committal, the ship’s commanding officer ensures that the human 

remains are identified. When feasible the commanding officer should contact the AFMES 

for guidance on obtaining ID media and biological samples prior to committal. Examine ID 

tags and then securely place them on the human remains. Remove PE from the human 

remains and examine them for ID value. Establish an ID case file, which consists of a 

statement of recognition from two individuals and a certificate of death signed by a medical 

officer. If assets are available, take fingerprints, dental x-rays, and a blood or tissue sample 

(for DNA) and place into the ID case file. Include any onboard medical and/or dental 

records in the ID case file. 

(2) The ship’s commanding officer appoints an officer to be in charge of the 

committal. The officer in charge (OIC) is responsible for accurately recording all facts, to 

“The Mexican War (1846–1847) provided the first real test of the Army’s ability to 

care for its war dead, but with results that were far from satisfactory. In one 

instance, General Zachary Taylor saw to it that the dead were properly collected 

and buried on the battlefield following his celebrated victory at Buena Vista. 

Unfortunately, he neglected to mark the site of the burial on the map 

accompanying his official report. Years later, when the US Government sought to 

erect a monument to honor the fallen heroes, no burial site could be found. A 

similar experience marked the campaign of General Winfield Scott, whose troops 

landed at Vera Cruz and marched overland to Mexico City. Of the hundreds who 

died and were buried along the way, only a fraction were located afterward.” 

Dr. Steven E. Anders 

Quartermaster Professional Bulletin, September 1988 
Chapter II 

II-8 JP 4-06 

include the exact latitude and longitude, on the committal in the ship’s log and for ensuring 

that due respect and honors be paid to the deceased. Prepare the deceased for committal by 

covering or shrouding the human remains with an HRP or other suitable material. The 

human remains are then weighted to ensure rapid submersion. For the human remains of US 

military personnel, drape the human remains with the US flag, hold religious services, and 

conduct military honors as authorized according to applicable regulations. The flag is used 

to drape the human remains prior to interment; it is not interred with the human remains, nor 

is it committed to the sea. If the human remains’ identity is unknown, no US or other 

national flag shall drape the body. The human remains may be committed to the sea with the 

words appropriate for the individual being committed. 

(3) The OIC is responsible for ensuring that all PE belonging to the deceased are 

gathered, inventoried, packaged, sealed, and safeguarded until proper disposition is arranged. 

Depending on the MA program and the support structure that is in place, the PE are either 

shipped to the PE depot, to the TMEP, or if the PE have been properly screened, directly to 

the PERE. Upon committal at sea, the OIC sends the ID case file and a report containing the 

facts of the committal, to include the distribution of the PE, through higher headquarters to 

the JMAO. 

f. Disinterment. Disinterment operations should be conducted as soon as the tactical 

situation on the ground permits. When disinterment occurs and when arrangements are made 

to transfer human remains to the TMEP, host country, or a multinational partner, 

commanders will maintain accountability records and provide information for US, adversary 

or multinational partner deceased transferred from temporary interment sites for which they 

have responsibility. 

5. Mortuary Affairs Support to Non-United States Personnel 

a. Interment of Multinational Forces. Existing standardization agreements should be 

used whenever possible to facilitate common policies and procedures among participating 

nations. If agreements do not exist and the US is the lead nation, US policy and doctrine 

have primacy. If agreements do not exist and another nation is charged with lead nation 

responsibility, US policy would apply only to US forces and citizens, unless otherwise 

adopted by the multinational force. The GCC should exercise situational judgment if 

required to blend MA throughout the multinational force. The following procedures are 

applicable where no other guidance is available. 

(1) When possible, the same records and reports as for US military personnel are 

accomplished and maintained. 

(2) When interment is required, separate interment sites should be established for 

the burial of multinational and adversary dead. Separate sections are provided for US, 

multinational, and adversary deceased when circumstances require interment in a US 

interment site. 
Mortuary Affairs Support in a Theater of Operations 

II-9 

(3) PE of multinational personnel are processed in accordance with standing 

agreements. In the absence of agreements, PE are processed in accordance with US MA 

procedures.

b. Interment of Detainees. MA personnel process adversary detainee human remains 

and PE in accordance with the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of 

War. In addition, a copy of the interment or disinterment records to include operational 

burial at sea records will be forwarded to the JMAC upon completion of military operations. 

MA personnel process civilian detainees in accordance with the Geneva Convention relative 

to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. 

6. Strategic Implications of Mortuary Affairs Interaction with the Death of Non-US 

Civilians and Noncombatants 

a. While it is in the interest of US and multinational forces to not be involved in the 

handling of the human remains of civilian and noncombatant deaths, this is a situation with 

specific political and cultural sensitivities that cannot always be avoided. 

b. While not responsible for MA, civil affairs (CA) personnel can act as intermediaries 

between affected organizations and local government or families. 

c. CA personnel can assist local agencies in interfacing with US military assets 

providing support to transport the human remains. This can include assistance with customs; 

location of storage facilities, burial sites, transportation options; and providing linguists. CA 

personnel advise the command on cultural traditions impacting the handling and transport of 

human remains. 

d. Another special case is MA support to contractors and employees from third 

countries, unrelated to the ongoing theater of operation, that were employed by a USG 

contract. CA has been useful in interacting with the US embassy and foreign embassies in 

order to facilitate return of human remains to the home country. 

For further guidance, refer to JP 3-57, Civil-Military Operations.

7. Mass Casualty/Fatality Incident Considerations 

a. GCCs are responsible for the proper execution of MA when such events occur within 

their AOR. This may include coordinating the supervision and execution of matters 

pertaining to the search for, recovery, and evacuation of human remains to a military 

mortuary, either within their AOR or in the US, and for the collection and processing of the 

PE of the dead. This also includes coordination with the HN, DOS, and the country team. 

b. Coordination with the AFME is mandatory in all peacetime MC/FIs, no matter where 

the incident occurs. 

c. In determining the evacuation of human remains from a peacetime MC/FI event 

overseas, consideration should be given to transporting the human remains from the place of 
Chapter II 

II-10 JP 4-06 

incident to a US mortuary for ID and preparation. The GCC, in coordination with the 

applicable Services and the AFME, is the final authority for this decision. 

d. The GCC in whose AOR the loss of personnel occurs is responsible for executing the 

recovery phase of the operation, regardless of the Service of the deceased. To the extent 

possible, the GCC notifies the commander of the deceased concerning all evacuation actions. 

e. The GCC of the AOR where the military mortuary is located is responsible for 

executing the ID processing and preparation phase of the MC/FI operation, regardless of the 

Service of the deceased. 

f. DOS or other federal departments and agencies may request DOD assistance in 

MC/FIs that do not involve military personnel. Coordination among the CCMDs, CJCS, and 

federal department or agency representatives will be made to determine appropriate 

jurisdiction. The requesting agency provides appropriate funding for military support. 

g. Requests for special transportation for MC/FIs are coordinated with 

USTRANSCOM. 

h. Interagency and inter-Service coordination of assets is key to success. Depending on 

the location and incident, agencies such as the FBI (criminal/terrorist activity), Red 

Cross/Red Crescent (natural disaster), and federal, state, tribal, and local health and human 

services agencies will be involved as well as law enforcement at all levels. Depending on the 

location and incident, federal departments and agencies may also have jurisdiction over the 

mission or operation. 

i. Specialized support personnel may be required, accessing capabilities within the 

Services (e.g., Seabees, engineers, CBRN) to assist in processing the scene or extracting 

deceased personnel. How support personnel are identified and sourced is a Service 

responsibility. 

8. Legal Considerations 

a. The legal considerations for MA support in a theater of operation stem from the 

commanders’ responsibility for health and public hygiene as well as articles of the law of 

war and the Geneva Conventions. The MA program should include the commander’s 

guidance on the rules of the use of force or rules of engagement and rules for gathering 

evidence to the forces conducting MA operations. This guidance will safeguard not only the 

forces conducting MA operations but also safeguard the site and evidence for future criminal 

investigations or site exploitation. 

b. Commanders are responsible for the recovery and transport of US and multinational 

partner human remains to the nearest MACP or for requesting S&R support, if required. 

During an operational pause, the commander is required to recover and transport or inter HN 

or adversary human remains for morale, safety, and health and public hygiene reasons. A 

trained MA specialist may be required to handle human remains to avoid possible 

contamination from infectious diseases. 
Mortuary Affairs Support in a Theater of Operations 

II-11 

For further guidance on the handling of potentially infectious human remains, see United 

States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) Technical 

Guide 195, Safety and Health Guidance for Mortuary Affairs Operations: Infectious 

Materials and CBRN Handling. 

c. The JTF-MAO should attempt to coordinate with the members of the Red Cross or 

Red Crescent for the return of deceased local nationals to local governmental control. 

Depending on the mission and the political climate of the operation, the JTF may receive 

limited assistance from the Red Cross or Red Crescent. 

d. Disposition of PE must be in accordance with the decedent’s will and/or the laws of 

the country, state, territory, or tribe in which the decedent legally resided and will be as 

directed by the PERE. 

e. Legal investigations are required for deaths of US military personnel except for 

combat deaths that are unequivocally the result of engagement with opposing forces. 

f. Legal investigations are required on all suspected law of war violations, detainee 

deaths, or war atrocities. 

g. MA personnel will not release information on deceased personnel to anyone other 

than the JMAO or TMAO. Dissemination of information on deceased personnel will be 

handled through the office of the JMAO/TMAO or AFME. 

9. Special Considerations 

a. Special Religious and Cultural Considerations 

For information regarding religious and cultural considerations during MA operations refer 

to Chapter III, “Mortuary Affairs Planning,” paragraph 4, “Religious Considerations,” and 

Appendix E, “Religious Support to Mortuary Affairs.”

b. Use of Nonmilitary MA Support. The use of host-nation support (HNS), local 

national support, or third country national support should be limited to general labor, 

administration, transportation, and facility support. Only US military, USG civilians, or 

DOD contracted civilians should be utilized to accomplish search, recovery, and processing 

of US human remains and inventory of PE. If an agreement cannot be negotiated, MA 

support is performed under current US military procedures. 

 
Chapter II 

II-12 JP 4-06 

Intentionally Blank 
III-1 

CHAPTER III 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS PLANNING 

1. Introduction 

During any military operation, MA should be planned in detail and included in plans, 

orders, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The plans and orders should cover 

procedures for employing, shifting, and resourcing MA personnel and equipment throughout 

the operational area. 

2. Planning Guidance 

a. GCCs are responsible for developing policies for the overall supervision of all MA 

matters. Additionally, the command’s MA plans and orders should include the following: 

(1) Broad guidance to component commanders on MA matters that include the 

interface and coordination required with all concerned parties (e.g., higher headquarters and 

support headquarters staffs and the AFME), especially in terms of reporting requirements, 

handling, processing, tracking, and accounting for human remains and their PE. 

(2) Designate a lead Service responsible for the implementation of the MA support 

plan. Circumstances warranting the re-designation of the lead Service from one Service to 

another should be included. 

(3) Establish procedures for operating a JMAO and subarea offices as necessary. 

(4) Provide procedural guidance concerning the transfer of the human remains of 

US military personnel, US civilians and others (when requested by DOS), and multinational 

partner, third country, local national, and adversary personnel and their accompanying PE to 

the custody of appropriate governments. 

b. Subordinate commanders are responsible for ensuring that the MA support 

guidance from higher headquarters is implemented in their overall operational concept of 

operations (CONOPS). Planning at the subordinate command levels is more detailed and 

should facilitate the following: 

(1) Designate units and staff agencies responsible for the implementation of the 

MA CONOPS. 

“Logistic considerations belong not only in the highest echelons of military planning 

during the process of preparation for war and for specific wartime operations, but 

may well become the controlling element with relation to timing and successful 

operation.” 

Vice Admiral Oscar C. Badger, US Navy 

Address to the Naval War College, 1954 
Chapter III 

III-2 JP 4-06 

(2) Assign responsibility, authority, and working relationships for each assigned 

task. 

(3) Provide specifics on how to execute the MA CONOPS. 

(4) Provide specifics on logistic support required. 

(5) Provide methods to monitor the flow of and account for human remains into 

and out of all MA facilities on a daily basis. 

3. Planning Considerations 

MA support must be responsive and be able to provide support across the full range of 

military operations. Prior coordination with USTRANSCOM should be made to arrange for 

evacuation of human remains. Units capable of providing MA support should be scheduled 

on the time-phased force and deployment list to arrive at the beginning of any operation. 

Active Component MA units should be able to sustain operations until Reserve Component 

MA forces arrive. The lack of MA support during the initial stages of the operation could 

adversely affect ID, physical condition of the human remains, troop morale, expeditious 

return of human remains to their families, and personnel replacement system. 

a. The MA CONOPS should be developed during the planning process. The appendix 

may be developed using the guidelines found in Appendix A, “Sample Format for Mortuary 

Affairs Appendix to an Operation Plan.” The MA CONOPS is based on and designed to 

support the operational requirements of the command. Therefore, MA CONOPS may differ 

in scope, detail, objectives, and available resources between commands. 

b. Commanders and MA support planners at all levels should consider the following 

during planning and execution. 

(1) Review or establish: 

(a) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) standardization agreements 

(STANAGs). 

(b) Quadripartite standardization agreements. 

(c) Multinational forces agreements (mortuary). 

(d) International Committee of the Red Cross or Red Crescent. 

(e) HNS requirements (mortuary). 

(f) Acquisition and cross-servicing agreements. 

(g) Religious practices associated with the faith of the deceased. 

(h) HN laws and territorial or legal jurisdiction. 
Mortuary Affairs Planning 

III-3 

(i) Status-of-forces agreement. 

(2) The number of personnel in the operational area and its size and location will 

have a large impact on the type of support that will be allocated. 

(3) Number of expected fatalities. The manpower and personnel directorate of a 

joint staff (J-1) prepares a personnel estimate that should contain a casualty estimate. A 

casualty estimate is formulated by each Service in accordance with individual Service 

directives to support operations planning, future force planning, and training. Service 

components comprising a joint force will provide casualty estimates to the joint force J-1 

who will then make the information available to the operations directorate of a joint staff, J4, and the plans directorate of a joint staff. The exact number of fatalities that US military 

forces will suffer in military operations can never be accurately predicted; therefore, 

planning for MA support should be continuous and flexible enough to adjust to unanticipated 

situations. Plans and orders should be reviewed and amended as new facts become available, 

resources change, and other variables become apparent. The MA CONOPS should be kept 

simple, be achievable, and provide timely and useful information to those involved. 

(4) In any theater, the level of infrastructure development (e.g., port mortuary 

location, intratheater lines of communications, airfields, and other facilities) will affect 

sustainment operations. Resources not available are usually brought into the theater via 

strategic lift resources. 

(5) An MA support plan for the AOR must tailor MA support requirements to 

operational requirements. Operational requirements determine the size of the unit required to 

support the MA mission. MA support needs to be modular and scalable to meet mission 

requirements. This concept allows for the deployment of multifunctional teams to perform 

several MA functions simultaneously (e.g., collection point [CP] and TMEP operations) 

during small-scale operations. Some operations are politically sensitive, and the number of 

troops allocated may require special consideration. 

(6) When planning operations involving humanitarian assistance (HA)/disaster 

relief missions, the establishment of an MA liaison officer (LNO) to coordinate between 

DOD and outside agencies, such as DOS, the Department of Health and Human Services 

(DHHS), NGOs, and local governments on MA issues, authorities, and COAs, is 

recommended. The GCC can request JMAC assets to provide the LNO and also provide 

reachback assistance to the commanders in developing COAs, planning, and analysis. 

c. When plans and orders are created, the CONOPS, unit structure and capabilities, unit 

locations/relocations, and the number of troops being supported must be considered. Unit 

responsibilities must be specified for the S&R and evacuation of human remains to MACPs 

and/or the TMEP. These considerations are crucial to planning mission success and should 

be considered and planned for in meticulous detail. This part of the support plan is based on 

the high value used as a planning factor for determining numbers of projected fatalities 

during the initial stages of a conflict. The base plan should address how these problems will 

be handled until MA support arrives. 
Chapter III 

III-4 JP 4-06 

For additional guidance on the preparation of appendix 3 (Mortuary Affairs) to annex D 

(Logistics), see CJCSM 3122.03, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), 

Volume II, Planning Formats. 

d. Special considerations for operation plan (OPLAN) development are:

(1) Develop procedures for the handling and transfer of deceased local nationals. 

Consult the command staff judge advocate (SJA) or command legal advisor and CA 

personnel on matters pertaining to deceased local nationals (for example, PE and 

responsibility for disposition). Deaths of persons in US care, such as dislocated civilians 

seeking help at sites under US control, create other obligations, such as medical certification 

and recording of deaths. When the HN has the capability, death records should be registered 

with the host government. If not, US forces should maintain records for later transmittal to 

host government officials. 

(2) Requirements for MA in a CBRN environment include: personnel, equipment, 

facilities, and established procedures for both the non-MA unit and the MA personnel. For 

operating procedures for a mortuary affairs contaminated remains mitigation site 

(MACRMS), contact the JMAC for applicable tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). 

Refer to Appendix G, “Key Points of Contact,” for contact information. Also refer to 

Chapter 8 “Contaminated Human Remains and Personal Effects.” Additional guidance on 

safe handling, mitigation, and management of human remains can be found in USACHPPM 

Technical Guide 195, Safety and Health Guidance for Mortuary Affairs Operations: 

Infectious Materials and CBRN Handling.

(3) Develop procedures for MA support to USG agencies such as the FBI. 

(4) Establish DOD and CCMD reporting procedures in coordination with the SJA 

for alleged violations of the law of armed conflict resulting in fatalities. Consult the 

command SJA or command legal advisor to incorporate procedures for safeguarding 

evidence for future criminal investigations or site exploitation. 

(5) Review the current directives regarding handling and repatriation of DOD 

contractor personnel authorized to accompany the force (CAAF) and non-CAAF personnel 

for compliance with current directives and/or agreements as these procedures are subject to 

change. 

(6) The GCC’s plan may request an additional MA team for S&R capability to 

support catastrophic incidents or MACRMS operations during the initial phase. If this 

additional team is in theater, it could alleviate the need for the unit to conduct S&R 

operations for a catastrophic loss such as a downed aircraft or incident with multiple 

fatalities. 

(7) Integrity of chain of custody of human remains and PE should be a priority for 

commanders with MA assets. When planning for MA assets, commanders should evaluate 

requirements and request assets to maintain the chain of custody and asset visibility at air 

hubs. 
Mortuary Affairs Planning 

III-5 

e. Other Planning Considerations

(1) C2 of the MA operation (reporting officials, chain of command, 

communications equipment, and administrative requirements). 

(2) Number and location of MACPs, TMEPs, and PE depots required. 

(3) Location of major road networks, alternate routes, rail lines, airports, and 

seaports. 

(4) Time required for MA to become fully operational. 

(5) Time required to call-up MA forces of the Reserve Component. 

(6) The use of MA contractor support (only US will process US human remains). 

(7) Coordinating intra-theater transportation requirements. 

(8) Capability of USTRANSCOM to provide assets for evacuating human remains 

to the US. 

(9) Coordination with mortuaries in and out of the AOR. 

(10) Any alliances or agreements with HN and/or multinational forces. 

(11) Climatic conditions. 

(12) Environment, safety, and sanitation. 

(13) HN facilities. What capabilities can the HN provide? 

(14) Need for a joint security area threat evaluation plan. 

(15) Security for personnel, equipment, sites, facilities, and convoys. 

(16) Interface with public affairs, chaplain, legal, medical, and logistic points of 

contact (POCs). 

(17) Interface with NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, embassy officials, and 

other USG personnel. 

(18) During HA, defense support of civil authorities (DSCA), or homeland defense 

operations, the use of MA investigation teams has proven to be effective to support the MA 

mission. Investigation elements are trained to interview area personnel and conduct on-site 

assessment of requirements to conduct recovery operations. Planners should consider 

requesting the appropriate MA assets to support investigative teams. 

(19) Strategic Planning. Request or review the appropriate site and/or country 

surveys for MA assets and facilities resident in the country identified for US use. If a 
Chapter III 

III-6 JP 4-06 

country survey has not been conducted or is not current, request one be conducted to 

determine refrigerated container and refrigerated facility support, morgues, and embalming 

capabilities, and identify current MA procedures already resident in the country that apply to 

US forces. 

(20) The MA plan should support the commander’s communications strategy by 

addressing public affairs topics such as casualty press releases and photographing and/or 

video recording the evacuation of human remains. 

(21) Contract Support. Use of contract support for MA operations may include 

contract support for such items as ice and refrigerated storage as well as cadaver dogs to 

support S&R operations for mass fatality or collapsed structure recovery operations. 

(22) Communications support for MARTS. 

(23) Requirement for MA mitigation procedures, personnel, equipment, and 

facilities in the event of a CBRN incident. 

4. Religious Considerations 

 Religious beliefs and practices will influence the handling of human remains and may 

impact joint and multinational operations. RSTs can advise on specific religious practices 

associated with handling of the deceased and interment operations. The RST can function as 

a liaison between the command and local clergy. The RST also counsels joint forces 

affected by the loss of comrades or constantly dealing with the deceased. 

For additional information on religious support (RS) considerations to MA, see Appendix E, 

“Religious Support to Mortuary Affairs,” and JP 1-05, Religious Affairs in Joint Operations.

5. Mortuary Affairs Facilities 

a. Once initial military operations are completed, MA operations often transition to 

semi-permanent facilities. MACPs operating on an area basis and TMEPs are good 

examples of MA operations that can easily transition into a building or facility, once security 

improves and infrastructure becomes available. 

b. Planners should contact their engineering support personnel to review existing MA 

facility plans in the engineering database, rather than design a new facility. These designs 

are generally less expensive alternatives than contract construction or leasing and are built 

using readily available materials in the DOD supply system. 

6. Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Considerations 

While complete protection of personnel, equipment, facilities, and the environment 

during military operations may not always be possible, planners should carefully address 

environmental, safety, and occupational health considerations during joint operations. 

Infectious organisms may be associated with human remains, regardless of postmortem 

condition, and could contaminate the storage and processing areas. Using standard 
Mortuary Affairs Planning 

III-7 

precautions, all human remains should be handled as though they are potentially infectious. 

(See USACHPPM Technical Guide 195, Safety and Health Guidance for Mortuary Affairs 

Operations: Infectious Materials and CBRN Handling, for further information on the 

handling of potentially infectious human remains.) Therefore, each MA activity must ensure 

that strict personal health, hygiene, and sanitation procedures are constantly followed. In 

addition, MA personnel need to have a hazardous waste disposal plan that follows current 

environmental safety guidelines. 

a. Environmental Considerations. GCCs are responsible for protecting the 

environment in which US military forces operate to the greatest extent possible consistent 

with operational requirements. They should ensure that environmental considerations are an 

integral part of the planning and decision-making processes. 

For more guidance on annex L (Environment Considerations), see CJCSM 3122.03, Joint 

Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), Volume II, Planning Formats. 

b. Safety Considerations

(1) To reduce the chance of becoming infected, personnel conducting MA 

functions should adhere to prescribed standard precautions when dealing with human 

remains. Planning considerations should include the requirement to obtain and sustain 

resources used by MA personnel to perform their mission in a safe environment. 

(a) Personal protective equipment (PPE)—items, size, quantity, resupply. 

(b) Water source—for sanitation of workstations as well as personnel. 

(c) Medical support requirements—how to access the nearest medical unit or 

medical treatment facility in the event of occupational exposure, injury, or illness. 

(d) Cleaning supplies—cleaning solutions and brushes for decontamination of 

equipment. 

(e) Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) inspection procedures. 

(2) In accordance with biohazard material disposal procedures as required by the 

US Code of Federal Regulations for Environmental Compliance, established government-togovernment agreements, or GCC interim operational policy for environmental compliance, 

use of proper PPE and following established safety and sanitation guidelines is critical to 

mission success. 

(3) In accordance with biohazard material disposal procedures as required by the 

US Code of Federal Regulations for Environmental Compliance, established government-togovernment agreements, or GCC interim operational policy for environmental compliance, 

incinerate all disposable protective clothing, bandages, dressings, sheets, towels, and other 

items coming into direct contact with the human remains or body fluids. The plan should 

address how the MA personnel are to dispose of hazardous waste if an incinerator is not 

available at their location. 
Chapter III 

III-8 JP 4-06 

c. Occupational Health Considerations

(1) The implementation of personal health and sanitation procedures as outlined in 

USACHPPM Technical Guide 195, Safety and Health Guidance for Mortuary Affairs 

Operations: Infectious Materials and CBRN Handling, will help prevent the following: 

(a) The spread of diseases from human remains to personnel working in or 

located at an MA facility. 

(b) The contracting of diseases from the MA facility’s environment (e.g., walls 

and floors, protective clothing, equipment, and supplies that are used to handle or process 

human remains) by individuals who work in or visit an MA facility. 

(c) The spread of disease from individuals who have contracted or are carriers 

of diseases to other susceptible individuals with whom the infected individuals come in 

contact. 

(2) Occupational health and preventive medicine measures should be incorporated 

into the MA plan to identify occupational health and preventive medicine requirements and 

resources available to the MA personnel. 

(a) Identify procedures for reporting blood-borne pathogen exposure to 

medical authorities. Annual blood-borne pathogen training is required for all MA personnel. 

(b) Identify mental health professional assets available to MA personnel and 

establish procedures for accessing that capability. This includes critical debriefing and 

interventional counseling assets. 

(c) Identify occupational health or preventive medicine support available to 

MA personnel and establish procedures for accessing that capability. This includes direction 

on proper maintenance and care of PPE and respiratory protection program requirements. 

(d) Identify immunization requirements for the theater of operation for MA 

personnel. Immunization requirements for medical personnel and MA personnel will usually 

be the same. Baseline immunization requirements and testing should include at a minimum, 

HEP B [hepatitis B], HIV [human immunodeficiency virus], TB [tuberculosis]. Additional 

immunizations may be required based on the hazards in the region; check with your 

immunization department for a complete list of recommended immunizations. 

7. Communications and Interoperability 

a. An effective communications system is vital to planning and conducting successful 

MA programs. The MA unit should be able to communicate directly with the casualty 

reporting personnel, and the communications system should be compatible with other 

Service and multinational systems. In established alliances, specialized agencies and 

procedures exist to address MA. In other multinational operations, MA arrangements should 

be established. 
Mortuary Affairs Planning 

III-9 

b. During multinational military operations, difficulties could be encountered in 

establishing an MA system. Existing STANAGs should be used whenever possible. 

Differences in doctrine, training, equipment, culture, and language must be resolved and 

teamwork and trust developed. Interpreters may be required. 

8. Public Affairs 

The public release of information on casualties during peacetime should be in 

accordance with the individual Service’s policies and procedures. If the incident occurs in 

the US, then the public release of information should be in accordance with DOD policies 

and procedures or local medical examiners and/or coroners (ME/Cs) if they have 

jurisdiction. In the event of war, the public release of information should be in accordance 

with DOD policies and procedures. These policies and procedures should preclude the 

public release of casualty information until the NOK have been notified. Therefore, in cases 

where there is or may be news media or public interest, the Service’s procedures should 

ensure that the appropriate public affairs officer is advised when the NOK have been 

notified. The photographing of human remains is prohibited unless specifically authorized 

for official use. Photographs that identify individual human remains (e.g., photographs of 

case files and grave markers) are not authorized for public affairs use. Official photographs 

taken by MA personnel or by the AFME are authorized. (Note: Official photographs are part 

of the deceased official case file and will not be released except by the AFMES. AFMES 

will release official photographs upon request to either the NOK or appropriate investigative 

entities with a need to know.) All requests for information on the deceased should be 

referred to the appropriate JMAO or ME/C who will coordinate the release of the requested 

information through the public affairs office once authorized. 

For more information, see JP 3-61, Public Affairs.

9. Training 

a. The GCC has the authority and responsibility to conduct sufficient joint training for 

MA within the command to ensure effective conduct of joint operations. Subordinate JFCs 

ensure that assigned forces have been sufficiently trained in MA to prepare them for 

effective employment. A JFC who is also a Service component commander retains the 

responsibilities for Service training. The procedures for MA should be evaluated in CJCSand CCMD-sponsored exercises. 

b. The JMAC is available to assist in evaluating exercises and provide training support 

to all Services for MA. Refer to Appendix G, “Key Points of Contact,” for contact 

information. 

 
Chapter III 

III-10 JP 4-06 

Intentionally Blank 
IV-1 

CHAPTER IV

MORTUARY AFFAIRS BATTLEFIELD OPERATIONS

1. Unit-Level Operations

Unit-level operations consist of the initial search, recovery, and evacuation of unit 

deceased personnel to the nearest MACP. This is the first step in the MA process on the 

battlefield. Unit commanders will select personnel within their unit to perform this mission. 

The commander is responsible for ensuring that those personnel are identified, trained, and 

equipped to conduct these tasks. The unit S&R team should be familiar with all of the 

appropriate forms, PPE, and procedures associated with conducting an S&R, and preparing 

and preserving the human remains on the scene and in transit. The unit will designate a 

member of the team to accompany the human remains to the MACP and be prepared to 

provide tentative ID of the human remains. When a unit is unable to recover its own human 

remains, the unit coordinates with the appropriate higher headquarters to request S&R 

support from a supporting MA activity. Note: There are Service-specific differences as to 

when a unit should request S&R support from the MA activity. During the handling of 

human remains, care is taken to avoid exposure to blood or body fluids in accordance with 

USACHPPM Technical Guidance 190, Managing Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne 

Pathogens, and USACHPPM Technical Guide 195, Safety and Health Guidance for

Mortuary Affairs Operations: Infectious Materials and CBRN Handling. Rubber gloves, 

aprons, N95 high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirators, and eye protection must be 

worn when working with or recovering human remains. If contact is made, the area is 

washed immediately with disinfectant and/or soap solution and the supervisor is notified 

right away. If there is a chance of aerosolization of body fluids, then minimal respiratory 

protection would be an N95 HEPA respirator or the military field protective mask. Surgical 

masks will not protect against disease-containing microdroplets. If N95 or greater is 

assessed as the hazard remediation, then fit testing will be required along with training.

2. Search and Recovery of Human Remains 

a. Search. When searching for human remains, follow a systematic method. This 

allows team members to thoroughly cover a large area. Ensure each team consists of a team 

leader, two flankers, and enough people to adequately cover the search area. Equip the team 

with a GPS, compasses, sketch maps, appropriate PPE (minimum of gloves and masks to 

protect against depleted uranium, asbestos fibers, carbon fibers, and other associated 

hazards), and possibly a machete or hand ax, if required to clear ground brush. 

(1) Once the S&R team has arrived at the designated dismount point, the team 

leader should first conduct a leader reconnaissance of the site prior to deploying the team. 

This assessment is used to establish boundaries, identify danger areas, coordinate security 

boundaries, and establish the search methodology to be used. Additional personnel may be 

required to stay at the dismount point for security and/or to relay communications. The team 

“I will never leave a fallen comrade.”

United States Army Soldier’s Creed
Chapter IV

IV-2 JP 4-06 

should move single file, with the team leader and communications operator in the center of 

the formation. Once the team leader has determined that the team is within approximately 

100 meters of the given recovery site location, the team will assemble into either an open

search formation (double-arm interval), used for open or sparsely vegetated areas, or a closed 

formation (single-arm or close interval), used for densely vegetated areas or difficult terrain 

with limited visibility. The fields of view of adjacent searchers should overlap. The team 

should then use the “straight-line box” search method (see Figure IV-1), that is; the team 

leader will be in the rear-center of the formation. The S&R team will move in the direction 

of the recovery site in a slow and steady pattern, searching side-to-side for items pertaining 

to the operation. The team leader should ensure that the team maintains proper intervals, 

moves in the direction of the recovery site, and always stays online. 

Figure IV-1. Example of a Straight-Line Box Search

Example of a Straight-Line Box Search

Given Location of Human Remains

200 meters

200

meters

Start Finish
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-3 

(2) When team members observe an item that may be relevant to the search, the 

team member will use a predetermined verbal or hand-and-arm signal to alert the team to 

halt. The team leader will examine the item(s) and if the item is deemed to be human 

remains, portion of human remains, or disassociated PE, the team leader will mark the item 

with a predetermined color pin flag or other suitable marking method. Team leaders will 

mark any item that could be associated with the event; when in doubt, collect and return to 

AFMES for examination. The team leader will mark the pin flag using a grease pencil with 

the proper sequential “R” number for human remains, “E” number for disassociated PE, or 

“P” number for a portion of human remains. The team leader will then annotate the number 

assigned to the item and a description in a field notebook. 

Note: An “R” number will be assigned to any item found that constitutes more than 50 

percent of a human body and includes a majority of the torso. The team leader will make 

this determination. If there are no items representing more than 50 percent, each portion will 

receive a sequential “P” number. A torso will be marked as human remains. Body regions 

such as an isolated head or legs, even if attached at the pelvis, will be marked as a portion.

(3) This search and marking method will continue until the team has reached a 

point at least 100 meters past the last marked item. The team leader will then halt the team 

and direct the left or right flanker to perform an about-face, depending on which direction the

search will proceed. The remaining team members will pivot around the flanker, remaining 

online until the team is facing in the opposite direction. The team leader will move to the 

rear-center of the formation and direct the movement of the team. This search pattern will 

continue until there is at least a 100-meter buffer in each direction around the defined 

recovery area.

(4) Team members search until they find all human remains or until the team leader 

determines there are no human remains in the area. Team members must be aware of areas 

where human remains may be located. Team members should also search unusual ground 

disturbances that may be due to emergency interments, collapsed bunkers, or fighting 

positions. Unusual odors, congregation of insects, scavenger birds, or animals should be 

investigated as they might lead to hidden human remains. 

b. Recovery 

(1) Once the entire area has been searched and all relevant items marked, the team 

will begin the documentation and recovery process. During combat, human remains and 

disassociated PE should be considered boobytrapped. Thus, proper precautions should be 

taken prior to handling any human remains, portions, or PE. Small portions and 

disassociated PE can be checked for possible booby traps by close examination prior to 

handling. Human remains represent a higher probability of being boobytrapped, so visual 

inspection may not always locate the presence of these devices. 

(2) The recommended method to check human remains for booby traps is for one 

team member to attach a rope or strong cord to the side of the human remains opposite from 

the direction that he/she will pull the rope. After taking cover and with the remaining team 

members at a safe distance and behind cover, the designated personnel will pull the rope 
Chapter IV

IV-4 JP 4-06 

until the human remains are rolled over and moved slightly away from its original position. 

All team members will stay behind cover for at least one minute, after which the human 

remains can be assumed safe to handle. 

(3) If an explosive device discharges and causes fragmentation of the human 

remains and/or disassociation of PE, these items should be placed in an HRP with the human 

remains, as all preexisting disassociated evidence would have already been marked. 

Logically, these items were associated with the human remains prior to the explosion. All 

personnel handling human remains, portions, or effects must wear the proper protective 

equipment. Selection of PPE must be based on the exposure potential, that is, the probability 

of contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials, the likely amount of contact, 

and the expected duration of contact. Predesignated team members should complete the 

following tasks: 

(4) Recording PE

(a) Personnel designated to document and safeguard PE should be the first 

personnel to come into contact with the human remains after booby trap checks are complete. 

These personnel must thoroughly check the entire human remains for PE, including the 

hands, neck, pockets, boots, and load carrying equipment. (Note: Pay particularly close 

attention to locating the ID tags and the ID card. Leave ID tags/card in place on the human 

remains. Use official ID media found as a basis for establishing tentative ID. Leave all ID 

media, PE, clothing, and organizational equipment on the human remains for forensic 

analysis. Inventory PE and record these items on Department of Defense [DD] Form 1076

[Military Operations Record of Personnel Effects of Deceased Personnel].) 

(b) Provide ID media to team members completing other documentation. 

(c) Place PE in a plastic slide closure bag, then place in a PE bag.

(d) Secure the PE bag to the left wrist of the human remains, if possible. If 

not, securely attach PE bag(s) to another location on the human remains. 

(e) Sign the DD Form 1076. This becomes the chain of custody document for 

the PE.

(f) Place the DD Form 1076 in a slide closure plastic bag with the PE.

(5) Recording ID media

(a) Personnel designated to locate and record items of official ID media should 

thoroughly check all areas of the human remains’ clothing and equipment. Any items or 

markings such as uniform nametape, laundry marks, helmet band marks, uniform and 

equipment sizes, serial numbers and markings on items of unit-issued equipment, Armed 

Forces ID Card, ID tags, rank insignia, and uniform patches should be annotated on DD 

Form 567 (Record of Search and Recovery); see Figure IV-2. (Note: No items of PE are 

annotated on this form.) 
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-5 

(b) All equipment (except weapons, ordnance, or unit-essential equipment) is 

transported with human remains. All equipment is annotated on DD Form 890 (Record of 

Identification Processing). Body armor is recorded on both the DD Form 890 and as a 

specific entry item in the MARTS case file for accountability and tracking purposes.

(c) Unload all weapons and remove explosive ordnance from human remains. 

Return these items to the unit armorer.

Figure IV-2. DD Form 567, Record of Search and Recovery
Chapter IV

IV-6 JP 4-06 

(6) Obtaining statements of recognition.

(a) When there are S&R team members or other personnel in the recovery area 

who can visually identify the human remains, a designated team member should complete a 

DD Form 565 (Statement of Recognition of Deceased); see Figure IV-3. 

(b) The S&R team member completing the form will annotate as much 

information as possible using information provided by the acquaintance out of sight of the 

human remains. Once these blocks are completed, after verifying that the human remains are 

identifiable, the team member will escort the acquaintance to the human remains and 

determine if the human remains can be visually recognized. Any discrepancies found during 

the viewing with the descriptions provided prior will be annotated in the “remarks” block of 

the form. (Note: Human remains will not be washed or have clothing removed to aid the 

recognition process.) 

(c) Complete all remaining blocks and have the acquaintance sign in the 

appropriate block. 

(d) The team member completing the form will sign in the “witness” block. 

(7) Questioning local inhabitants.

(a) When local civilians are encountered during the search or during recovery 

operations who may have information pertaining to the loss, a designated team member 

should attempt to complete a DD Form 1074 (Questionnaire of Local Inhabitants); see 

Figure IV-4. 

(b) A linguist or interpreter may be needed to accomplish this task.

(c) Attempt to gain information on other unrecovered human remains in the 

area.

(d) Forward this report to the JMAO with other documents, even when no 

human remains are found. 

(8) Completing tags for human remains, portions, and disassociated PE. 

(a) A designated team member should prepare two S&R tags for each human 

remains, and one tag for each portion and disassociated PE. 

(b) The S&R tags for human remains (see Figure IV-5) should have the S&R 

number on one side that consists of the mission number, the branch of Service of the 

recovering unit, the unit designation, and the number assigned to the human remains. 

Example: 001/AR311thQM/2 of 3 would be the S&R number for the first S&R mission for 

the Army’s 311th Quartermaster Company. These human remains would be the second of 

three human remains recovered on this mission, or “R-2.” 
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-7 

(c) The reverse side of the S&R tag is left blank, except for human remains 

recovered from aircraft crashes or vehicles. For human remains from aircraft crashes, the 

reverse side of the tag would be marked “ACM,” for advanced composite materials (see 

Figure IV-6). This marking will alert receiving MA personnel that the human remains may 

contain hazardous residue and special handling precautions may be warranted. 

Figure IV-3. DD Form 565, Statement of Recognition of Deceased
Chapter IV

IV-8 JP 4-06 

(d) The reverse side of S&R tags for human remains recovered from any 

vehicle suspected to contain depleted uranium should be marked “DU” for depleted uranium 

as a precaution.

(e) S&R tags for portions (see Figure IV-7) and effects (see Figure IV-8) 

should have the number assigned to the item annotated on one side and the reverse side 

should be left blank. 

(f) One S&R tag will be attached to each human remains and the other to the 

zipper tab of the HRP. 

Figure IV-4. DD Form 1074, Questionnaire of Local Inhabitants
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-9 

(g) Portions recovered from the same general location should not be 

individually bagged, unless there is a strong presumption that the human remains belong to a 

distinct “believed-to-be” (BTB) or that the location of recovery (provenience) information 

for where each portion was recovered is critical to an investigation. When at all possible, 

maintain skeletal integrity and keep skeletal remains together. Place the portions in an HRP

for evacuation. The outside of the HRP will be marked “portions.” A tag, or automated 

identification technology (AIT) device, will be placed inside a clear zip-closure bag or a 

sealed, watertight container and placed inside the HRP, or attached to the outside of the 

HRP. Disassociated effects will be recovered and placed in an HRP for evacuation; the 

outside of the HRP will be marked “effects.” A tag or AIT device will be placed inside the 

HRP or attached to the outside of the HRP. If commingling is suspected, place the portions 

together in an HRP. The AFMES anthropological staff will examine and sort. Portions 

recovered from geographically and/or incidentally distinct areas should not be placed in the 

Figure IV-5. Search and Recovery Tag for Human Remains, Ground/Non-Vehicular

Search and Recovery Tag for Human Remains, 

Ground/Non-Vehicular

"BACK SIDE"

"FRONT SIDE"

001/AR311thQM/2of3

(BLANK)
Chapter IV

IV-10 JP 4-06 

same HRP or transfer case. Never combine portions transported from different S&R 

locations within the same HRP or transfer case.

(h) The documents prepared for each human remains will be put into a sealed, 

watertight container or clear zip-closure bag and placed inside the proper HRP. 

c. Evacuation Operations. Once human remains, portions, and disassociated effects 

have been tagged and placed in HRPs, the human remains should be evacuated to the 

evacuation point. Human remains should always be: 

(1) Carried feet first. 

(2) Treated with dignity, reverence, and respect.

(3) Loaded head first onto fixed-wing aircraft.

Figure IV-6. Search and Recovery Tag for Human Remains, Aircraft

Search and Recovery Tag for Human Remains, Aircraft

"BACK SIDE"

"FRONT SIDE"

001/AR311thQM/2of3

ACM
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-11 

(4) Loaded feet first onto vehicles or rotary-wing aircraft.

(5) Escorted to the most convenient MA facility. 

d. Post-Combat and Area-Clearance Phase Recovery Site Operations

(1) Recovery site operations conducted by individual units or MA personnel during 

the post-combat or area-clearance phases of a military operation are usually more thorough 

and better documented than those conducted during the combat phase. Recovery sites are 

defined as areas where human remains or other material evidence have been deposited, or are 

believed to have been deposited. 

(2) MA personnel may be available to supervise or conduct these types of 

operations, but the procedures outlined may be used by non-MA personnel whenever MA 

personnel are not available and the tactical situation permits. In addition to the 

Figure IV-7. Search and Recovery Tag for Portion

Search and Recovery Tag for Portion

"BACK SIDE"

"FRONT SIDE"

P-3

(BLANK)
Chapter IV

IV-12 JP 4-06 

aforementioned search procedures, the following search methods may be employed based on 

available resources and the area being searched. 

(a) Strip or line search—usually used for covering large or open areas. 

(b) Zone or sector search—area to be searched is divided into zones or sectors.

(c) Point to point search—is used in small confined areas. 

(d) Spiral or circular search—typically used for outdoor scenes with one to two 

personnel conducting the search. 

(e) Clockwise search and counter-clockwise search—inside search pattern with 

two personnel conducting the search. 

Figure IV-8. Search and Recovery Tag for Disassociated Personal Effects

Search and Recovery Tag for Disassociated 

Personal Effects

"BACK SIDE"

"FRONT SIDE"

E-7

(BLANK)
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-13 

(3) Use of additional specialskills personnel. After cessation of major hostilities, it 

is more likely to have a greater availability of specialized personnel to assist during S&R 

operations. These personnel may include, but are not limited to: 

(a) Linguists.

(b) Life support technicians. 

(c) EOD.

(d) CBRN.

(e) MA.

(f) Medical personnel.

(g) Canine search teams.

(h) Anthropologists. 

(i) Archaeologists.

(4) Gridding the recovery site. Use of the union grid system will ensure a more 

thorough and accurate documentation of the recovery site. 

(a) Selecting the Datum. Once the area has been searched and all items 

marked, a permanent point of reference or “datum” is selected. This datum should be in the 

southwest corner of the defined recovery site. There should be no known human remains, 

portions, or effects located to the south or west of this position. Before evacuating human 

remains from the recovery site, the datum should be marked so as to be easily located in the 

future. This can be done in several ways, such as by driving a metal stake into the ground or 

even by stacking rocks. If there is already a nearby prominent object in the southwest corner 

that can be used as a datum, mark it so that it is easily distinguishable from other like items 

in the area.

(b) Meridian Line Placement. The line from the datum running due north (0 

degrees) is called the meridian line. This line extends in uniformed increments (meters) until 

it surpasses the northernmost marked item in the recovery area. (Note: The smaller the 

increments, the more accurately the site will be documented.) Wood or metal stakes are 

placed at the proper increments in a direct line from the datum to the northernmost boundary 

of the recovery area.

(c) Baseline Placement. The line from the datum running due east (90 

degrees) is called the baseline. This line extends in the same increments as the meridian line 

until it surpasses the easternmost marked item in the recovery area. (Note: The length of the 

baseline is rarely the same as the length of the meridian line.)
Chapter IV

IV-14 JP 4-06 

(d) Building the Grid Interior. Once the meridian and baselines have been 

emplaced, a measuring tape or rod is extended north from the first stake east of the datum on 

the baseline and east from the first stake north of the datum on the meridian line. An 

additional stake is placed at the point where these two devices intersect. This process is 

continued northward until the end of the meridian line is reached. The devices are moved 

over one stake to the east and the process repeated. This process is continued until the entire 

recovery area is gridded. This process will create a graph-like appearance comprised of 

small boxes, which are called “units.” Twine or engineer tape can be strung between the 

stakes to better define these units. 

(e) Checking the Accuracy of Units. The Pythagorean theorem is used to 

check the squareness of the units. The units are measured diagonally and the theorem A2 + 

B2 = C2 is used. Example: A 4-meter (m) × 4-m unit measured diagonally should be 5.657 

m. 

(f) Numbering the Units. The numbering system that will be used to define 

each unit within the recovery site begins with the datum. The datum should always be 

numbered N500/E500. The numbers for each unit north and east of the datum will ascend in 

the increments the units were emplaced. Example: If each unit is 2 m × 2 m, then the first 

stake north of the datum on the meridian line will be numbered N502/E500, since it is 2 m 

north and 0 m east of the datum. Likewise, the first stake east of the datum on the meridian 

line will be numbered N500/E502, since it is 2 m east and 0 m north of the datum. The unit 

to which these numbers correspond will be the unit directly north and east of the stake. 

(g) Unit Quadrants. Each unit is comprised of four individual quadrants: 

northwest (NW), northeast (NE), southwest (SW), and southeast (SE). Indicating in which 

quadrant of a particular unit an item was found will make documentation of the recovery 

more accurate. Example: If it were noted that item P-7 was found in N512/E504 on a 

recovery site comprised of 2-m × 2-m units, the variance of marking the location during a 

site recreation would be 2 m. But if it were noted that item P-7 was found in the SW 

quadrant of N512/E504, the variance would be reduced to only 1 m. 

(5) Excavating a Recovery Site. In order to recover human remains from burial 

sites, collapsed bunkers, and especially aircraft crashes, excavation of soil within the 

recovery site may be required. The equipment used for excavation can vary from large 

earth-moving machines, to small hand trowels and toothbrushes. It is important to always 

recover as much of the human remains as possible. With modern technological and 

scientific methods, it is possible to make a positive ID using a small portion of soft tissue, or 

hard tissue found amongst thousands of fragments from several different individuals. During 

catastrophic events, often all that is recoverable are minuscule pieces of human anatomy. 

Sometimes these portions can be present as scattered surface materials, or buried at a depth 

of several feet interspersed with aircraft debris, foliage, and soil. Excavations of these types 

of recovery sites usually employ the methods of archaeology and are often very slow, 

deliberate operations. If the tactical situation permits, all recoverable human remains and 

portions of human remains should be recovered and evacuated to help ensure ID and proper 

repatriation of all individuals involved in the loss. 
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-15 

(6) Excavation and recovery operations employ several types of strategies, 

methods, and techniques. 

(a) Basic Excavation Strategies. Excavation strategies employed on a recovery 

site must be flexible and adaptable to environmental, cultural, and physical challenges. 

There are two types of excavation strategies; strategy-discovery and strategy-recovery.

1. Strategy-Discovery. This strategy is employed when the exact location 

of human remains within a defined perimeter remains unknown after all information has 

been gathered. The excavation methods used are usually trenching and large-scale testing.

2.

(b) Basic Excavation Methods. Excavation methods employed within a 

recovery site are determined by the circumstances of the loss and the information gathered. 

There are four basic excavation methods; large-scale testing, trenching, block-excavation, 

and collection. 

 Strategy-Recovery. This strategy is employed whenever information 

gathered points to a specific location within the recovery site. The preferred excavation 

method is block-excavation.

1. Large-Scale Testing. This excavation method consists of excavating 

alternate same-sized units throughout the recovery site by the use of a random numbering 

system. These “test pits” are usually 50 centimeters (cm) × 50 cm and dug to a depth 

determined by the team leader or recovery leader. 

2. Trenching. This excavation method consists of digging long, linear 

units parallel to each other. Large areas of the recovery site can be examined for soil profiles 

and material evidence. The unexcavated areas between rows, or balks, should be uniform in 

width, usually no more than 50 cm, and be removed from areas where human remains or 

other material are found.

3. Block-Excavation. This is the preferred excavation method and 

consists of excavating contiguous units within the recovery site. All units are dug to a 

“sterile” depth. Sterile soil is soil that is undisturbed and free of human remains, artifacts, or 

other material evidence.

4.

(c) Basic Excavation Techniques. There are three basic types of excavation 

techniques that are employed on a recovery site; fine-scale, coarse-scale, and mechanical.

 Collection. This excavation method is employed whenever no soil is 

present and all human remains, artifacts, and material evidence is located on the surface, 

such as on a rock-slope. 

1. Technique Fine-Scale. This excavation technique consists of the use of 

hand tools, including but not limited to hand trowels, toothbrushes, dental picks, 

paintbrushes, and bamboo picks. It is usually used when human remains or other material 

evidence are located and adjacent soil must be removed.
Chapter IV

IV-16 JP 4-06 

2. Technique Coarse-Scale. This excavation technique consists of the use 

of hand tools, such as picks and shovels. It is the most common technique for excavating 

recovery sites and is used when large amounts of soil must be removed and screened. It is 

often mixed with fine-scale excavation when human remains or soil disturbances are located.

3.

(d) Basic Recovery Techniques. Recovery techniques are the methods used to 

recover human remains and other material evidence during excavations. There are three 

types of basic recovery techniques: collection, dry-screening, and wet-screening. 

 Technique Mechanical. This excavation technique consists of the use 

of mechanical equipment, including but not limited to bulldozers, belly scrapers, and frontend loaders. It is normally employed when large amounts of overburden, or soil that has 

been deposited on top of the recovery site, must be removed to proximate the location or 

human remains and material evidence. 

1. Recovery Technique Collection. This recovery technique is employed 

when no soil needs to be excavated and all human remains, artifacts, and material are present 

on the surface, such as on a rock-slope. 

2. Recovery Technique Dry-Screening. This recovery technique is 

employed when conditions permit the conveyance of excavated soil to a location outside of 

the recovery site, and the soil is placed into 1⁄4-inch wire-meshed screens in an attempt to 

locate human remains, artifacts, or other material evidence. The soil passes through the 

screen by shaking or pressing by hand. All material evidence is placed in a clear plastic bag 

and checked periodically or prior to closing the unit. 

3.

e. Documentation of the Recovery Site. It is vital that all aspects of the recovery 

operation be documented. This documentation provides a spatial and contextual reference as 

to where human remains, artifacts, and other material evidence are found within the recovery 

site. The recovery operation is documented in three manners; maps, field notebooks, and 

photos. 

 Recovery Technique Wet-Screening. This recovery technique is 

employed when conditions will not allow soil to pass through the screen without assistance. 

Soil from the recovery site is conveyed to an outside area, placed in a screen, and water 

pressure is used to degrade the soil to a point where it will pass through the screen, leaving 

behind any material evidence and organic matter larger than the diameter of the wire mesh. 

(1) Mapping the Recovery Site. Making accurate maps of every recovery site is 

essential. A map of the recovery site showing the locations of human remains, portions, and 

PE in relation to the datum can be used for future excavations and re-creation of the recovery 

site (see Figure IV-9). A detailed recovery site map should include: 

(a) X for the location of the datum in the SW corner. 

(b) Individual units within the recovery site. 

(c) Size of units. 
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-17 

(d) Codes for each human remains, portion, and disassociated PE recovered.

(e) Quadrants for each item recovered.

(f) Grid coordinates and description of the datum. 

(g) Unit conducting recovery. 

Figure IV-9. Sample Recovery Site Map

Sample Recovery Site Map

Datum (Metal stake) with Streamer WT 3463984720 Unit Size: 4m X 4m

Item

Team Leader: John Doe, 0-3

Unit: A Company, 507th INF BN, 9th ID

Date of Recovery: 21 April 2003

R-1

P-1

P-2

R-2

N512/E500

N512/E500

N512/E504

N508/E508

NW

NE

SW

NE

Unit Unit Quadrant

P-3

E-1

P-4

R-1 P-1

P-2

R-2

E-2
Chapter IV

IV-18 JP 4-06 

(h) Team leader name and grade.

(i) Date(s) of recovery operation.

(j) Vehicle and aircraft ID numbers, if applicable. 

(2) Field Notebooks. During recovery operations, the team leader should keep a 

detailed record of every aspect of the recovery operation in a field notebook. The last page 

in the notebook should include the team leader’s information, dated and signed. This 

notebook should be forwarded with the human remains to the MA facility. 

(3) Photographing the Recovery Site. Digital media is suggested for 

documenting recoveries. Each recovery site should be photographed on its own memory 

card(s), each day, and the photographs should be downloaded to a permanent storage outlet 

in their raw or unadulterated form. Close-ups and overall views of each item should be 

taken. A description and number of each photograph taken should be recorded in the field 

notebook or separate photographic log. Each roll of film should be numbered and every roll, 

memory card, or storage disc of digital media should be forwarded with the human remains 

to the MACP. (Note: It is important to safeguard this photographic evidence and ensure that 

no unauthorized photographs are taken.) 

(4) If no human remains are found or if the team must suspend operations for 

tactical reasons, the team leader will report this information and the extent of the search to 

higher headquarters. The team leader includes as much detailed information as possible to 

aid any future S&R missions. 

3. Mortuary Affairs Collection Point Operations 

a. The MACP is the basic unit for modern day MA support. Mission planning provides 

for MACPs to be strategically located throughout the operational area. These MACPs 

provide DS and/or GS for receiving, refrigeration, processing, tentative ID, and evacuation 

of human remains and their accompanying PE. When tasked, the MACP conducts or 

provides personnel to perform or supervise S&R missions. MACPs are mobile, enabling 

them to support combat maneuver elements, but can remain fixed to support a general area. 

(1) MACPs are established in one of two ways. MACPs designed to provide DS to 

a combat maneuver element are highly mobile. These points should be located in the 

forward logistic support area with the combat maneuver element. MACPs designed to 

provide GS to a given area or major commands are more stationary in their operation and are 

located at large logistic bases. These points operate in a more traditional manner. In 

providing GS, these points might be task-organized with increased receiving, processing, 

refrigeration, and evacuation capacities to serve as a transit or intermediate point for MACPs 

providing DS to forward elements. While these points are more fixed in nature, they 

maintain the modular capability to deploy forward with the logistic base or the major 

command. 

(2) In addition to the MACP’s primary mission, the MACP has the secondary 

mission of conducting or providing personnel to supervise S&R missions when tasked by 
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-19 

higher headquarters. When assigned this mission, the MACP must leave sufficient personnel 

to maintain and operate the point on a 24-hour basis. Although not a primary mission, an 

MACP may help conduct or assist in temporary interment operations. 

b. Site Selection

(1) Site selection for establishing and operating an MACP depends on the support 

mission. A highly mobile MACP that provides DS to a combat maneuver element should 

choose a site with considerations for: 

(a) Proximity to a main supply route to facilitate delivery and evacuation of 

human remains. 

(b) Accessibility for combat units evacuating human remains as well as being 

clearly marked so that the unit can recognize the MACP.

(c) Accessibility to mobile refrigeration containers.

(d) Proximity to life support and/or personnel services but out of sight of 

medical treatment facilities.

(e) Proximity to tactical communications support.

(2) MACPs providing GS to a given area or major command should choose a site 

based on the following: 

(a) Proximity to a main supply route. 

(b) Ability to build a road network on site or to use an existing road network.

(c) Ability to build a helipad on site or to use an existing helipad. 

(d) Proximity to engineer support for construction and/or maintenance of a 

road network and helipad. 

(e) Proximity to a landing strip or airport.

(f) Proximity to life support and/or personnel services. 

(g) Proximity to tactical communications support. 

(h) Ability to screen area using natural screening or screening material.

c. Facility Layout

(1) MACPs may operate out of a mobile integrated remains collection system 

(MIRCS), tentage, or a temporary facility (see Figure IV-10). 
Chapter IV

IV-20 JP 4-06 

Figure IV-10. Mortuary Affairs Collection Plan (Temporary)–Site Plan

Mortuary Affairs Collection Point (Temporary)–Site Plan

(1) refrigerated container (8ft x 20ft)

(2) storage conex (8ft x 20ft)

(3) transfer case storage

(4) 5,000 gallon water storage

(5) 100 kilowatt generator

(6) fuel storage

(7) trash container

(8) solid biowaste storage

(9) ice production storage

(10) personnel gate

(11) vehicle gate

(12) general purpose building 

(40ft x 50ft)

(13) general purpose building 

(20ft x 40ft) 

(14) shower building (20ft x 

40ft) 

(15) latrine building (20ft x 

40ft)

HESCO Bastion 

barrier

Facility Designations

Water 

Collect

Parking

Receiving 

(Concrete 

Pad)

Shipping 

and 

Receiving 

(Concrete 

Pad)

Shower

(14)

Washer

Dryer

(13) (9)

(4)

(6)

(7)

(7)

(7)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(5)

(5)

(3)

(3)

(2)

(4)

(1)

(1)

(2)

(8)

(1)

(2)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(5)

(5)

(3)

(3)

(11)

(11)

(11)

(10)

(10)

(2)

Latrine

(15)

Female 

Barracks 

(13)

Recreation 

(13)

Administration

(13)

Processing

Structure

(12)

Supply

 (13)

Personal 

Effects 

Processing

(12)

Male 

Barracks 

(13)
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-21 

(2) An MACP is composed of three basic sections: receiving, processing, and 

evacuation. The facility layout is based upon the structure and the support mission of the 

MACP. Highly mobile MACPs might be forced to operate all sections out of the MACP’s 

mobile refrigeration container, from the back of a vehicle, or from a designated area on the 

ground. These points have the flexibility to tailor their facility layout based on the tactical 

situation. The ability of these MACPs to establish a temporary facility depends directly on 

the maneuver scheme of the unit supporting the MACP. 

(3) A more stable, better organized MACP should be established in secure areas. 

The following actions should be taken to ensure successful operation of the MACP: establish 

a road network with parking areas with directional signs; erect screening material at the 

earliest possible moment to shield the operations of the MACP from public view from the 

ground and, if possible, from the air; construct a perimeter to prevent unauthorized personnel 

and news media from entering the area; coordinate engineering support to construct a helipad 

near the MACP, if one does not already exist; arrange engineering support to establish or 

improve a road network and perimeter for the CP; tailor the facility layout to the features of 

the area to be used. Figure IV-11 is an illustration of a recommended MACP layout. 

Figure IV-11. Sample Layout of a Collection Point

SAMPLE LAYOUT OF A COLLECTION POINT

HOLDING AREA

REFRIGERATION

VAN

RECEIVING / PROCESSING

LATRINE SCREEN

 TENTS
Chapter IV

IV-22 JP 4-06 

d. Operations

(1) Receiving Operations

(a) When possible, x-ray human remains and PE during receiving operations at 

an MACP for unexploded ordnance (UXO), booby traps, and other hazardous items prior to 

entering the receiving area. Receiving personnel must verify that this was accomplished. 

Verification that human remains and PE are clear of UXO may be accomplished via 

fluoroscope, digital x-ray, or, at a minimum, handheld metal detector. The level of 

verification will be determined by the GCC based on the level of risk to personnel and 

strategic airlift assets. If items are found, EOD personnel must be notified at once and 

processing must cease until items have been cleared for further processing. 

(b) Prepare the DD Form 1077 (Collection Point Register of Deceased 

Personnel). The DD Form 1077 is a daily log of all human remains received at the MACP, 

whether unidentified, BTB, or portions. Prepare a new register each day the MACP is in 

operation. The reporting period starts at 0001 and ends at 2400 (local time). Retain a copy 

of all registers at the MACP for internal records.

(c) Upon arrival of the human remains, MACP personnel record all required 

information on the DD Form 1077 (Figure IV-12). Confirm the actual number of human 

remains delivered. 

(d) Human remains are checked for recovery tags and any other accompanying 

paperwork. Recovery tags, if present, are removed and placed in the case folder file, and 

MACP evacuation tags are placed on the human remains. Do not delay normal processing 

and evacuation for lack of information. Evacuation number preparation instructions: The 

Figure IV-12. DD Form 1077, Collection Point Register of Deceased Personnel
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-23 

evacuation number consists of a sequential number. A letter is placed in front of the 

evacuation number to identify what is being evacuated. An “R” can represent a BTB or 

unidentified human remains. The BTB is one where tentative ID can be obtained from ID 

media on the human remains. An unidentified is assigned when there is not any ID media to 

aid in ID in order to assign a BTB identity to the human remains. A “P” represents a portion, 

an “E” represents PE, a “D” represents disassociated effects, and “T” represents transfer of 

those items through an additional MACP during the current calendar year. The evacuation 

number is automatically assigned if the MACP is using MARTS. 

(e) Complete two evacuation tags for each human remains. For BTB human 

remains, record the last name, first name, middle initial, and the last four digits of the Social 

Security number (SSN) on one side of the tag. For unidentified human remains, write 

“unidentified” instead. On the reverse side, record the evacuation number issued to each 

human remains as recorded on DD Form 1077 and seal number used to seal the HRP. One 

tag is attached to the human remains and the other to the HRP (see Figure IV-13).

(f) When MACP personnel process body portions, the evacuation tag is 

completed as follows: “PORTIONS” is written on one side of the tag; beneath 

“PORTIONS” the sequential “P” number of portions is written as shown on Figure IV-14. 

The reverse side is completed the same as for human remains. When placing several 

portions into one HRP, recovered from the same general location, the portions will not be 

individually bagged unless there is a strong presumption that the human remains belong to a 

distinct BTB or that the place or recovery (provenience) information for each portion is 

critical to an investigation. When possible, maintain skeletal integrity and keep skeletal 

remains together. The HRP must have an evacuation tag; on the front, the word 

“PORTIONS” is written and beneath it the total number of portions contained in the HRP. 

Portions recovered from geographically or incidentally distinct areas should be bagged 

separately from one another. When preparing for evacuation, HRPs with portions that have 

been tagged and sealed may be placed inside a second HRP to consolidate them for transport. 

This means that there would be an outer HRP which contained separate tagged and sealed 

HRPs, an inner pouch and an outer pouch. The evacuation tag would be marked on the front 

“PORTIONS,” and beneath it the total number of portions contained in the HRP from both 

The evacuation number has four parts : 

1. A letter code R, P, E, D, T

2. Sequential number and year

3. Branch of Service and unit operating the collection point

4. Collection point identifier (number or location) 

Example: EVAC # R11-94/AR54th QM CO/Balad 

This EVAC # repres ents a human remains /the 11th evacuation in 1994 

evacuated by the Army 54th Quartermaster Company collection point Balad.
Chapter IV

IV-24 JP 4-06 

internal pouches. The back of the tag is completed as all others (Figure IV-15). Do not 

physically associate any portions with other portions or human remains. HRPs will contain 

unidentified human remains, BTB human remains, or portions of human remains. 

Commingling of these categories of human remains in a single HRP is not authorized. Note: 

An “R” number will be assigned to any item found that constitutes more than 50 percent of a 

human body and includes a majority of the torso. The team leader will make this 

determination. Items not representing more than 50 percent are classified as a portion and 

will receive a sequential “P” number. A torso will be marked as human remains. Body 

regions such as an isolated head or legs, even if attached at the pelvis, will be marked as 

portions. 

(g) Based on the workload, move the human remains to the processing area or 

keep the human remains at the receiving holding area under refrigeration to wait for further 

processing.

Figure IV-13. Evacuation Tag for Human Remains

Evacuation Tag for Human Remains

"BACK SIDE"

"FRONT SIDE"

BTB: Last Name, FIRST NAME, MIDDLE INITIAL

SSN: XXXX

EVAC #

R11 - 94 /AR54TH QM CO/2

SEAL #

0691
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-25 

(h) Initiate an original and duplicate individual case file. The top portion of 

the file should have BTB name, rank, SSN, seal number, and evacuation number. Create an 

alpha index card containing the following information: BTB name or unidentified, SSN, 

evacuation number, and other appropriate remarks (Figure IV-16). This file is kept at the 

MACP as a quick reference for questions about human remains processed through the 

MACP. 

(i) Initiate a case file in MARTS by “accepting” the human remains into the 

system. Prepare all MA documents in MARTS if available. If MARTS is not operational, 

follow the guidance for preparation of paper forms. 

Figure IV-14. Evacuation Tag for Portions

Evacuation Tag for Portions

"BACK SIDE"

"FRONT SIDE"

PORTIONS

P1

EVAC #

P11 - 94 /AR54TH QM CO/2

SEAL #

0691
Chapter IV

IV-26 JP 4-06 

(2) Processing Operations

(a) The method and extent of processing conducted at the MACP depends on 

the prevailing operational constraints and local MA procedures. A mobile forward MACP 

might not have the time or support to conduct full-scale processing operations. When the 

MACP workload is overwhelming, the MACP OIC/NCOIC may make the decision to follow 

the minimum hasty processing procedures. The minimum procedures that must be 

accomplished are: prepare evacuation tags; complete DD Form 1077; remove any 

ammunition, explosives, weapons, or classified material; place evacuation tag on human 

remains; and if not already in an HRP, place human remains in an HRP. Put the PE bag in 

the HRP, then put an evacuation tag on the HRP and seal it. The human remains are then 

placed in the refrigeration container. A DD Form 1075 (Convoy List of Remains of 

Deceased Personnel) must be prepared. See Figure IV-17. Finally, load the human remains 

on the transport vehicle. The driver must sign for the human remains on the DD Form 1075.

Figure IV-15. Evacuation Tag for Individual Portions (for Inclusion Inside a

Human Remains Pouch Containing Several Portions)

Evacuation Tag for Individual Portions (for Inclusion Inside 

a Human Remains Pouch Containing Several Portions)

"BACK SIDE"

"FRONT SIDE"

PORTIONS

1 of _______

EVAC #

P11 - 94 /AR54TH QM CO/2

SEAL #

0691
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-27 

(b) When human remains are taken to the processing area, personnel who 

operate the processing section examine all documents in the case file and the state of the 

human remains. Check to see if a DD Form 1380 (US Field Medical Card), Standard Form 

(SF) 600 (Health Record—Chronological Record of Medical Care), or DD Form 2064 

(United States Department of Defense Certificate of Death) is present. See Figure IV-18 and 

Figure IV-19. Certified medical authority will pronounce death and complete a DD Form 

2064 or other appropriate documents for transport of the human remains back to Dover AFB

mortuary. On the death certificate, the cause of death will be listed as “Pending AFME 

determination.” 

(c) Check the state of the human remains to determine if they are intact. In 

cases where human remains are missing major portions, check to see if there is any 

documentation from the unit indicating that a search for missing portions was conducted. If 

sufficient documentation does not exist, attempt to contact the unit for a report. After all 

attempts to recover major portions have been exhausted, generate a certificate of nonrecoverability of missing major portions. Do not delay shipment of the recovered remains 

in order to search for missing portions. Include this certificate in the case file. If 

information is received after the human remains have been evacuated, prepare a message 

stating all pertinent information and forward it through higher headquarters to the JMAO. 

Figure IV-16. Sample 3 x 5 Alpha Index Card

Sample 3 x 5 Alpha Index Card

NAME BTB:

SSN:

EVAC #:
Chapter IV

IV-28 JP 4-06 

Figure IV-17. DD Form 1075, Convoy List of Remains of Deceased Personnel
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-29 

Figure IV-18. DD Form 1380, US Field Medical Card
Chapter IV

IV-30 JP 4-06 

Figure IV-19. DD Form 2064, United States Department of Defense 

Certificate of Death
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-31 

(3) Chain of custody and inventory integrity for decedent effects (DE) is a primary 

responsibility of the MA community; two person controls will be maintained while 

conducting an inventory of DE or PE. Identify, inspect, and record all official military and 

personal ID media, PE, and personal clothing and equipment using DD Form 890 (Record of 

Identification Processing [Effects and Physical Data]) (see Figure IV-20) and DD Form 

1076/1076C (Record of Personal Property/Personal Effects and Record of Personal 

Property/Personal Effects Continuation Sheet) (see Figure IV-21 and Figure IV-22). Search 

all personal equipment, clothing, pockets, and the areas around the neck, wrists, and fingers 

for PE. (Note: Be particularly careful during processing to avoid contaminating or 

destroying forensic evidence. Carefully remove the DE from the pockets. Minimize 

handling to preserve physical and biological forensic evidence. DE should not be removed 

from the human remains. Record the items and leave in place, annotating their location on a 

DD Form 1076. Pay particularly close attention to locating the ID tags and the ID card. 

Leave ID tags/ID card in the location found on the human remains. Use official ID media 

found as a basis for establishing tentative ID. Leave all ID media, PE, clothing and 

organizational equipment on the human remains for forensic analysis. Inventory PE and 

record these items on DD Form 1076. Note: No military clothing or military issued items 

are annotated on this form. Only PE found on the human remains or in the human remains’ 

clothing or equipment are annotated on this form. 

(4) In cases when disassociated effects are received at an MACP, do not attempt to 

associate them with a particular human remains. Create a file using the DD Form 1076. 

Generate a disassociated effects tag (Figure IV-23) for the disassociated effects. The tags 

will have the words “DISASSOCIATED EFFECTS” written on one side. On the reverse 

side assign a sequential “D” number to each disassociated effect. Record Service letter 

designator, the unit operating the MACP, and MACP number designator. Place the 

disassociated effects, with one copy of the DD Form 1076 and the tag, in the slide closure 

plastic bag and store in one or more PE bag(s) as needed. Place the other tag on the PE bag. 

Evacuate the loose PE when evacuating human remains as a separate item. Disassociated 

effects will not be transported in an HRP or placed in a transfer case.

(5) The use of MARTS software at the MACP will facilitate expedient processing 

and tracking of human remains and PE throughout the process. 

(6) Take two sets of pictures for each human remains using a digital camera. Take 

a full facial picture, complete anterior photo of the body, then gently roll the body over and 

take a posterior view of the body. The pictures are used to document the state of the human 

remains at the time the human remains enter the MA system. Pictures should be stored on 

disk and only released to the AFMES. 

(7) Place the original, completed case file in a closed or sealed plastic bag placed 

inside the HRP. If transporting the human remains inside a transfer case, tape the sealed 

plastic bag to the transfer case lid. The duplicate case file is kept at the MACP along with a 

statement as to whether PE were present on the human remains and if they were evacuated
Chapter IV

IV-32 JP 4-06 

from the MACP. Additional documentation that could be in the file includes a DD Form 

1076, DD Form 2064, SF 600, DD Form 1380, DD Form 565, and photos of the human 

remains. The HRP is then sealed and stored or evacuated. The seal number should already 

be recorded on the case file and both evacuation tags.

Figure IV-20. DD Form 890, Record of Identification Processing

(Effects and Physical Data)
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-33 

(8) Storage/Evacuation Operations

(a) Coordinate for transportation to evacuate the human remains. When 

vehicles are used, they must be covered. Aircraft are the preferred method for evacuating 

human remains. 

Figure IV-21. DD Form 1076, Record of Personal Property/Personal Effects
Chapter IV

IV-34 JP 4-06 

(b) Human remains awaiting evacuation must be kept under refrigeration. The 

temperature of the refrigeration container is maintained between 34 and 40 degrees 

Fahrenheit (1.1 and 4.4 degrees Celsius). Holding human remains in a refrigeration 

container will minimize decomposition. Do not freeze human remains under any 

circumstances. Ensure that the temperature is checked at periodic intervals. Additionally, 

Figure IV-22. DD Form 1076C, Record of Personal Property/Personal Effects

(Continuation Sheet)
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-35 

ensure that maintenance checks are performed as prescribed in applicable technical manuals 

on the refrigerator unit and generator. 

(c) Upon arrival of transportation, load the human remains on a first 

received/first evacuated basis. Ensure that the human remains are handled in a respectful and 

reverent manner. Carry human remains feet first and face up. Position human remains in 

such a manner that prevents the stacking of human remains. Secure human remains in such a 

manner that prevents shifting during movement. 

(d) Use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or current AIT for 

tracking human remains and PE should be initiated at the MACP whenever possible for 

better tracking and visibility of human remains and PE. Prior to loading and evacuation of 

human remains or PE, MA personnel prepare and input required information into MARTS to 

Figure IV-23. Evacuation Tag for Disassociated Effects

Evacuation Tag for Disassociated Effects

"BACK SIDE"

"FRONT SIDE"

DISASSOCIATED 

EFFECTS

EVAC #

D10 / AR54TH QM CO/14

SEAL #

9144
Chapter IV

IV-36 JP 4-06 

include tracking information such as barcode tag or RFID tag. MA personnel ensure that the 

tag is activated prior to shipment.

(e) Initiate a DD Form 1075. List all human remains that are being evacuated 

at the same time from the MACP on the DD Form 1075. The driver signs on the DD Form 

1075 for receipt of human remains. Give the original copy of DD Form 1075 to the driver. 

Maintain a signed copy at the MACP for internal records. The evacuation location of the 

human remains will be annotated on the appropriate DD Form 1077. 

(f) Evacuation Channels. Figure IV-24 depicts the evacuation channels for 

the flow of human remains. Depending on transportation support and the evacuation support 

plan, human remains might be evacuated through several MACPs that serve as intermediate 

or transit points before they arrive at a TMEP. 

e. Personal Health and Sanitation. Handling or working around human remains in 

various stages of decomposition requires that strict health and sanitation procedures be 

enforced for the safety of all those involved. The potential for infection and the spread of 

contagious disease is always present. Therefore, MACP personnel handling human remains 

Figure IV-24. Evacuation Channels for Human Remains

Evacuation Channels for Human Remains

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Unit

Mobile Integrated Remains 

Collection System

Mortuary Affairs 

Collection Point

Mortuary Affairs 

Collection Point

Theater Mortuary 

Evacuation Point
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-37 

or working in the areas where human remains have been should always be conscious of 

sanitation hazards and keep themselves and their work areas clean. Personnel handling 

human remains should wear, at a minimum, rubber gloves and surgical masks with eye 

protection. 

f. Transit Collection Point Operations. Some operations in a theater require logistic 

support that spans vast areas to include more than one country. A transit collection point 

may be utilized. Human remains and DE that arrive at the MACP in transit to the TMEP are 

assigned a transit number, which is entered on the evacuation tag attached to the HRP or 

container. The transit number consists of the letter “T,” calendar year, MACP branch of 

Service, MACP unit, and MACP identifier. To complete the DD Form 1077, enter “T” in 

block 6, enter the evacuation number and seal number in block 7a, and complete block 

numbers 12 and 13. Normally, there is no need to open the HRP or break the seal. If, 

however, the JMAO approves removal of the seal, or the seal is broken in transit or at the 

MACP, the incident must be documented. Record the reason, person responsible, location, 

and the date/time of the incident on the MA forms accompanying the HRP and in MARTS. 

Also record any corrective actions taken. Place a new seal on the HRP and record the serial 

number on the case file, in MARTS, and on the evacuation tags. If PE containers are 

damaged or seals are broken in transit, the MA personnel will conduct a two-person 

inventory with the personal effectsinventory officer (PEIO) and report any discrepancies to 

the TMAO and the appropriate investigative agency. If the PEIO is not present, the MA 

personnel will conduct a two-person inventory and report any discrepancies to the PEIO, 

TMAO, and appropriate investigative agency. The PE will be packaged, sealed, and marked 

for onward shipment. MACPs are not staffed to handle PE but can be directed to assist in 

evacuation to the PE depot. Augmentation may be required to perform this task. 

4. Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point Operations 

a. A TMEP will be established with the primary mission of evacuating all human 

remains and accompanying PE to a military mortuary. The TMEP is task-organized to 

provide the following capabilities: 

(1) Receive human remains and accompanying PE from any theater location.

(2) Perform quality assurance checks on existing documentation and/or initiate, 

complete, or obtain required processing documentation. “Receive” human remains in 

MARTS or initiate documentation in MARTS if a file does not exist.

(3) Prepare human remains for evacuation and/or hold and refrigerate human 

remains until transportation out of the theater can be arranged. 

(4) Coordinate for aircraft and initiate all required shipping and special handling 

documents. 

(5) Load, palletize, and tie down transfer cases and transport pallets to the Air 

Mobility Command (AMC) cargo special handling area. 
Chapter IV

IV-38 JP 4-06 

b. Locate the TMEP at or adjacent to a major APOE. This arrangement will capitalize 

on all available aircraft and corresponding logistic support. Additional TMEPs may be 

established at other APOEs throughout the theater based on the following factors: 

(1) The geographical size, population, and location of units in the theater.

(2) The projected number of human remains and the availability of aircraft to 

evacuate them.

(3) The operational concept and scheme of maneuver for all units in the theater. 

c. The TMEP can, when tasked, operate a PE transfer point. When tasked with this 

secondary mission, the TMEP is organized to: 

(1) Receive pre-inventoried and packaged PE from units in theater. 

(2) Store and safeguard PE until transportation is coordinated. 

(3) Load, palletize, and tie down PE and transport pallets to AMC cargo holding 

area for shipment to CONUS. 

d. Site Selection

(1) Location of the TMEP is key to the overall success of its mission. Choose a site 

based on the following factors: 

(a) Quick, easy access to and from all flight lines. 

(b) Quick, easy access to AMC operations, transportation, and cargo and/or 

special handling areas.

(c) Ability to use existing facilities and/or build or install temporary fixed 

facilities such as trailers, refrigeration vans, and cold storage units. 

(d) Ability to use an existing and/or build a road network to handle and 

regulate large traffic flow.

(e) Ability to use existing and/or install cooling system, ventilation system, 

electrical lines, phone lines, and water lines. 

(2) TMEP personnel must coordinate with the area commander prior to selecting a 

proposed site to ensure the proposed site will not interfere with any ongoing flight line or 

base operations. 

e. Organizational and Facility Layout

(1) When developing a site layout, consider the following: 

(a) Vehicle and helicopter traffic flow, to include parking. 
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-39 

(b) Refrigeration containers. The MIRCS has the capability to store 15 

remains in individual refrigeration units and may be used to support this requirement. Army 

MA companies have MIRCS as part of their authorized equipment. 

(c) Electrical power source or generators.

(d) Water support. 

(e) Communications. 

(f) Waste disposal (regular and hazardous). 

(g) Supply, equipment, and publication storage. 

(h) Laundry and personal hygiene facilities. 

(i) Morale and/or welfare recreation facilities.

(2) In establishing the actual layout for the facility, consideration should be given 

to structuring the facility in a manner that minimizes the manual lifting of human remains. 

Figure IV-25 illustrates a suggested site layout for a TMEP. 

(3) Consider the supplies and services that an HN can provide when establishing 

and equipping a TMEP. Depending on the operational area and contractual agreements, the 

HN might be in a better position to provide support. Supplies and services often available 

through HNS include: 

(a) Office, communications, and publication supplies and equipment. 

(b) Medical and sanitation supplies and equipment. 

(c) Sanitation and waste disposal treatment and removal. 

(d) Refrigeration vans or trucks. 

(e) Commercial vehicles and materials handling equipment with drivers.

(f) Bagged crushed ice delivery or equipment to produce ice. 

(g) Maintenance personnel.

(h) Aircraft cargo loading specialists or laborers.

(4) TMEP personnel must remember the overall sensitivity of their mission when 

they use HN labor. 

(5) A TMEP is structured into four sections. These sections are: receiving, 

processing, administrative, and evacuation sections. 
Chapter IV

IV-40 JP 4-06 

Figure IV-25. Suggested Layout for Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point

Suggested Layout of Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point

(6) bio-waste container

(7) general purpose building (30ft x 30ft)

(8) general purpose building (50ft x 30ft)

(9) personnel gate

MIRCS mobile integrated remains 

collection system

Shower

Latrine

Processing

Structure

(8)

Water

Ice

Waste 

Water

Supply

(7)

Recreation 

Area

(7)

Administration

(7)

Male

Barracks

(7)

Female 

Barracks

(7)

Parking 

Area

(5) (6)

(9)

(9)

Receiving 

(Concrete 

Pad)

(3)

MIRCS (8ftx8ftx20ft) or

Refrigerated Trailers 

(8ftx8ftx40ft)

220ft

200ft

(1)

(2)

(4)

(3)

(1)

(1) storage conex (8ft x 20ft)

(2) transfer case storage

(3) 100 kilowatt generator

(4) fuel storage

(5) trash container

Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point Legend

HESCO Bastion 

barrier
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-41 

(a) Receiving Section. Receiving section personnel must meet the driver or 

persons transporting the human remains, portions, and/or effects. The receiving clerk: 

1. Obtains DD Form 1075 from the driver.

2. Checks off human remains on DD Form 1075 as they are offloaded and 

ensures that the seal number on the HRP matches evacuation tag and case file.

3. Using a detection device, such as a handheld metal detector, digital xray, or fluoroscope, conduct a sweep of the HRP for explosive ordnance and UXO. Ensure 

the human remains, portions, or effects are safe for transport or request EOD support as 

required to clear the human remains of ordnance for transport. If EOD personnel require 

breaking of the seal in order to clear ordnance, request permission from the TMAO or 

JMAO. Follow procedures as outlined in Chapter IV, “Mortuary Affairs Battlefield 

Operations,” paragraph 3f., “Transit Collection Point Operations.” Safety of personnel 

always has priority over procedures. Once the human remains are free of explosive ordnance 

and UXO, sign for human remains and PE after completing an inventory with the driver. 

4. Prepares two TMEP evacuation tags using a TMEP evacuation number, 

which is the same as an evacuation number with the exception that the MACP number is 

replaced with TMEP and name.

5. Records entry into the TMEP evacuation log (Figure IV-26) based on 

convoy list data and enters name data on the TMEP case folder. Note: This log entry is 

recorded in a standard “RECORD” book in order to have a paper copy on hand. 

6. Enters location of human remains (e.g., processing tent, holding tent, or 

reefer trailer number) onto case folder.

7. Removes MACP evacuation tags, places them in case folder, and 

secures one TMEP evacuation tag to human remains and one to the HRP.

8.

(b) Processing Section. The processing section uses a four station (inspection, 

processing, fingerprint, and QC) procedure to process the human remains. The processing 

leader receives the case folder from the receiving section and:

 Upon completion of receiving tasks in MARTS or paper copy, gives 

case folder to processing section.

1. Verifies that all paperwork and evacuation tag numbers match human 

remains.

2. Verifies that DD Form 2064, DD Form 1380, or SF 600 listing a 

decedent is present. If no form listing a decedent is present, request a certified medical 

authority from the nearest medical unit examine the human remains and complete a DD 

Form 2064, DD Form 1380, or SF 600 prior to evacuation from the theater of operation. 

Cause of death will be “pending AFME determination” when the human remains are under 

the control of the AFMES. 
Chapter IV

IV-42 JP 4-06 Figure IV-26. Suggested Format for Theater Mortuary Evacuation Logbook Suggested Format for Theater Mortuary Evacuation Logbook LOGBOOK DELIVERED BY: SSN: UNIT: DELIVERED BY: SSN: UNIT: DELIVERED BY: SSN: UNIT: DELIVERED BY: SSN: UNIT: DELIVERED BY: SSN: UNIT: DELIVERED BY: SSN: UNIT: DELIVERED BY: SSN: UNIT: DELIVERED BY: SSN: UNIT: PROCESSING REMARKS DATE OF REPORT 25 JAN XX MISSION AIRCRAFT DEPART DESTINATION NO TAIL NO TIME EVAC TRANSFER DATE CASE NO THEATER MORTUARY EVACUATION POINT LOGBOOK LOCATION: DECEASED INFORMATION NAME, SSN, BRANCH OF SERVICE OPERATING ORGANIZATION MAC/ARTMEP/1 EVAC TIME NO RECEIVED
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-43 

3.

(c) Administrative Section. The administrative section has responsibility for 

the decedent case file, establishment of the TMEP case file, and performs the following 

functions: 

 Directs transfer of human remains from storage unit to the processing 

area. 

1. Receives case folder and paperwork from processing section, QC 

(station 4). 

2. Makes alpha card file. For information on the purpose and instructions 

on creating the alpha card file, refer to paragraph 3d.(1)(h) and Figure IV-16, Sample 3 × 5 

Alpha Index Card. 

3. Carbon copies, scans/uploads (into MARTS), or photocopies DD Form 

2064, DD Form 1380, DD Form 1076, DD Form 565, SF 600 or other records that arrived 

with human remains. Places forms in TMEP case folder, which has been created for the 

files. 

4. Calls air terminal operations center (ATOC) to determine flight 

schedules, flight time, and date. Informs them of how many pallets (e.g., 12 deceased to a 

pallet, 5 pallets to a C-130 aircraft, 18 pallets to a C-17, and 36 pallets to a C-5) are ready for 

shipment. Human remains should not be held longer than 24 hours. If a longer delay is 

projected, a flight diversion should be requested. 

5. Obtains flight mission number and estimated time of departure from 

ATOC and informs the shipping section leader. 

6. Prepares transportation documents: DD Form 1384 (Transportation 

Control and Movement Document) (see Figure IV-27), DD Form 1387 (Military Shipment 

Label) (see Figure IV-28), and DD Form 1387-2 (Special Handling Data/Certification) (see 

Figure IV-29). Use date human remains will be evacuated on forms. 

7. Places transportation documents and original decedent documents (e.g., 

DD Form 2064, DD Form 565) in the case folder to be evacuated with the human remains. 

Places photocopies of same in the TMEP case folder. 

8. Takes case folder that is to be evacuated with human remains to the 

evacuation NCOIC. 

9. Prepares and inputs required information into MARTS and uses an AIT 

system for capturing data, such as barcode tags or RFID tags. 

10. Transmits data to CONUS using the automated system. 
Chapter IV

IV-44 JP 4-06 Figure IV-27. DD Form 1384, Transportation Control and Movement Document
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-45 

11. Dispatches shipping priority message to message center within 2 hours 

after actual flight departure. Message, at a minimum, must be addressed to: 

USTRANSCOM, AMC at Scott AFB, Illinois; the destination military mortuary; and the 

JMAO. 

12.

(d) Evacuation Section. The shipping section’s primary functions are to 

prepare human remains for evacuation and transport human remains to the AMC 

transportation section for evacuation to the designated DOD mortuary. The evacuation 

section: 

 Reviews and completes the TMEP case folder. The case folder is to 

be filed sequentially using the TMEP evacuation number.

Figure IV-28. DD Form 1387, Military Shipment Label

Figure IV-29. DD Form 1387-2, Special Handling Data/Certification
Chapter IV

IV-46 JP 4-06 

1. Receives human remains from QC (station 4) or from the refrigeration 

unit. 

2. Verifies that the case folder paperwork from administration matches 

human remains and human remains tags. 

3. Places human remains into transfer case ensuring that only one HRP is 

placed inside the transfer case. There will be no delay in the evacuation of human remains to 

the port mortuary. If there are insufficient transfer cases, limited airlift, or any other 

condition that would delay evacuation of human remains, the designated service component 

commander may waive the time requirement for return of human remains after coordination 

with the JMAO/TMAO, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, applicable Service casualty 

office(s) and AFMES. 

4. Gives the transfer case and security serial numbers to the administrative 

section for completion of transportation documents message/automation entry. 

5. Secures human remains with tie-down straps in the transfer case. 

Human remains should be secured as indicated in Figure IV-30 so that the human remains 

will not shift during transport. 

6. Double seals case file in plastic slide closure bag and secures, with duct tape, to the 

inside top of transfer case, or if using the improved transfer case, places in transfer case 

document compartment. 

7. Places bagged wet ice (approximately 40 to 80 pounds) in the transfer 

case but not in direct contact with human remains. Place ice on the outside of the HRP on 

and around human remains, but never on top of the face. Ice should be placed as indicated in 

Figure IV-30. 

8. Secures lid to the transfer case and puts on security seals. 

9. Places DD Form 1387 on top of transfer case at the head end 

approximately 6 inches from the edge (do not cover transfer case number). 

10. Places DD Form 1387-2 (last copy) into plastic packing list and 

affixes to transfer case as directed by AMC. 

11. Transfer cases may be palletized to utilize limited airlift support for 

transport. If transfer cases are palletized, then draping the transfer case with the US flag is 

not authorized. Utilization of US flags for draping of transfer cases in a conflict operation is 

not recommended. The transfer case will be prepared for dignified transfer upon its arrival 

in the US prior to being transferred to the port mortuary. 

12. Palletizes transfer cases. (Maximum 12 per pallet. No more than 4 

high.) 
Mortuary Affairs Battlefield Operations

IV-47 

13. Places an RFID tag on each transfer case and if palletizing, places one 

additional RFID tag securely to the pallet. 

14. Places cargo net and tie-down straps on or over cargo. 

15. Lifts pallet onto truck. 

16. Provides driver with copies of DD Form 1384 (Transportation Control 

and Movement Document) and DD Form 1387-2 (Special Handling/Data Certification) for 

each human remains. 

17. Delivers human remains to USAF flight line cargo section. 

18. Turns over paperwork and human remains to USAF. 

19. Ensures that cargo section signs for receipt of human remains. 

Figure IV-30. Recommended Placement of Human Remains, Ice, and 

Case File in a Transfer Case

Recommended Placement of Human Remains, 

Ice, and Case File in a Transfer Case
Chapter IV

IV-48 JP 4-06 

(6) PE Operations. When the TMEP is tasked to handle PE, it processes the PE of 

deceased or missing personnel. Units are responsible for transporting pre-inventoried (with 

signed inventory form) and packaged PE to the TMEP. 

f. Procedures for Handling Adversary and Local National Human Remains. The 

TMEP will coordinate with the TMAO for the return of adversary and local national human 

remains and PE to the HN government. Enemy combatants and local national human 

remains will be processed with the same care and respect afforded US or partner nation 

human remains. Adversary and local national human remains will be stored in separate 

refrigerated units from those used for US or partner nation human remains. Utilization of 

international agencies for the coordination of HN/local national human remains repatriation 

into local control is encouraged (i.e., Red Crescent/International Red Cross). 

g. Procedures for Handling of Multinational Partner Human Remains. Handling 

of multinational partner human remains will be in accordance with established international 

agreements or STANAGs in place. If no standing agreements or policies are in place, then 

current US policy and procedures for handling US human remains is in effect. Multinational 

partner human remains will be accorded the same care and respect given to US human 

remains. The TMEP will coordinate through the TMAO and embassies for the repatriation 

of these human remains to the country of origin. 

h. Procedures for Handling Detainee Human Remains. The US commander of the 

facility or US unit exercising custody over the human remains shall report the death to the 

responsible investigative agency and TMAO. The TMAO and investigative agency will 

contact the AFME to determine whether an autopsy will be performed. The investigative 

agency representative will accompany the detainee remains to the nearest MACP for 

transport and evacuation in accordance with GCC policies and procedures. Detainee human 

remains will not be processed by MA personnel. The detainee remains will be placed in the 

HRP with minimal handling, and the HRP will be sealed and prepared for shipment. An 

evacuation number and appropriate shipping documents will be prepared by MA personnel.

For additional guidance on detainee operations, see JP 3-63, Detainee Operations.
V-1 

CHAPTER V 

PERSONAL EFFECTS 

1. Introduction 

PE include all personal items the individual possesses at the time of death excluding 

government property. This chapter specifies procedures for unit recovery, collection, 

inventory, and transfer of PE. It details the procedures for processing PE of all those 

personnel for which the Armed Forces of the United States are responsible through a PE 

depot. A subset of PE are those effects that are on the remains; those effects are referred to 

as DE. In addition to PE, all individual combat clothing and equipment will be recovered 

and returned with the human remains for examination upon autopsy. Individual combat 

clothing and equipment integrity studies are conducted by the Services. If the individual 

combat clothing and equipment is removed for lifesaving procedures, the individual combat 

clothing and equipment should be transported to the specified mortuary with the name of the 

BTB decedent, if known. Individual combat clothing and equipment will be inventoried and 

tracked through MARTS.

2. General Guidance 

a. Procedures. Disposition of PE includes the collection, receipt, recording, 

accountability, storage, and disposal of the PE of US military personnel, civilians under US 

military jurisdiction, and all deceased persons for whom the US provides mortuary services. 

The handling of PE begins at the time of initial collection by representatives of the Armed 

Forces of the United States and extends to the time of receipt by the PERE, representatives 

of the host country or allied nation, or until other disposition is made in accordance with 

applicable regulations. 

b. All efforts are made to safeguard and protect PE from the elements and pilferage 

during the entire handling and transportation process. 

c. PE will be carefully handled and the chain of custody documented at each step in the 

MA process. 

d. PE of military members leaving the theater of operation for noncombat-related 

medical reasons will be evacuated through normal unit supply channels. 

3. Roles and Responsibilities 

a. Geographic Combatant Commander’s Responsibilities. The GCC is responsible 

for the control and coordination of MA support. This includes PE support for all US military 

“War drew us from our homeland in the sunlit springtime of our youth. Those who 

did not come back alive remain in perpetual springtime—forever young—and a 

part of them is with us always.” 

Author Unknown 
Chapter V 

V-2 JP 4-06 

personnel, US civilians and others, multinational partner, local national, and adversary 

personnel. PE of friendly personnel will be processed in accordance with standing 

agreements. In the absence of agreements, PE should be processed in the same manner as 

for US personnel. Processing of PE of deceased adversary detainees should be in accordance 

with the Geneva Conventions Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. PE of other 

adversary dead will also be processed in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and 

should be evacuated to a PE depot. See, for example, Geneva Convention I for the 

Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, 

Article 16 (Recording and forwarding information). When arrangements are made to 

transfer PE to the host country or a friendly nation, commanders will maintain accountability 

records and provide information for all adversary or multinational partner deceased for 

which they have responsibility. 

b. Theater Mortuary Affairs Officer. The TMAO is responsible for determining the 

theater process for handling and evacuation of PE. The theater MA officer will determine if 

and when a theater personal effects depot (TPED) will be established, and will provide 

guidance on the flow of PE. The theater MA officer will also coordinate to ensure a smooth 

flow of PE to a CONUS PE depot.

c. Mortuary Affairs Collection Point Responsibilities. The MACP is responsible for 

inventorying, recording, safeguarding, and evacuating all DE. In addition, the MACP 

personnel will advise unit personnel on correct handling procedures for inventorying, 

recording, safeguarding, packaging, and evacuating PE for members of their unit. When 

required, the MACP will assist the unit in evacuating PE to the TMEP/TPED or CONUS PE 

depot as appropriate.

d. Deployed Unit Responsibilities. Each deployed unit is responsible for the 

appointment of a PEIO. The unit is responsible for the collection, inventory, safeguarding, 

packaging, and evacuation of all PE for the unit member. The unit commander is 

responsible for ensuring all the inventory officer duties are completed. The unit appointed 

inventory officer in theater will not contact or ship PE directly to the family. It is the unit’s 

responsibility to coordinate final disposition of PE in accordance with applicable Service 

regulations.

e. Theater Inventory Officer Responsibilities. The theater inventory officer is the 

sole responsible designee that ensures there is a clear chain of custody from the moment of 

incident to the MACPs. The inventory officer must perform an inventory using two-person 

control and process PE in accordance with Service policy. For deceased members, annotate 

“Blue Bark” immediately following the name on the package label. Under no circumstances 

is the inventory officer to ship PE or organizational clothing and individual equipment to the 

PERE or to the unit at home station. Inventory officers are not authorized to retain PE. 

Under no circumstances is the inventory officer to communicate directly with the PERE. 

Any discrepancies will be reconciled through the CONUS PE depot reconciliation cell.

f. Theater Personal Effects Depot Responsibilities. The TPED is responsible for the 

receipt, safeguard, inventory (when required), storage, palletizing, and evacuation of PE back 

to the CONUS PE depot. When the TPED is located in the operational area, the depot may 
 Personal Effects 

V-3 

process the PE of deceased US military personnel, US civilians and others, multinational 

partner, local national, and adversary personnel that come into custody of the US military. In 

the case of multinational partner, third country, local national, and adversary PE, the TPED 

will work to return those effects back to the originating country representative as promptly as 

possible. 

g. Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point Responsibilities. The TMEP may be 

required to act as an intermediary transfer point between the units in theater and the CONUS 

PE depot when a TPED is not operational. The TMEP is then responsible for the receipt, 

storage, palletizing, and evacuation of PE to the CONUS PE depot. If the TMEP receives 

PE in a damaged container that resulted in unsealed or opened PE, the TMEP will contact the 

unit to conduct a joint inventory of PE and will assist in the repackaging of the PE prior to 

shipment.

h. Continental United States Personal Effects Depot Responsibilities. The CONUS 

PE depot is responsible for the receipt, safeguard, inventory, screening, cleaning, packaging, 

shipment, and maintenance of files and reports, as well as coordination of transfer of effects 

to the appropriate Service representative for transfer of PE to the PERE.

i. Service Casualty Office Responsibilities. Each Service maintains a casualty 

assistance office as the focal point on all casualty matters. The casualty assistance officer 

maintains an organizational capability to provide for casualty reporting, recording, 

notification, and assistance. The Service casualty assistance office will appoint in writing a 

casualty assistance officer to assist the family in all casualty matters to include the receipt 

and inventory of PE. The Service casualty assistance office will provide all casualty 

assistance officers the requisite training.

j. Medical Treatment Facilities. Medical treatment facilities procedures safeguard the 

PE of personnel receiving care. However, it is not their primary concern; their focus is on 

saving lives. The medical staff will collect, safeguard, and inventory the effects of patients 

and decedents once the medical care has been completed. The PE of the patient or the 

decedent should accompany them whenever possible. The unit PEIO officer is responsible 

for recovering all PE and individual combat clothing and equipment to include PE and 

individual combat clothing and equipment at medical treatment facilities. 

4. Unit Tasks 

a. Unit Commanders. Will assign in writing a PEIO and ensure the inventory officer 

receives training required to fulfill the duties. The commander is responsible for ensuring 

the inventory officer completes all the duties assigned. 

b. Unit Tasks During Military Operations. PE of persons deceased or missing may 

be found in unit joint security areas, storage points, medical treatment facilities, and other 

locations. These effects are collected, safeguarded, inventoried, and evacuated to the PE 

depot in accordance with the inventory officer guidelines and checklist. Refer to current 

Service regulations on handling of PE. The inventory will show the status of the individual 

as deceased, missing, or medical evacuee, or interred as appropriate. The unit is responsible 
Chapter V 

V-4 JP 4-06 

for gathering, inventorying, and evacuating the PE to the depot. The unit PEIO is 

responsible for the PE and will deliver the PE to the designated MA facility or PE depot 

where a joint inventory with depot personnel will be conducted if required. In cases when 

the TMEP serves as an intermediary transfer point between the units in theater and the PE 

depot, the unit is responsible for collecting, inventorying, and packaging the PE. The unit 

should package PE in such a manner that the package will pass customs packaging 

requirements (e.g., no explosives, flammables, or contraband). The unit coordinates for 

packaging supplies through the appropriate unit supply channels. AIT device, such as 

barcode label or RFID tag, is placed on the outside of the package. The RFID tag or barcode 

label will record the appropriate information regarding casualty status, decedent, PE, and 

organization. Copies of the inventory are placed on the inside and on the outside of the 

package. Once the PE are packaged, the unit arranges for transportation to the appropriate 

location, such as the TMEP, TPED, or joint personal effects depot (JPED). However, it is 

important to note that the unit maintains responsibility for the contents inside all packages, 

since sealed packages will not be opened for a joint inventory while in transit. If a package 

is found unsealed, MA personnel and the PEIO will conduct a joint inventory. If unit 

personnel are not available, then MA personnel will conduct a two-person inventory. Any 

discrepancies will be noted and rectified if possible. If items have been lost, pilfered or 

damaged, MA personnel will initiate an investigation by notifying the TMAO, military 

police, or investigative authorities. 

c. Unit Tasks During Peacetime. During peacetime, the unit is responsible for 

collection, inventory, safeguarding, packaging, evacuation, and coordinating final disposition 

of PE in accordance with applicable Service regulations. 

5. Personal Effects in a Theater of Operations 

The handling of PE in a theater is based on the MA support structure which is in place. 

In a theater of operations, it is critical to account for all PE. This responsibility falls on the 

unit commander and the appointed inventory officer. The PEIO’s duties do not end once the 

PE have been collected, inventoried, packaged, sealed, and shipped from the theater. The 

inventory officer will not be relieved until the CONUS PE depot inventory officer has 

verified that the PERE has received the PE and all outstanding issues have been resolved. 

The procedures followed for accounting for and processing PE in a theater of operation are 

outlined below. 

a. Mortuary Affairs Collection Point. When human remains arrive at the MACP, 

personnel will conduct an inventory of all DE and organizational equipment that may be on 

the human remains. With as little handling as possible and extreme care not to damage any 

forensic evidence, inventory but do not remove DE from the body. Sentimental DE (e.g., 

rings, jewelry, religious medals) and other high-value PE shall be inventoried and will 

remain with the human remains. Only the AFME is qualified to determine if DE are or are 

not needed for ID. Unnecessary removal of DE may cause loss of forensic evidence. Do not 

remove organizational and government equipment from the human remains. Individual 

combat clothing and equipment should not be removed from the human remains, but may be 

shifted to search for explosive ordnance, UXO, weapons, and classified materials. All 

individual combat clothing and equipment will be left on the human remains for evacuation. 
 Personal Effects 

V-5 

Remove all classified material, explosive ordnance, UXO, and weapons. Weapons are 

returned to the unit or turned in through normal supply procedures. Do not remove the ID 

tags and ID cards under any conditions. Keep them in the original location on the human 

remains where they were found at the time of recovery if there is no risk that they will 

become unsecured or lost. DE are inventoried and left in the original location on human 

remains for evacuation to the servicing mortuary. 

b. Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point. The TMEP’s role in handling PE in a theater 

of operations should be limited to DE whenever possible. The TMEP is not adequately 

staffed to function as both a TMEP and a TPED. The TMEP will have the primary 

responsibility for accounting for DE in a theater of operation. The TMEP will ensure that all 

DE are accounted for and properly stored for shipment to reduce damage. Any discrepancies 

in DE records will be investigated and accounted for by the TMEP. The seal should never be 

broken just to re-inventory DE. However, when the JMAO/TMAO has authorized the 

breaking of the HRP seal, the DE will be re-inventoried to ensure that all DE are accounted 

for. The human remains will not be delayed in transit to rectify DE discrepancies. 

(1) When the TMEP is tasked to handle PE as an in-transit transfer point, it 

processes it in the following manner. Upon arrival, TMEP personnel verify that packages 

are sealed and properly labeled. An RFID tag, barcode tag, or package label is placed on the 

outside of the PE container. The tag or label will record the appropriate information 

regarding casualty status, decedent, PE, and organization. Personnel verify that the name on 

the package label matches the name of the signed inventory sheet and annotate on the 

inventory sheet that the package was sealed at arrival. The signing of the inventory sheet 

only certifies liability for the actual sealed package and not the contents inside the package. 

(2) Establish a case file for each package of PE received. Assign an evacuation 

number for all packages pertaining to a particular individual. The evacuation number 

consists of three parts: a numerically sequential case number, the location of the TMEP, and 

the number of packages containing PE for the particular individual. Record the evacuation 

number on the case file and on all applicable inventory sheets and/or DD Form 1076 inside 

the file. Prepare and secure an evacuation tag to each package pertaining to a particular 

individual. Place a plastic packing list envelope on each package and place a copy of the 

inventory sheet for that package inside the envelope. 

6. Theater Personal Effects Depot Operations 

a. Introduction. When a PE depot is established, the need for a Service to handle the 

disposition of PE is eliminated. The primary mission of the TPED is to receive, safeguard, 

inventory, store, process, and evacuate PE for deceased and missing personnel to the 

CONUS PE depot. When the PE depot is located in the operational area, the depot may 

process the PE of deceased US military personnel, US civilians and others, multinational 

partner, local national, and adversary personnel that come into custody of the US military. 

b. Theater Personal Effects Depot Functional Sections
Chapter V 

V-6 JP 4-06 

(1) The TPED is structured into four main sections: receiving, processing, storage 

and shipping, and administrative sections. The primary functions of each section are as 

follows: See Figure V-1.

(a) Receiving Section. Receive, account for, and store all PE. 

(b) Processing Section. Screen, inventory, and package PE. 

(c) Storage and Shipping Section. Initiate required shipping documents, 

coordinate for transportation, ensure tracking device is activated, and consolidate packages 

for shipment. 

(d) Administrative Section. Prepare and maintain all required reports and case 

files and provide administrative assistance to the inventory officer. 

(2) Receiving Section. When the PE depot is located in the operational area, 

personnel who operate the receiving section accomplish the following tasks: 

(a) Meet with organizational representatives. 

(b) Log the case in the PE depot logbook (see Figure V-2). Assign a case 

number for each case. The case number consists of a sequential number and the current year. 

Record the case number and PE depot name and location on all processing documentation. 

(c) Obtain all inventory sheets or DD Form 1076 from the unit representative. 

(d) Establish a paper case file for each individual and an automated case file in 

MARTS. 

(e) Record the name, rank, SSN, and branch of Service of the individual on the 

top of the case file. 

(f) Conduct a joint inventory to verify and account for all items on the 

inventory sheets or DD Forms 1076 when the containers are damaged or when seals or locks 

are broken. 

(g) Record any discrepancies on the inventory sheet or DD Form 1076 and 

initiate an investigation, if necessary. 

(h) If the discrepancy cannot be resolved internally, turn the case over to the 

appropriate criminal investigation agency and continue to monitor progress of the 

investigation. 

(i) Obtain the correct casualty status of the individual for each package of PE. 

(j) Process the PE of deceased personnel for shipment to the CONUS PE 

depot. Ensure all data is properly entered into MARTS. 

(k) Secure and store PE until they are shipped to the CONUS PE depot.
 Personal Effects 

V-7 

 

Figure 

V-1. Suggested Layout for a Personal Effects Depot 

Suggested Layout for a Personal Effects Depot

Emergency 

Door

Supplies In

Destroy - Out

Commander / 

Noncommissioned 

Executive Offices

Officer in Charge

Administration

Storage Personal Effects Inventory Officer Offices

Screening and 

Processing

Shipping and 

Palletizing

Supplies

Security

Cage Inventory

Receiving

Packaging

Forklift
Chapter V 

V-8 JP 4-06 

SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR PERSONAL EFFECTS DEPOT LOGBOOK 

OPERATING 

ORGANIZATION 

MAC/ARTMEP/1 

PERSONAL EFFECTS DEPOT LOGBOOK #1 

LOCATION: 

DATE OF REPORT 

25 JAN XX 

EVAC TIME DECEASED 

INFORMATION 

EVAC TRANSFER MISSION AIRCRAFT DEPART DESTINATION PROCESSING 

REMARKS 

NO. RECEIVED NAME, SSN, 

BRANCH OF 

SERVICE 

DATE CASE NO. NO. TAIL NO. TIME 

 DELIVERED 

BY: 

SSN: 

UNIT: 

 DELIVERED 

BY: 

SSN: 

UNIT: 

 DELIVERED 

BY: 

SSN: 

UNIT: 

 DELIVERED 

BY: 

SSN: 

UNIT: 

 DELIVERED 

BY: 

SSN: 

Figure V-2. Suggested Format for Personal Effects Depot Logbook 

(3) Processing Section

(a) Check the case file to determine the exact location of all PE for the 

individual. 

(b) Screen and inventory all items. 

(c) Document all PE on DD Form 1076 and 1076C as required. 

(d) Place the inventory documents in the case file. 

(e) Place items inventoried into a container and take it and the documents to 

the shipping section or into secure storage. 

(f) If the PE are not going directly to shipping, all high-dollar-value items and 

official personal papers must be secured in an individual container and stored in a safe or in a 

locked security cage. Annotate on the case file where those items are stored. 

(g) Complete documents for any items removed from the PE that are not being 

shipped. (Only remove items that are classified, hazardous, or that did not meet customs 

requirements.) Update entries in MARTS. 
 Personal Effects 

V-9 

(4) Storage and Shipping Section

(a) Prepare the PE for shipment by completing the following: 

1. Select proper size containers for shipment. 

2. Line all containers with packing material. 

3. Coordinate for a customs inspection to coincide with the actual packing 

of PE. 

4. Wrap all items that may become damaged in shipment. 

5. Place items in the container in reverse order from that appearing on the 

inventory to allow for the unpacking of the items in the order shown on the inventory. 

6. Place a copy of the inventory inside on the top of the PE prior to closing 

the container. 

7. Close and seal the container for shipment. 

8. Write data to the AIT device, such as RFID tags. Ensure RFID data is 

entered into MARTS. 

9. Activate tracking device and request quality assurance NCOIC verify 

procedures have been followed. 

(b) After the containers are closed and sealed, label the containers with an AIT 

device or label. The AIT device or label will record the appropriate information regarding 

casualty status, decedent, PE, and organization. Verify that the status on the container 

matches the status shown on the inventory documents. Attach a plastic packing list envelope 

to the outside of each container. 

(c) The quality assurance NCOIC of the packing and shipment operations 

verifies: 

1. The contents packed against the inventory sheet for accuracy. 

2. That all items are packed in a professional manner according to current 

directives and guidance. 

3. That containers are securely sealed and in good working order upon 

completion of packing. 

4. That proper labels and shipping documents are placed on the container. 

5. That the items are shipped to the correct address—CONUS PE depot or 

as directed for non-US personnel. 
Chapter V 

V-10 JP 4-06 

6. That the containers are shipped on a government bill of lading or by 

registered or insured mail. 

7. That disposition instructions are requested and implemented for 

oversized items. 

8. That data is correctly written to the AIT device (RFID tag) and the data 

on the RFID tag is correctly associated and visible in the radio frequency in-transit visibility 

server. 

(d) Complete the required shipping documents based on previous coordination 

with AMC transportation personnel and coordinate for an aircraft. Palletize the containers 

and arrange to transport the pallets to the AMC cargo section. Send a representative with the 

pallets to the AMC cargo area. Upon delivery of the pallets, have the representative obtain a 

signature on the Air Force Form 127 (Traffic Transfer Receipt) from the AMC cargo 

representative. 

(e) PE must be stored in a secure location with controlled access. Items should 

be individually sealed once inventory has been completed. Access is granted maintaining 

two-person control. High-value items need to be given another level of security—locked in 

a safe or a cage—again maintaining two-person control. 

(5) Administrative Section

(a) Provide administrative assistance to the inventory officer at the PE depot. 

(b) Prepare and maintain the original case files. 

(c) Prepare and maintain an internal copy of each case file to document all 

events pertaining to the case. 

(d) Monitor the status of the PE. 

(e) In cases of missing PE, initiate and conduct appropriate inquiry to 

determine loss or theft. Report suspected thefts of PE to appropriate law enforcement 

agencies. Report loss of PE via chain of command for appropriate disciplinary action. 

(f) Request disposition instructions for oversized items of PE. 

(g) Coordinate the return of any multinational and adversary PE that may be in 

the custody of the TPED through command channels to the appropriate government or 

representative. 

c. Accountability

A two-person inventory will be conducted by the person delivering and receiving a 

deceased person’s PE when the containers are damaged or when seals or locks are broken. If 

no inventory is required, chain of custody receipt will reflect secured PE containers only. A 
 Personal Effects 

V-11 

receipt will be provided to any person delivering PE to the TPED. The receipt provides a 

chain of custody, establishes an inventory of items, and documents the acceptance and 

release of responsibility for PE. When possible, digital photographs of high-dollar-value 

items will be taken and forwarded as part of the documentation with the PE shipment. 

Copies will be retained at the TPED. 

d. Theater Personal Effects Depot. A TPED may not always be established in a 

theater of operations. A TPED may be established to facilitate the transport of PE from the 

theater to the JPED. In an immature theater, a TPED assists unit personnel with inventory 

and packaging of decedent and missing in action PE for shipment as well as coordinating 

evacuation. Establishment of a TPED allows for consolidation of assets to support this 

mission. MACPs are not staffed to provide this support. The following planning factors 

should be considered when determining if and where a TPED will be established. 

(1) The amount of PE to be processed and evacuated out of the AOR as well as the 

assets and personnel required to establish a TPED. 

(2) Availability of air transport is a key factor along with facility requirements. 

Site selection, development, and sustainment are major factors in determining the value of a 

TPED. 

(3) The following guidance is provided in selecting a site and developing a site 

layout: 

(a) Ability to establish separate areas for each section with sufficient space to 

accomplish its designed function. 

(b) Ability to establish controlled receiving and shipping points. 

(c) Ability to build or emplace storage bins or shelves. 

(d) Ability to secure high-dollar-value items. 

(e) Ability to store oversized or bulky items. 

(f) Ability to locate close to air evacuation channels and TMEP. 

(g) Ability to write data to RFID tags or other approved AIT devices. 

7. Joint Personal Effects Depot Operations in the Continental United States 

The JPED operates under the auspices of the Army’s Human Resources Command 

(HRC). HRC’s Human Resources Center of Excellence at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and the 

Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center (CMAOC) maintains a JPED as required 

to support DOD operations around the world. CMAOC oversees the JPED, providing 

guidance, direction, and human resource support. Policy changes and guidelines are made 

available through Service-specific publications. 
Chapter V 

V-12 JP 4-06 

a. Facility Layout. A JPED is structured into five main sections: receiving, 

administration, processing, inventory officer final inventory, and shipping sections. The 

primary functions for these sections are as follows: 

(1) Receiving Section. Properly receive, account for, visually inventory, 

categorize, and scan for explosive ordnance, UXO, weapons, and classified materials on all 

incoming PE in preparation for the processing section. 

(2) Administrative Section. Prepare and maintain all required reports and case files 

and provide administrative assistance to the casualty assistance officer or inventory officer. 

(3) Processing Section. Inventory, screen, launder/clean, and photograph. 

(4) Inventory Officer/Final Inventory Section. Verify inventory and shipping 

documents and pack and prepare packages for shipment. Store packaged items in a secure 

area until shipment. Place destruction document for each item destroyed in the case file. See 

Figure V-3. 

(5) Shipment Section. Properly ship all PE to the assigned casualty assistance 

officer assigned to the PERE. Verify PERE and casualty assistance officer. Verify receipt of 

shipment. 

b. Joint Personal Effects Depot Operations

(1) PE can be received from a theater of operation or from a mortuary. Mortuaries 

that receive deceased personnel and their accompanying DE examine the effects for ID 

value. After examining the effects, the mortuary forwards the effects and accompanying 

inventory documents to the PE depot. 

(2) Upon receipt of effects, the receiving section will complete the following tasks: 

(a) Photograph the containers to document their external condition as they 

were received at the PE depot. Then open the containers and remove RFID tag and 

paperwork. RFID tags are inactivated and returned to Dover AFB. Sort PE containers by 

BTB name. Photograph footlockers/containers to document their external condition as they 

were received at the PE depot. 

(b) Scan PE containers using an x-ray machine for UXO. 

(c) PE are separated and secured in the receiving holding area according to 

status, including, but not limited to deceased, very seriously injured, seriously injured, not 

seriously injured, medically evacuated, and other. 

(d) Assign a PE depot ID number to shipment case and input data into the PE 

depot database. Affix an ID slip to each container for ID and preparation for processing. 

(e) Store containers until the processing section is prepared to receive them. 
 Personal Effects 

V-13 

SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION 

Evacuation number/case number E101-94/ARMY 

54THQMCO/TMEP1 

Date 10/02/03 

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS OF PERSONAL EFFECTS/PROPERTY HAVE BEEN DESTROYED 

FOR THE REASON(S) INDICATED. 

Name of 

Deceased 

Last, First, MI 

Grade/Rank SSN DATE & PLACE OF DEATH 

Pilot, Pat D. O5 440-44-2581 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 

ITEMS CONTAMINATED BURNED SOILED UNSANITARY DAMAGED REMARKS

Jacket, Desert 

Camou 

X X X Bloody 

Trousers, 

Desert Camou 

X X X Bloody 

Boots, Tropical X X X X Bloody 

Helmet, Kevlar X X Crushed 

Undergarment 

(shorts) 

 X X Bloody 

Undergarment 

(T-shirt) 

 X X Bloody 

 

WITNESS: Cassandra A. Gunter DESTROYING OFFICER: Robert D. Hood 

 Cassandra A. Gunter LTC Robert D. Hood 

Figure V-3. Suggested Format for Certificate of Destruction 

(3) Processing Section

(a) Receive one shipment case from the receiving section as identified by date 

received to process. Check the shipment number. Deceased have priority by date, and 

wounded follow. PE are processed on a first in, first out basis. 

(b) Conduct the pre-inventory. Annotate any discrepancies for missing or 

extra items not on the theater inventory. 

(c) Conduct a full detailed inventory, in accordance with Service regulations 

and current CONUS PE depot guidance. 

(d) Photograph all items in the inventory even if they are government property 

or are identified for destruction. Exception is that no typed or written classified documents 

will be photographed. Classified digital media (e.g., compact discs, thumb drives, 

computers) will be photographed in accordance with current guidance. 
Chapter V 

V-14 JP 4-06 

(e) Secure the PE and paperwork until it can be reviewed by the 

administrative/reconciliation section. 

(f) Contained in the processing section are subsections to include: supply 

section, destruction section, photo lab, laundry section, safe room, and media/forensic center. 

Each of these sections assist in the processing procedures. 

(4) Administrative/Reconciliation Section

(a) Receive documentation from processing line. 

(b) Validate documentation against the database. 

(c) Prepare correspondence for theater PEIO as required; function as an 

intermediary with the theater PEIO as required. 

(d) Scan documentation into the database. 

(e) Create discrepancy file for QC as required. 

(f) Create and maintain updated reports as required. 

(5) PEIO/Final Inventory Section

(a) Conduct final inventory of the PE. 

(b) Validate the processing of all inventory, military clothing, and equipment 

records. Ensure items for reintegration into the supply system are sent to the appropriate 

management and control system. 

(c) Provide accountability for all sensitive items, classified material, 

biohazard/contaminated PE, and items of high value. Ensure the final inventory and signed 

documentation are complete for all PE that are shipped for final disposition. 

(d) Conduct briefs on the final inventory process as required. 

(e) Fold, pack, seal, prepare packing slips, store, or move PE to the shipping 

area for final disposition. 

(6) Storage and Shipping Section 

(a) Organizational Equipment. All organizational clothing, equipment, and 

other government property are returned through the unit supply chain once they have been 

released by the AFME. Once returned, it is a supply function to account for the 

organizational equipment. 

 
 Personal Effects 

V-15 

(b) Verify the PERE and the casualty assistance officer using Defense Casualty 

Information Processing System. 

(c) Obtain the casualty assistance officer mailing address and inform him when 

a shipment has been made. PE are shipped to the casualty assistance officer, not the PERE. 

(d) Coordinate for transportation. 

 
Chapter V 

V-16 JP 4-06 

Intentionally Blank 
VI-1 

CHAPTER VI 

MORTUARY OPERATIONS 

1. Overview 

a. DOD installations provide mortuary services for authorized personnel through 

contract with local commercial vendors. When commercial mortuary services are not 

available or are cost prohibitive, DOD or the Services may establish regional mortuaries. 

The Army and the Navy currently operate mortuary facilities outside of the US to provide 

mortuary services for eligible deceased personnel. Establishment or disestablishment of 

overseas Service mortuary facilities is coordinated with the affected Service components 

and the GCC’s staff up to the departmental level. 

b. The US Army HRC develops policies and standards for the Casualty and 

Mortuary Affairs Open Allotment, mortuary services contracts, and mortuary supplies. 

Further, HRC ensures compliance with established mortuary policies and procedures, 

conducts biennial reviews, together with the Departments of the Navy and Air Force, and 

periodic internal reviews to determine adequacy of interment allowances. 

c. The Air Force established and maintains the port mortuary at Dover AFB for the 

Armed Forces of the United States. In accordance with DOD MA policy, the Secretary 

of the Air Force can also be tasked by DOD to establish additional port-of-entry 

mortuaries in support of all the Services. 

2. Port Mortuary 

a. The port mortuary’s mission is to fulfill the US commitment of ensuring dignity, 

honor, and respect to our fallen and provide care, service, and support to their families. 

The port mortuary is where the AFME’s office often determines cause and manner of 

death and obtains positive ID of deceased personnel. The AFME determines which 

remains must be evacuated to the port mortuary, such as is often the case for deaths 

resulting from current operations, suspicious deaths, and homicides. 

b. The port mortuary is manned and equipped to provide for or coordinate the full 

spectrum of mortuary services. The port mortuary is comprised of three distinct 

branches: the administrative branch, mortuary branch, and operations branch. 

(1) The administrative branch is responsible for dual case file management for 

every human remains processed through the port mortuary from arrival to departure. The 

administrative branch uses the Mortuary Operations Management System, tracking cost 

data associated with care and disposition, affecting final disposition, and receiving and 

processing personnel casualty reports. Administrative personnel coordinate 

transportation and escort for deceased personnel. Transportation can be through contract 

military airlift (MILAIR), or MILAIR, unless the PADD directs alternative transportation 

(i.e., scheduled commercial air). 
Chapter VI 

VI-2 JP 4-06 

(2) The mortuary branch is responsible for the supervision and oversight of 

mortuary functions to include embalming, cosmetics, anatomical restoration, dressing, 

casketing, and shipping operations. The branch manages all mortuary specialists, 

autopsy/embalming technicians, and military personnel assigned to augment the mission. 

The mortuary branch director coordinates with the AFME, administrative branch, and 

branch of Service liaisons to expedite final disposition. 

(3) The operations branch manages dignified transfer arrivals and departures, 

receiving and tracking, and deployed personnel. The branch coordinates with the AFME 

and section leaders on the schedule and start/termination times of processing. 

3. Department of Defense Regional Mortuaries 

Regional mortuaries are strategically placed to support overseas installations and 

operations and provide the full spectrum of mortuary services for a geographical region 

to all personnel who are authorized DOD mortuary services. Regional mortuaries 

provide services to active duty Service members, retirees, dependents, DOD civilians, 

and other personnel upon special request of DOS or other USG departments or agencies. 

Services for non-DOD cases are normally provided on a reimbursable basis. Mortuary 

services include embalming, contracting for cremation, casketing, and shipment of 

remains to worldwide destinations for final disposition. Overseas mortuaries maintain 

uniforms and supplies and provide commands the ability to dress, casket, and ship human 

remains from overseas mortuaries on commercial or military flights to receiving funeral 

homes or to the Air Force Mortuary at Dover AFB as requested by the supporting Service 

or the PADD. When staffed with a regional medical examiner falling under the AFME or 

augmented by the AFMES, a regional mortuary will provide positive ID of all deceased 

personnel. The regional mortuary is staffed and equipped to provide for or coordinate the 

full spectrum of mortuary services. Assigned mortuary officers and MA specialists 

provide invaluable tools to the overseas commands as a forward presence in support of 

mortuary operations in the AOR. The US Navy will transport deceased personnel from a 

ship to the closest regional mortuary or port mortuary for processing and disposition. 

4. Installation Mortuary Support 

a. In the US, installation mortuary support is handled in accordance with Service 

and installation regulations and guidance. Installations establish contracts for mortuary 

services. Often these contracts are administered by the installation casualty office, which 

also provides casualty services. 

b. Installations with concurrent jurisdiction with other state or local governments 

should establish formal agreements with the local ME/C and appropriate state, local, or 

tribal agencies in order to facilitate mortuary operations should they ever be needed. 

These agreements are of paramount importance and should be considered the foundation 

of any MA effort. All agreements must be undertaken in consultation with the Office of 

the Armed Forces Medical Examiner (OAFME). The largest part of the MA burden will 

be handled at the local level. Under concurrent or proprietary jurisdiction, where the 

local ME/C retains jurisdiction, the local ME/C: 
 Mortuary Operations 

VI-3 

(1) Retains all decision-making authority when managing mass fatalities. 

(2) Signs all death certificates for the cause and manner of death. 

(3) Identifies assets required to process remains. 

(4) Coordinates, integrates, and manages arriving assets. 

c. For DOD installations with exclusive federal jurisdiction, the OAFME has 

primary jurisdiction under Title 10, USC, Section 1471. 

 
Chapter VI 

VI-4 JP 4-06 

Intentionally Blank 
VII-1 

CHAPTER VII 

HOMELAND DEFENSE AND DEFENSE SUPPORT OF CIVIL AUTHORITIES 

1. Introduction 

In addition to managing the MA program in a theater of operations, DOD may be 

required to provide DSCA for domestic incidents as directed by the President or when 

consistent with military readiness and appropriate under the circumstances and the law as 

per Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5, Management of Domestic Incidents, and 

DODD 3025.18, Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA), to support civilian entities 

following the occurrence of a natural, man-made, or terrorist incident. 

a. The US military support to civil authorities is not new, as the military has 

responded to civil emergencies and natural disasters since the Truman era. With the 

increase in terrorist acts, and natural and man-made disasters, it is likely that Title 10, 

USC, forces could be called upon to assist in mitigating the effects of future disaster 

events. 

b. When employing DOD assets to a civil disaster event, DOD directives clearly 

stipulate DOD be considered a “resource of last resort” providing capabilities only when 

local, state, tribal, and/or other federal assets have been exhausted or when a militaryunique capability is required. When military assets are deployed, they will support the 

lead federal agency while maintaining C2 of their forces. 

For additional details related to the initiation of DSCA, see JP 3-28, Defense Support of 

Civil Authorities. 

2. Roles and Responsibilities 

a. The National Response Framework (NRF) provides affected jurisdictions access 

to several federal assets relating to MA as listed: 

(1) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) establishes federal response 

operations structures in Presidential declared disasters/emergencies including: the 

deployment of emergency response teams, establishment of joint field office (JFO), 

coordination of overall incident, provision of funds and issuance of mission assignments 

to include those assigned for the MA mission. 

(2) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) leads DHS preparedness 

efforts for all hazards, and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any 

national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities and trains first 

responders. 

(3) DHHS provides oversight of Emergency Support Function (ESF) #8, the 

ESF applicable to mass fatality management, and is responsible for assisting the ME/C 

office in coordinating response activities. DHHS deploys the appropriate personnel to 

meet the requirement. DHHS works with the funeral directors, and ME/Cs to call upon 

these organizations to provide additional personnel surge capacity if requested. 
Chapter VII 

VII-2 JP 4-06 

(4) A disaster mortuary operational response team (DMORT) from DHHS’s 

National Disaster Medical System provides local ME/Cs with MA-specific support. A 

DMORT can provide a disaster portable morgue unit; assistance with obtaining decedent 

ID by gathering fingerprints, forensic dental and samples for pathology, histology, or 

other laboratory analysis; and conducting anthropological review. They are capable of 

gathering antemortem data and can track decedent and related case data when the 

decedent is under the DMORT’s responsibility. 

(5) The FBI is the lead investigative agency for terrorism and certain other 

types of mass casualty crimes. The FBI has investigative, forensic, and victim assistance 

responsibilities and the capabilities to carry out these responsibilities. The FBI is 

mandated by law to identify victims of federal crimes, establish contact information for 

NOK, and provide rights, information, and assistance services to them. The FBI has units 

specifically trained to work these areas. The Evidence Response Team Unit is 

responsible for evidence collection. The Disaster Squad’s mission is to assist in ID of 

victims at major disasters and criminal scenes through prints; it deploys with remote 

Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System workstations. The Office of 

Victim Assistance coordinates the overall victim assistance program. 

(6) National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has a legislated responsibility 

to provide family assistance coordination and facilitation of victim ID following major 

aviation, highway, marine, pipeline, and passenger rail accidents. The NTSB has a 

standing memorandum of agreement with the AFMES, whereby the AFMES provides ID 

and anthropological support on a reimbursable basis. 

(7) The role of the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of 

Veterans Affairs under ESF #8 is to inter and memorialize eligible veterans and advise on 

methods of interment. 

(8) FEMA urban search and rescue team may be able to provide consultation or 

support to recover decedents. During the performance of their mission, they may come 

into contact with decedents, which need to be handed off to local ME/C. 

(9) DOS provides assistance when decedents include foreign nationals to 

include obtaining relevant information to support the ID of potential foreign nationals and 

coordination to return foreign national decedents. 

(10) American Red Cross (ARC). The ARC is an NGO recognized in the NRF, 

and identified as a support agency under ESF #8. ARC often supports decedent family 

care in creating lists of decedents and gathering contact information. 

b. Within DOD, MA capabilities exist at the Service level that can be called upon to 

support a DSCA MA mission assignment. DOD Title 10, USC, assets that have a 

primary or secondary MA capability include the Marine Corps, with S&R and MA 

capabilities; the Navy, which has an embalming capability; the Air Force with S&R and 

MA augmentation capabilities; and the Army, with both reserve and active duty units, 

capable of providing S&R, collection, processing, and evacuation support. 
Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil Authorities 

VII-3 

c. The National Guard (NG) also contains MA assets to include Air National Guard 

(ANG) aircraft; S&R teams; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield 

explosives (CBRNE); fatality search and recovery teams (FSRTs). The National Guard 

Bureau (NGB), a joint activity of DOD, facilitates the interstate support of NG units, to 

include FSRTs, while under state control, and coordinates with state adjutants general to 

federalize such units as may be needed to support federal military response requirements. 

d. Figure VII-1 identifies the most typical deployable MA assets for each tier of the 

response—local, state, and federal—and depicts the general timeframe as to when each 

asset is most likely to engage in a response effort. All MA assets are not automatically 

deployed for each mass fatality incident, but are deployed based on the magnitude of the 

event, the asset capability, and the needs of the local jurisdiction. 

3. National Response Framework 

a. According to the NRF, the responsibility for responding to disaster incidents 

begins at the local level, specifically the local government affected by the disaster. The 

NRF, however, plays a key role in helping community leaders mitigate the effects of the 

disaster event by facilitating the involvement of state, federal, and private sector assets 

prepared to aid the local response effort. This is primarily accomplished by providing a 

framework to effectively organize a multi-agency response and assets to backfill the local 

response. 

b. When an incident exceeds local, tribal, or state resources, the federal government 

provides necessary coordination, leadership, and resources to efficiently mitigate largescale or catastrophic events. To achieve this end, the President appoints a principal 

federal official, the Secretary of Homeland Security (SECHS), to assume overall federal 

incident management. 

c. Such coordination is needed under one of three conditions. 

(1) Whenever a federal department or agency acting under its own authority 

requests DHS assistance; 

(2) When local, tribal, or state authorities request federal assistance; and 

(3) When more than one federal agency or department has become involved in 

the response, or when the President directs SECHS to assume incident management 

activities. 

d. Each ESF identifies a coordinator and primary and supporting agencies. MA 

activities are included within ESF #8—Public Health and Medical Services. 

e. The ESF coordinator and primary agency for ESF #8 is DHHS and is supported 

by many agencies, one of which is DOD. ESF #8 addresses a broad range of public 

health and medical services including MA, which is identified as mass fatality 

management, victim ID, and decontaminating remains. 
Chapter VII 

VII-4 JP 4-06 

Figure VII-1. Typical Mortuary Affairs Assets 

CO company

COL collection

EAC echelons above corps

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency 

FSRT fatality search and rescue team

Legend

MA mortuary affairs

PRP Personnel Retrieval and Processing

QM quartermaster

S&R search and rescue

USC United States Code

Day 1 Days 2-3 Days 4-5 Day 6-8+

TIER 1

TIER 2

TIER 3

Mass 

Fatality 

Occurs!





















Marine Corps Reserve – PRP Company (MA)

Navy – Embalmers

Air Force – S&R/FSRT

Army Reserve – 673rd QM CO (EAC)

Army Reserve – 311th QM COL CO (MA)

Army – 111th QM COL CO (MA)

Army – 54th QM COL CO (MA)

Armed Forces Medical Examiner System

Army Reserve – 246th QM COL CO (EAC)

Army Reserve – 387th QM COL CO (MA)





Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team

FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Teams





National Guard Fatality Search Recovery Teams

State Medical Examiner/Coroner (not all US states have 

this agency)

 Local Medical Examiner/Coroner

Department of Defense Title 10, USC

Magnitude of Mass Fatality Incident

Federal Agencies

State Agencies Title 32, USC

Local Response -- City and County

 Emergency Responders

 Federal Bureau of Investigation

Typical Mortuary Affairs Assets
Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil Authorities 

VII-5 

f. Under the NRF, DOD could be asked to provide capabilities that other agencies 

do not possess or that have been exhausted or overwhelmed. Support is provided with 

the provision that it does not conflict with DOD’s mission or its ability to respond to 

military operational contingencies. 

4. Defense Support to Civil Authorities 

a. United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and USPACOM provide 

DSCA as directed by the President or SecDef, which is typically after local, state, tribal, 

and other federal resources are overwhelmed and civil authorities have requested DOD 

assistance. USNORTHCOM and USPACOM deploy a defense coordinating officer 

(DCO), who serves as DOD’s single POC in the JFO (with the exception of US Special 

Operations Command and US Army Corps of Engineers assets) and validates requests for 

assistance. Supporting the DCO is a defense coordinating element consisting of staff and 

military LNOs who facilitate DOD coordination in support of all activated ESFs. 

Emergency preparedness LNOs are senior reserve officers who represent their Service at 

the appropriate JFO conducting planning and coordination responsibilities in support of 

civil authorities. 

b. A state governor will designate a state coordinating officer (SCO) upon 

requesting federal assistance (Stafford Act declaration). The SCO works directly with 

the federal coordinating officer (FCO) and DCO in the JFO, the primary federal incident 

management field structure. The SCO coordinates with the FCO to determine state 

requirements. If DOD resources are required the FCO provides an RFA to the DCO who 

will validate and forward the request for SecDef approval. 

c. The SCO, FCO, and DCO operate from an established JFO facility that provides 

telephone and full media support to effect multiagency coordination. A unified 

coordination group meets within the JFO to identify gaps and review local, tribal, or state 

government RFAs. 

d. For disaster events involving a large geographic area, multiple SCOs, FCOs, 

DCOs or JFOs may be established. 

e. Concurrent to DHS activities, USNORTHCOM, the principal GCC responsible 

for coordinating military assistance, alerts its subordinate organizations to prepare to 

provide disaster response support. Initially, a USNORTHCOM situational awareness 

team will stand up to determine the required type of force package to deploy. Following 

these initial assessments, USNORTHCOM will delegate C2 to the joint force land 

component commander as the command element for all deployed Title 10, USC, military 

forces. NG forces in state active duty or Title 32, USC, status remain under the C2 of the 

adjutant general in each affected state. 

f. Only under the following conditions are DOD assets deployed to support a 

civilian response effort: 

(1) Commander, USNORTHCOM, implements a DSCA execute order, which 

allows Title 10, USC, forces to be deployed without a Presidential disaster declaration. 
Chapter VII 

VII-6 JP 4-06 

(2) Local, tribal, and state governments officially submit an RFA through their 

emergency operations centers to obtain resources not available through the local, state or 

federal government. Note: To obtain DOD assets, the DCO must validate the request and 

obtain approval from SecDef to ensure the military’s primary mission to protect and 

defend the US and our allies against all enemies is not hindered. 

(3) Immediate Response Authority. Immediate response authority is any form 

of immediate action taken by a DOD component or military commander, under the 

direction of DOD directives and any supplemental guidance, to assist civil authorities to 

save lives, prevent human suffering, or mitigate great property damage under imminently 

serious conditions. When such conditions exist, commanders and responsible officials 

are authorized to take necessary action to respond to requests from civil authorities 

consistent with applicable laws and regulations. 

For further guidance, refer to JP 3-28, Defense Support of Civil Authorities, and DODD 

3025.18, Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA). 

g. When DOD assets are used, the President and SecDef establish priorities and 

determine what DOD resources will be made available for DSCA mission assignments, 

applying the following principles: 

(1) Civilian resources are applied first in meeting civilian RFA(s). Faith-based 

organizations and community-based organizations have a long tradition of helping 

Americans in need and have a long tradition of aiding victims of disasters. 

(2) DOD resources are provided only when necessary to provide capabilities 

unique to the military or to augment the capabilities of civilian authorities. 

(3) Title 10, USC, military forces work in support of the appropriate local, 

tribal, state, or federal jurisdiction but will retain C2 of DOD assets at all times. 

5. National Mass-Fatality Management Framework 

a. Once assets are deployed, DOD units must interface with civilian entities in 

accordance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) incident command 

system (ICS). Normally a unified command structure is established versus an ICS when 

DOD assets are involved to ensure an integrated response for all agencies involved. 

Figure VII-2 identifies a typical ICS. 

b. DOD assets will interface with civilian response units within the ICS. MA units 

will operate within the operations section, as part of a fatality management branch and 

under the DOD chain of command at all times. In most instances, the local ME/C will 

staff this position. 

c. Fatality management operations are not always conducted within the fatality 

management branch, as each jurisdiction may apply the ICS differently. Often MA 

operations not performed at the disaster site, such as decedent investigations, will occur 

at a separate location, having its own command structure, which may or may not be 
Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil Authorities 

VII-7 

linked to the jurisdictional ICS for the disaster site. MA operations typically occurring at 

separate locations include conducting antemortem data collection, postmortem data 

collection, decedent external/internal exams, as well as decedent storage and preparation 

for final disposition. It is likely each of these locations will operate in accordance with 

the ICS, by appointing a leader and dividing the labor into groups and teams, with whom 

DOD assets can interface. 

d. Special Considerations

(1) MA Support Requests. When providing MA support to civilian authorities, 

DOD will tailor the response based on the RFA. Requests may include: reception, 

advisor support, photography operations, administrative and logistic support, DNA 

sample collection, recovery, transportation, human remains storage (refrigerated), and 

interim disposition operations. In addition, DOD may also be asked to provide support 

for agent detection and decontamination of human remains. 

(2) ME/C Jurisdiction. MA leadership will identify or confirm the entity that 

has jurisdictional authority over decedents. In most instances, it is the local or state 

ME/C, but in some instances an interim ME/C representative may be designated. DOD 

personnel should note that ME/Cs have jurisdictional authority over the decedent only 

and work closely with law enforcement agencies having jurisdictional authority over the 

crime scene, if applicable. 

Figure VII-2. Typical Incident Command System Structure 

Typical Incident Command System Structure

Operations Logistics Finance/ 

Administration Planning

 Command
Chapter VII 

VII-8 JP 4-06 

(3) Local ME/C Coordination. MA mission assignments will identify a civilian 

POC with whom military commanders can interface. Coordination between the military 

and civilian counterpart should include: 

(a) Establishment of a common operating picture specific to MA 

operations. Specifically, DOD-civilian entities should review a map of the area, 

identifying where MA operations are occurring. 

(b) Review of all MA goals and objectives involving DOD assets. 

(c) Review of MA operations involving DOD assets and how local 

government oversight will be achieved. 

(d) Identification of communication format, expectations, defined 

operational periods requiring briefings, and type of data required for briefings. 

(e) Identification of and resolution of issues. 

(f) Safety requirements. 

(g) Review of operational instructions and requirements (e.g., use of 

specific tools or documentation of decedent information). 

(h) Appropriate interface with public media elements. 

(i) Establishment of DOD MA asset end points. 

(4) DOD Personnel Management. To accomplish the wide variety of potential 

assignments, DOD may deploy both skilled and non-skilled MA personnel. The civilian 

sector is responsible for providing just-in-time training to DOD personnel on proper 

techniques, safety precautions, and handling of decedents in accordance with civilian 

procedures and standards. Both skilled and non-skilled personnel should expect to 

receive some just-in-time training. Trained MA personnel may be paired with nontrained MA personnel to provide technical assistance and supervision. 

(5) Posse Comitatus. DOD MA personnel must be mindful of acting 

independently of civilian ME/C personnel when performing tasks. Due to constraints 

placed on Title 10, USC, forces, DOD personnel must obtain appropriate authorization to 

perform MA-related tasks and the appropriate civilian oversight. For example, DOD MA 

personnel cannot perform decedent recovery tasks that entail entering civilian homes 

without the presence of local law enforcement or ME/C personnel. Unilateral action by 

DOD personnel in these circumstances would result in a violation of the Posse Comitatus 

Act (Federal law Title 18, USC, Section 1385). State Title 32, USC, MA assets, such as 

the ANG FSRTs, are able to perform decedent recovery tasks, when directed. 

(6) Terrorist Act. The FBI has jurisdiction in events involving weapons of mass 

destruction (WMD), terrorist events, or suspected terrorist events. Consequently, DOD 
Homeland Defense and Defense Support of Civil Authorities 

VII-9 

MA assets may need to interact with the FBI in addition to the ME/C and adhere to FBI 

protocols regarding the collection of evidence. 

(7) Decedent Identification. Decedent ID is an ME/C responsibility. DOD MA 

assets support the ID process through forensic recovery and preservation of decedent ID 

material. 

6. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management 

a. An incident involving CBRN agents or materials may require a DOD response in 

support of USG efforts. During such catastrophic incidents, SECHS will notify the 

President and implement the NRF Catastrophic Incident Supplement to expedite relief 

efforts. 

b. During CBRN events that go beyond the ability of a state to respond, 

USNORTHCOM or USPACOM will activate and deploy CBRN response forces tailored 

to the scale and scope of the incident. DOD CBRN response forces have unique skill sets 

and equipment that can be deployed in support of civilian CBRN response assets. CBRN 

incidents may cause mass fatalities. When authorized by SecDef, DOD MA assets can 

help mitigate the potential health risks posed by mass fatalities and assist in incident 

response and recovery operations. 

c. In an incident involving CBRN agents or materials, the NGB notifies the adjutant 

general for the 50 states and territories to place their weapons of mass destruction–civil 

support teams (WMD-CSTs), chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield 

explosives enhanced response force package (CERFP), FSRTs, and homeland response 

forces (HRFs) on alert for deployment. WMD-CSTs are able to deploy rapidly to a 

CBRNE incident, assist local first-responders in determining the nature of the attack, 

provide medical and technical advice, and pave the way for the identification and arrival 

of follow-on state and federal military assets. When the incident exceeds the capability 

of the regional CERFP, the regional HRF will be generated. NG WMD-CSTs and 

CERFPs normally will deploy under state control. The NGB will coordinate such 

interstate support and will facilitate any necessary federalization of NG forces. 

For more information on CBRN response, see JP 3-41, Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management. 

7. Homeland Defense 

GCCs are responsible for coordinating DOD MA operations within their AORs. In 

DSCA incidents, local, tribal, or state ME/Cs will usually maintain jurisdiction over both 

military and civilian fatalities, including decedents from mass fatality incidents. 

Jurisdiction varies depending on geographic area and is dependent on federal, state, or 

local laws. In concurrent jurisdiction, the local ME/C has primary authority to conduct 

the medicolegal death investigation, including the autopsy, but may waive jurisdiction to 

the military or request AFMES assistance. In proprietary jurisdiction, the local ME/C has 

sole authority to perform the autopsy. Deaths in areas of exclusive federal jurisdiction 

are the responsibility of the AFME regardless of the military affiliation, or lack thereof, 
Chapter VII 

VII-10 JP 4-06 

of the individual. Active duty military deaths usually are determined to be under either 

exclusive federal or concurrent jurisdiction. Military installations are not necessarily 

under exclusive federal jurisdiction; the installation SJA should identify the base’s 

jurisdiction before an incident or be consulted during early stages of the response phase. 

In accordance with Title 10, USC, Section 1471, the AFME may conduct its own forensic 

pathology investigation to determine the cause or manner of death if such an 

investigation is determined to be justified. However, this activity may or may not occur 

in conjunction with local medicolegal authorities’ investigation. If the AFME believes 

the local ME/C’s medicolegal investigation did not meet the needs of DOD, the AFME 

may exercise secondary jurisdiction and complete an independent autopsy. The remains 

may therefore be transferred to the AFMES before being released to the PADD. Federal 

law provides exclusive jurisdiction to the AFME in the event of the death of the 

President, a member of the President’s direct staff, and other key elected officials in the 

USG.

For more information, see JP 3-27, Homeland Defense. 
VIII-1 

CHAPTER VIII 

CONTAMINATED HUMAN REMAINS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS 

1. Introduction 

This chapter outlines MA operations in a CBRN environment to include roles and 

responsibilities, planning factors, and personnel, equipment, and support requirements. 

It does not provide TTP. For detailed guidance on TTP, contact the JMAC. Refer to 

Appendix G, “Key Points of Contact,” for contact information. 

2. Overview of Department of Defense Operations in a Contaminated 

Environment 

The US military trains for and remains prepared to conduct the full range of military 

operations throughout the operational environment undeterred by the threat of CBRN 

attacks. CBRN consequence management (CBRN CM) is a USG-level responsibility to 

which DOD will provide support as directed to DHS, DOS, or other appropriate agencies, 

in the conduct of CBRN response. However, during combat operations or in specific 

instances on DOD installations and facilities overseas where HN agreements give DOD 

primary CBRN CM responsibility, DOD may be tasked with leading the USG CBRN CM 

effort. All DOD installations develop and exercise CBRN response plans, which outline 

operations and give tasks to staff functions such as public health and medical services, 

public affairs, legal counsel, and MA. 

See JP 3-11, Operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) 

Environments; JP 3-40, Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction; and JP 3-41, 

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management, for more 

information. 

3. Mortuary Affairs Operations in a Contaminated Environment 

a. Mission. The primary MA mission in a CBRN environment is the establishment 

and operation of a MACRMS to complete MA ID tasks and contamination mitigation. 

b. Goal. Conduct MA tasks safely to support AFMES positive ID of human 

remains. Return all human remains to the US or location designated by the PADD for 

final disposition. 

c. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment is employed at the MACRMS. 

Establishing and operating a MACRMS is a theater-level MA mission, requiring 

specialized personnel and resources. Safety, not speed, is paramount. When 

refrigerated storage is available, recovered human remains should be stored at a 

temperature range of between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 and 4.4 degrees 

Celsius). 

d. Planning considerations for the operation and support of the MACRMS include 

but are not limited to: 
Chapter VIII 

VIII-2 JP 4-06 

(1) Capabilities. Five to 10 human remains processed in a 12-hour period for 

each MACRMS established. 

(2) Baseline Planning Figures. Although the MACRMS equipment consists of 

most items required to safely receive and handle contaminated human remains, certain 

items of specialized equipment may have to be procured in order to fully process 

contaminated decedents. Supplies and equipment needs are based on the type and level 

of contamination hazard present on the human remains. The COTS equipment contains 

most expendable supplies for personnel to process approximately 50 human remains. 

Additional personnel and equipment would be required for 24-hour operations. 

(3) Supplies and Equipment. The MA operational commander is responsible 

for resupplying the MACRMS. The concept used at a MACRMS is to employ multiple 

forms of protection, such as specialized tents, monitors, and individual protective 

equipment. MACRMS personnel will wear the appropriate level of PPE for the hazard. 

CBRN specialists will assist MA personnel in devising an incident-specific process to 

manage contaminated human remains that exceed the MA capability. 

d. Unit-Level Operations in a CBRN Environment 

(1) Unit personnel, wearing appropriate mission-oriented protective posture 

(MOPP) gear, are responsible for the recovery of deceased unit members while 

evacuating the area. The level and type of contamination should be verified at this time 

by trained CBRN personnel in order to determine the proper evacuation channels. If no 

contamination is detected, human remains should be evacuated according to the existing 

MA procedures in effect. If CBRN personnel are not able to verify the type and amount 

of contamination, but unit personnel believe contamination may be present, human 

remains will be treated as if they are contaminated. The area should be marked with 

appropriate CBRN markings, and appropriate security measures established. 

(2) The unit will establish a CP. The CP will receive and triage casualties to 

include deceased personnel. The unit will transport the human remains to either the CP 

or to the MACRMS as directed. At the CP, place the human remains in two HRPs or the 

contaminated human remains pouch (CHRP). The human remains will be stored and 

prepared for shipment to either the MACP or the MACRMS. The external surface of the 

HRP or CHRP will be decontaminated and the CBRN personnel will determine if the 

human remains meet the guidelines for transport to the MACP or MACRMS or if they 

will be stored at the CP until further guidance is received. 

e. Operational-Level Operations in a CBRN Environment

(1) Search and Recovery. When the unit is unable to recover human remains 

from the incident site, an S&R team is required to conduct the recovery. Units request 

S&R teams through their chain of command to the JMAO. This team will work closely 

with the CBRN personnel to determine routes into and out of the incident site, level of 

PPE required, as well as when access to the incident site will be granted. The ANG 
Contaminated Human Remains and Personal Effects 

VIII-3 

FSRTs are trained and equipped to operate in CBRN environments and are available for 

worldwide deployment. 

(2) MACP. During operations when the scale of contaminated human remains 

does not warrant the employment of a MACRMS, personnel from the nearest MACP will 

process and evacuate contaminated human remains. The MACP processing team reports 

to the tasking POC and follows the required procedures for handling contaminated human 

remains. 

f. Theater-Level Operations in a CBRN Environment

(1) JMAO. The JMAO acts as the theater central point of coordination for MA 

in a CBRN environment. The JMAO will determine when to establish a MACRMS and 

the location. The JMAO determines how many equipment sets are required to support 

operations and requests immediate movement of the pre-positioned sets to the operational 

area. The JMAO also coordinates with DOD entities to obtain specialized personnel and 

equipment (such as medical or safety personnel and monitoring equipment). Typically, 

these types of capabilities are required to safely operate and monitor MACRMS 

operations, equipment, and personnel. 

(2) US Army. The Army, in coordination with the JMAO, authorizes and 

arranges for movement of the MACRMS. The systems are moved to a predetermined 

location near the contaminated area, but outside of any area posing a contamination 

hazard to the personnel operating the MACRMS. CBRN personnel will designate routes 

to be used to evacuate human remains from both the contaminated area and from the CP 

once a route survey is completed. In addition, the Army as EA for theater MA support, in 

coordination with the JMAO, develops a plan to establish the necessary task force to: 

(a) Support the MACRMS. 

(b) Position the required equipment. 

(c) Provide additional guidance and support for contamination mitigation 

operations. 

4. Mortuary Affairs Contaminated Human Remains Mitigation Site 

The MACRMS is an established location utilizing specialized equipment where MA 

personnel safely handle contaminated human remains and perform the MA tasks. MA 

personnel attempt to reduce contamination hazards on the human remains for transport 

through normal MA evacuation channels. 

a. Site Selection. MACRMS equipment may be pre-positioned to support an 

operational sector in anticipation of the need to process contaminated human remains or 

deployed to support a known contaminated area. Proximity to the contaminated area or 

the sector to be supported is the primary factor for site location, followed by 

environmental and terrain considerations. The MACRMS should be situated in close 

proximity to both a medical treatment facility supporting patient decontamination and 
Chapter VIII 

VIII-4 JP 4-06 

treatment, and a thorough decontamination site where both troop and equipment 

decontamination is taking place. The MACRMS site should be located upwind of the 

contaminated area. CBRN staff should be consulted in picking a MACRMS location, as 

they can advise on the expected flow of contamination. 

(1) Environmental Considerations. Factors to be considered are the runoff of 

contaminated water and the proximity to populated areas. Restoration of a MACRMS 

site is not an MA concern with the exception of hazardous waste disposal (see paragraph 

4e(3), “Hazardous Waste Disposal”); detailed MACRMS site clearance may have to be 

accomplished by CBRN units. CBRN staff and local governments will have to decide 

when to declare an area safe for reentry. 

(2) Terrain Considerations. Due to the large footprint of the MACRMS, the 

site selected should be relatively flat and accessible by vehicles arriving from the CP or 

contaminated area via a designated route. Ideally, existing roads should be used by 

transports arriving from the “warm or hot” zone to the MACRMS receiving point. An 

additional requirement is a route leading away from the MACRMS release station toward 

the clean or “cold” zone for human remains evacuation. The area selected should be a 

minimum of 100 m in length by 75 m in width. A larger area would provide better 

vehicular traffic flow and refrigerated storage capability. Vehicular access to the 

MACRMS contaminated waste storage areas and liquid waste sump must be considered 

during site selection. The inability to provide safe and timely waste removal will result in 

the MACRMS ceasing operations due to its limited solid and liquid contaminated waste 

storage capability. 

b. Facility Layout. The MACRMS is determined by the type of contamination; 

there are three recommended configurations for the system. There is a recommended 

configuration for chemical agents, biological agents, and one for radiological agents, each 

configuration is established based on the stations required to mitigate that hazard. The 

site should be protected by security personnel with access at the dismount and release 

points. CBRN markers are emplaced around the entire MACRMS perimeter. Figure 

VIII-1 shows one of the suggested layouts of the MACRMS. The release station should 

be upwind of the receiving station to reduce the hazard of contamination. 

(1) The suggested MACRMS stations pictured in Figure VIII-1 allow MA 

personnel to perform the following major tasks: 

(a) Receiving and sorting. 

(b) External assessment. 

(c) Wash/rinse. 

(d) ID material/specimens. 

(e) CHRP decontamination. 

(f) Low-level detection. 
Contaminated Human Remains and Personal Effects 

VIII-5 

 

Figure VIII-1. Suggested Mortuary Affairs Contaminated Remains Mitigation Site Layout (Chemical) 

Suggested Mortuary Affairs Contaminated Remains Mitigation Site Layout (Chemical)

CHRCHRPCONEXDeconHAZMATHVACIDPE

contaminated human remainscontaminated human remains pouchcontainer expressdecontaminationhazardous materialsheating, ventilation, and air conditioningidentificationpersonal effects

Munitions

Holding 

Point

HAZMAT 

Conex

Personnel

Decon

Fuel

Fit/Refit &

 Medical Tent

CHR Failed 

Point Detect

Station #1

Receiving and 

Sorting

Vapor CHR 

Storage

Liquid CHR 

Storage

Water Sump

(HAZMAT) Water

Station #5

ID Material/

Specimens

Station #9

Release

HVAC

Station #8

Transfer Case/

External Decon

Station #7

Low-Level

Detection

Station #6

CHRP &

CHRP Decon

Station #4

Point

Detection

Station #3

Wash/Rinse

Station #2

External Assess 

and Clothing/ 

PE Removal

Remains

Holding 

Pad

Contaminated

Waste Storage

Pad

Contaminated

Waste Storage

Conexes
Chapter VIII 

VIII-6 JP 4-06 

(g) Preparation for evacuation or temporary storage. 

(h) Release. 

(2) Although not part of the human remains processing stations, the MACRMS 

also requires an environmentally controlled fit/refit and medical area as well as a 

personnel decontamination system. 

(3) Personnel Requirements

(a) Personnel. Personnel required to operate the MACRMS must be 

thoroughly trained in CBRN operations and the use of PPE measures. Due to the 

complexity of MACRMS processes, the specialized training and equipment requirements, 

and familiarity with MACRMS operations, only trained MACRMS personnel from Army 

MA units should be tasked for the MACRMS mission. However, additional personnel 

may be tasked as augmentees for the MACRMS to assist with human remains handling 

and other necessary MACRMS functions. 

(b) Staffing. Special personnel requirements exist for the operation of the 

MACRMS. The MACRMS is task-organized. In addition to organic MA and CBRN 

personnel, the MACRMS requires augmentation for positions such as CBRN experts, 

safety officers, medical staff, and logistics staff. MACRMS operation requires 32 to 39 

MACRMS trained MA specialists to operate the site for each 12-hour shift. The range in 

personnel reflects changes in the number of stations within the MACRMS based on the 

hazard. 

c. External Support Requirements

(1) Transportation. Planners should consider using dedicated transportation 

assets to reduce confusion and avoid the spread of contamination. Transportation assets 

will utilize CBRN directed routes to evacuate human remains to and from the MACRMS 

location. Human remains will not be evacuated until CBRN personnel clear them for 

transport. 

(2) Engineer Support. Engineer support is required to prepare the MACRMS, 

which requires a dug-in, lined, and bermed liquid waste sump, munitions pit, and a 

suitable road network. Coordination for this support should begin as soon as the 

MACRMS mission is assigned. 

(3) Internal Communications. MACRMS personnel will communicate intrastation, as well as throughout, using voice-activated radios capable of operating in 

conjunction with both standard-issue MOPP or any other issued PPE regardless of level 

of protection. MACRMS requires internal communication between all stations as well as 

to outside organizations as required. MACRMS receiving point personnel require 

effective communication with personnel delivering human remains to obtain information 

regarding recovery location, unit, contaminant, and information that may assist in ID. 

MACRMS personnel require information regarding the contaminant to determine the 

appropriate PPE to safely handle contaminated human remains. Wireless technology will 
Contaminated Human Remains and Personal Effects 

VIII-7 

also be employed in order to transmit photos, digital fingerprints, and other information 

to the appropriate station for inclusion in the automated MACRMS case file. 

(4) Personnel Decontamination. MACRMS personnel are capable of 

performing detailed troop decontamination (DTD) using the personnel decontamination 

system which is part of the MACRMS. DTD takes approximately 15 minutes per 

individual. The MACRMS will require complete detailed equipment decontamination. 

(5) Security. Plan for security personnel to protect against adversary action 

and/or to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the MACRMS operational area. 

(6) Medical Support. Medical support is necessary for MACRMS personnel 

to treat injuries resulting from work, environmental, or occupational health hazards. 

Medical personnel will be assigned to the MACRMS fit/refit area to provide medical 

support. 

(7) Maintenance. A small engine and an air conditioning/refrigeration 

mechanic should be assigned to the MACRMS to perform routine, operational, and repair 

maintenance on all power equipment. Factory trained, bench-level certified repairers are 

required to maintain and repair specialized COTS equipment. Major repairs should be 

provided by nearby DS or GS maintenance units. 

(8) EOD Support. MACRMS receiving point personnel will inspect all human 

remains for explosive ordnance and UXO. The removal and disposal of explosive 

ordnance and UXO is the responsibility of EOD. Explosive ordnance and UXO will be 

placed in a munitions pit until removed or disposed of by EOD personnel. Coordination 

for EOD support will occur upon the establishment of a MACRMS. 

(9) Life Support and/or Personnel Services. MACRMS personnel should be 

supported by the nearest unit for subsistence, laundry, bath, and billeting. 

d. Overview of Contamination Processing. Three distinct operations have been 

developed to handle different types of hazards. The three types of processing operations 

are: chemical processing, biological processing, and radiological processing. The TTP 

are contained in the MA unit SOP. The JMAC will provide the most current TTP to the 

MA units as the TTP need to be updated frequently based on current science and 

technology (S&T) and research and development (R&D). Additionally, supervisors 

should establish rotational work teams (with work/rest–cool down cycles) to minimize 

the work load and mitigate heat stress risk. 

(1) Chemically Contaminated Human Remains Processing. If the cause of 

death is suspected to have resulted from exposure to a chemical agent, MACRMS 

personnel will process human remains in accordance with the chemical human remains 

processing procedures outlined in the unit SOP. The overarching goal to perform the MA 

tasks and reduce, remove, and contain chemical contamination to allow for storage and 

transport may not be possible in all cases. Higher headquarters is responsible for creating 

and implementing an incident-specific plan whenever a hazard cannot be safely handled 

at the MACRMS. For additional support, contact the Chemical Casualty Care Division 
Chapter VIII 

VIII-8 JP 4-06 

consultation service, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense. Contact 

information is provided in Appendix G, “Key Points of Contact.” 

(2) Biologically Contaminated Human Remains Processing. If the cause of 

death is suspected to be a biological agent, MACRMS personnel will process human 

remains in accordance with the biological human remains processing procedures outlined 

in the unit SOP. CBRN and infectious disease control personnel should be consulted as 

to the efficacy of MACRMS PPE and adjust posture accordingly. The overarching goal 

is to perform the MA tasks and reduce, remove, and contain biological contamination to 

allow for storage and transport. Higher headquarters is responsible for creating and 

implementing an incident-specific plan whenever a hazard cannot be safely handled at the 

MACRMS. 

For additional support, contact the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious 

Diseases. Contact information is provided in Appendix G, “Key Points of Contact.” 

(3) Radiological Contaminated Human Remains Processing. If the human 

remains are suspected to be contaminated with a radiological agent, MACRMS personnel 

will process human remains in accordance with the radiological human remains 

processing procedures outlined in the unit SOP. The overarching goal is to perform the 

MA tasks and reduce, remove, and contain radiological contamination to allow for 

storage and transport. Higher headquarters is responsible for creating and implementing 

an incident-specific plan whenever a hazard cannot be safely handled at the MACRMS. 

Monitors and detectors, such as a personal dosimeter, will be used during radiological 

contamination processing procedures by all MACRMS personnel. For additional 

support, contact the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute. Contact information 

is provided in Appendix G, “Key Points of Contact.” 

e. Safety and Sanitation. Safety is a major concern in all operations, and all 

necessary precautions should be taken in order to protect MACRMS personnel from 

exposure to chemicals, radioactivity, biological pathogens, as well as other natural and 

man-made hazards. Leaders must be aware of safety-related factors not only involving 

contamination, but also in the wear of MOPP overgarments and lifting requirements. 

Sanitation of the site and personnel is another major concern. MACRMS personnel are 

working in contaminated areas and are exposed to human remains and are subject to all 

of the health-related problems associated with this type of environment. A safety officer 

is needed to implement and monitor compliance with work–rest cycles and safe practices. 

(1) Heat Stress. Heat stress is a constant threat when working under conditions 

found at a MACRMS and may result in heat-related injuries, such as heat cramps, heat 

exhaustion, or, in extreme cases, heat stroke, if not carefully monitored. Supervisors 

must watch for heat-related symptoms. A medical noncommissioned officer is assigned 

to the MACRMS to monitor personnel closely for signs of heat injury and to provide first 

aid. The medic needs to be well versed in the treatment of heat injuries. This medic is 

stationed in the fit/refit and medical area located on the clean side, and will treat all 

illness and injuries to MACRMS personnel after removal from their respective 
Contaminated Human Remains and Personal Effects 

VIII-9 

workstation by other station personnel and movement through the personnel 

decontamination point. 

(2) Work and Rest Cycles. Information on work and rest cycles may be found 

in Field Manual (FM) 3-11.4, Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-37.2, 

Navy Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (NTTP) 3-11.27, Air Force Tactics, 

Techniques, and Procedures (Instruction) (AFTTP[I]) 3-2.46, Multi-Service Tactics, 

Techniques, and Procedures for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Protection; 

FM 4-02.7, Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 4-11.1F, NTTP 4-02.7, AFTTP 

3-42.3 Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Health Service Support in 

a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Environment; and FM 3-11.5, MCWP 

3-37.3, NTTP 3-11.26, AFTTP(I) 3-2.60, Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and 

Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Decontamination. 

When operating in temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, leaders must consider the 

ability of personnel to accomplish the mission. Once personnel reach their maximum 

work load for heat stress, they cannot recover quickly enough to accomplish the 

MACRMS mission. Establish rotational work teams to minimize work load against heat 

stress injuries. 

(3) Hazardous Waste Disposal. Disposal of contaminated waste is a major 

concern for the MACRMS. All uniforms, equipment, PE, overgarments, and bandages 

should be considered contaminated. The MACRMS personnel must dispose of this waste 

properly. The MACRMS personnel, with proper CBRN support, must close-out 

operations and complete a thorough decontamination as specified in CBRN 

decontamination manuals, just as any other unit operating in a contaminated environment 

would. 

For further guidance on waste disposal, refer to JP 3-41, Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management, and FM 3-11.21, MCRP 3-37.2C, 

NTTP 3-11.24, AFTTP(I) 3-2.37, Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for 

CBRN Consequence Management Operations. 

5. Temporary Storage of Contaminated Human Remains 

Hold contaminated human remains in refrigerated storage (maintaining a temperature 

range between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 and 4.4 degrees Celsius) to preserve the 

human remains until they can be processed. The storage facility will be monitored for 

levels of contamination within and around the container or facility. Positive control must 

be maintained at all times on the storage container/facility and its contents. Security 

measures should be established to prevent unauthorized access to the container/facility, 

and the appropriate CBRN markings should be placed on the external surfaces of the 

container/facility. 

Note: Personnel who enter the storage container or who are in the vicinity must wear the 

appropriate level of PPE to account for concentrated levels of agent in the container or 

facility.
Chapter VIII 

VIII-10 JP 4-06 

6. Temporary Interment of Contaminated Human Remains 

Temporary interment of contaminated human remains poses a much larger problem 

than interment of non-contaminated human remains. Interment does not necessarily kill 

all biological, chemical, or radiological agents; some remain resistant or dormant 

underground. Temporary interment may be considered for operational requirements, to 

prevent contamination from spreading, or to support decontamination through natural 

chemical or biological decomposition. Human remains should be temporarily interred if 

the contaminant cannot be mitigated for transport through MA channels. If temporary 

interment is required, contaminated human remains will be processed in accordance with 

the following guidelines: 

a. Follow Appendix B, “Mass Interment,” guidelines for interment site selection, 

construction, and procedures for interment operations. The following additional 

information specific to contaminated human remains interment is provided. 

b. ID of human remains will be made prior to interment. ID will be conducted in 

accordance with AFMES guidance. 

c. Contaminated human remains will be interred in separate rows for each category 

of CBRN hazard. For example, human remains contaminated with chemical agents will 

not be commingled with human remains contaminated with biological agents. The 

contaminated interment site will be a minimum of 100 yards from non-contaminated 

interment sites.

d. Interment sites will be clearly marked using NATO standard CBRN signage. 

Security will be posted as required. 

e. Security and interment site personnel will wear appropriate PPE in accordance 

with medical and CBRN guidelines. Medical and CBRN personnel will monitor 

personnel CBRN exposure levels using approved monitoring devices. 

f. Photographs should be taken of all human remains and portions prior to interment. 

7. Theater Mortuary Evacuation Point Operations 

The TMEP will receive all human remains processed and cleared for evacuation 

from the MA processing point for contaminated human remains. The TMEP will not 

process these human remains but rather act as a transfer point. The TMEP will verify 

that all seals, documentation, special permits, and shipping and warning labels are in 

place. The TMEP will coordinate transfer back to the US or servicing mortuary or to the 

HN in accordance with current transportation and international agreements and 

regulations. The TMEP will coordinate for a special assignment air mission through 

USTRANSCOM for all human remains with CBRN labels in accordance with current 

guidelines. The TMEP will verify that the human remains are entered into the database 

and tracking system as well as notify the CONUS mortuary that human remains with 

CBRN labels are in transit. When required, a technical escort will be requested and 

coordinated through higher headquarters. A technical escort is a unique, immediate 
Contaminated Human Remains and Personal Effects 

VIII-11 

response capability for chemical and biological warfare material. The technical escort 

missions include worldwide response for escorting, rendering safe, disposing, sampling 

verification, mitigating hazards, and identifying weaponized and non-weaponized 

chemical, biological, and hazardous materials. The Technical Escort Unit is a member of 

the Army Chemical/Biological Rapid Response Team. 

8. Port Mortuary 

The port mortuary will receive the human remains from the TMEP and store them 

until coordination for final disposition can be made. The AFME will determine the 

handling procedures for human remains marked with CBRN labels on a case-by-case 

basis, based on contaminant and exposure levels. The port mortuary will determine final 

disposition requirements and procedures. 

9. Final Disposition 

Final disposition of human remains will be in accordance with the directions of the 

PADD, national regulations, and AFME directives. The USACHPPM guidelines have 

been published to aid in determining the best method for final disposition whether that is 

interment or cremation. 

10. Mortuary Affairs Contaminated Remains Mitigation Site Records 

MA personnel must be able to enter vital data into MARTS while working in a 

contaminated area. The time required to process contaminated human remains is a key 

planning factor. MA operations and planning must address the procedures and 

equipment required to allow for transmission of information from the warm zone to the 

cool zone. This plan should account for communication equipment outages. Interment 

records will be delivered by escort to the JMAO/TMAO. A copy of all interment records 

will be sent to the JMAC. See Appendix G, “Key Points of Contact,” for mailing 

address. 

 
Chapter VIII 

VIII-12 JP 4-06 

Intentionally Blank 
A-1 

APPENDIX A 

SAMPLE FORMAT FOR MORTUARY AFFAIRS APPENDIX TO AN 

OPERATION PLAN 

1. Introduction 

a. During any military operation, MA must be planned in detail, from the joint force 

to the lowest level, and included in appropriate plans, orders, and SOPs. MA planning 

should include procedures for employing, shifting, and resourcing MA personnel and 

equipment throughout the AOR. Including MA issues in a staff’s detailed logistic 

estimate will provide an overview of support requirements impacting a proposed COA 

and will help prepare the staff for the anticipated fatalities. MA staff planners must be 

able to react and respond to any staff or command concern. Not every theater is 

identical; each has its unique aspects. MA staff planners must create a base plan and 

modify it for different areas where the command may operate. From the base plan, the 

staff planner can tailor the plans and annexes to meet the needs of a specific mission. No 

one plan fits all situations. The J-4 is primarily responsible for the MA appendix, 

although each staff function will contribute. Subordinate commands will also develop 

supplements to the OPLAN. Lack of MA support during the initial stage of an operation 

will cause confusion and failure to recover deceased personnel in a timely manner. 

b. The purpose of this annex is to provide a generic format for the MA appendix to 

the appropriate plan or OPORD annex. Its purpose is to set policies, assign 

responsibilities, and provide guidance for the MA plans to support combat operations 

under all conditions. Reference: CJCSM 3122.03, Joint Operation Planning and 

Execution System (JOPES), Volume II, Planning Formats. 

2. Sample Mortuary Affairs Appendix to Operation Plan 

(CLASSIFICATION) 

APPENDIX 3 (MORTUARY AFFAIRS) to ANNEX L (LOGISTICS) 

to OPLAN _______( )

( ) References: Cite CJCS Memorandum of Policy 16; JP 4-06; Service regulations; 

support agreements; and other documents necessary for a complete understanding of this 

appendix. 

1. ( ) Situation. Identify any significant factors that may influence MA activities in 

support of the OPLAN. Use the following subparagraphs to the extent necessary. 

 a. ( ) Adversary. Refer to Annex B, Intelligence. Assess the effect of adversary 

capabilities and probable COAs on MA activities. 

 b. ( ) Friendly. Include any non-US military forces and US civilian agencies that 

will support assigned forces in accomplishing MA activities (e.g., available civilian 

mortuary services). 
Appendix A 

A-2 JP 4-06 

2. ( ) Execution 

 a. ( ) Concept of Operations. State the general concept of MA support for the 

forces assigned for implementation of the OPLAN and comment on MA facilities, 

interment, and evacuation policies existing at the onset of hostilities and at the time when 

additional forces and resources may become available. Project when the theater 

interment and evacuation policy may change. Comment on MC/FI policy and the 

processing of contaminated human remains. 

 b. ( ) Tasks. In separate numbered subparagraphs for each applicable component, 

identify specific responsibilities for MA activities. Indicate, by component, 

responsibility for as many of the following as applicable. 

 (1) ( ) MA support of forces of each US Service. 

 (2) ( ) Establishment and operation of CPs, field processing centers, PE depots, 

and US cemeteries in the theater. 

 (3) ( ) Establishment, operation, and maintenance of mortuary facilities. 

 (4) ( ) POE holding facilities and surface and aerial evacuation of human 

remains. 

 (5) ( ) Activation and staffing of the JMAO and the establishment of subarea 

JMAOs, as needed. 

 (6) ( ) Designate theater lead Service. 

 c. ( ) Coordinating Instructions. Include general instructions applicable to two or 

more components. Include, if applicable, items such as: 

 (1) ( ) Arrangements concerning MA support of US forces under OPCON of 

other than a US command. 

 (2) ( ) Agreements with multinational partners, USG, and NGOs for MA support 

of multinational partners and civilians in areas where US forces are operating. 

 (3) ( ) Advisory services to support allied or HN MA activities. 

 (4) ( ) Approving authority for use of temporary interments to include mass 

burial techniques and temporary graves. 

 (5) ( ) Providing J-1 information for joint casualty reporting. Establish JMAO 

reporting requirements. 

 (6) ( ) Special instructions for operations involving special operations forces. 

 (7) ( ) AFMES support. 
Sample Format for Mortuary Affairs Appendix to an Operation Plan 

A-3 

 d. ( ) Special Guidance. Include guidance and policy, not discussed elsewhere, 

concerning the search, recovery, tentative ID, collection and preservation of biological 

and physical evidence, religious and cultural considerations, and temporary interment of 

US military, multinational partner, adversary, and civilian dead under the jurisdiction of 

the Armed Forces of the United States. Specifically address coordination with the 

AFMES with respect to preservation of medicolegal findings and evidence. Also discuss 

the recovery and handling of PE and the establishment, operation, and maintenance of 

appropriate records and reports. If applicable, include the following: 

 (1) ( ) Uniform procedures for maintaining continuous accountability of all 

deceased US military personnel and detainees. 

 (2) ( ) Evacuation of human remains, both intratheater and intertheater. 

 (3) ( ) Establishment of permanent cemeteries and temporary interment sites. 

 (4) ( ) Possible transfer of human remains and PE of multinational partners, 

adversary personnel, local nationals, and third country nationals to representatives of the 

country concerned. 

 (5) ( ) Identity of specific collection locations where non-US fatalities will be 

delivered. 

 (6) ( ) Procedures for using DOD mortuary personnel, facilities, and supplies in 

the operational area. 

3. ( ) Administration and Logistics. Provides a concept for furnishing logistic and 

administrative support for MA activities and, as appropriate, includes guidance on the 

following:

 a. ( ) Accounting for and disposition of PE, including those not found on the person 

of the deceased. 

 b. ( ) Use of multinational partners and indigenous morticians, mortuaries, and 

interment facilities, including local procurement of these services to care for deceased 

HN, multinational partner, and adversary personnel. Only US personnel will process US 

human remains; however, use of locally procured facilities and equipment is authorized. 

 c. ( ) Identification of MA theater stocks, to include transfer cases, HRPs, and PPE. 

 d. ( ) Identification of contracting requirements for such items as facilities, 

refrigerated storage, ice, and cadaver dogs. For small operations or exercises, this may 

also include contract shipping and use of HN mortuary facilities. 

4. ( ) Communications Systems. Summarize special communications system and 

command procedures required to conduct MA. 

 
Appendix A 

A-4 JP 4-06 

Intentionally Blank 
B-1 

APPENDIX B 

MASS INTERMENT 

1. Introduction 

a. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and accidents such as plane crashes have the 

potential to produce catastrophic numbers of fatalities. The earthquake in Haiti in 2010 

produced over 230,000 fatalities, the crash of a Polish Air Force Tu-154 in 2010 

produced 96 fatalities, and the United Kingdom pandemic in 2008 produced over 3,000 

fatalities, all of which resulted in a mass interment of victims. 

b. Attacks using WMD have the potential to create extraordinary numbers of 

fatalities similar to those seen in large accidents and natural disasters. The problem of 

MC/FIs is significantly compounded if human remains are contaminated. If 

decontamination of human remains is necessary, MACRMS operations may not be able 

to keep up with requirements. Decontamination of survivors is the first priority. During 

wartime, decontamination of essential equipment, facilities, and areas will usually come 

before the decontamination of human remains. 

c. These catastrophes are normally characterized by confusion and chaos due to 

multiple deaths, dismemberment, commingling of human remains, post-incident fire, and 

extreme emotional distress for the survivors. Since disasters cannot be predicted, it is 

imperative to establish a strategy designed to minimize confusion and establish an orderly 

and timely process for returning human remains to the PADD. An MC/FI is one of the 

most trying and emotional human experiences, and human remains must be handled with 

the utmost care, professionalism, and dignity. 

2. Guidance 

a. There are many factors that can influence the final disposition of human remains. 

The expedient and respectful repatriation of deceased personnel to their PADD is the top 

priority of the joint MA program. However, during extreme situations when tactical, 

logistic, safety, sanitation, or moral considerations leave no alternatives, temporary 

interments may be authorized. 

b. Any event involving MC/FIs will have major environmental, legal, political, 

and/or religious consequences. The decision on the manner in which the human remains 

will be handled will most likely be made at the very highest levels of government. 

c. Regardless of the circumstances, every effort must be made to positively identify 

the decedents prior to interment. Meticulous data collection and records management 

must be undertaken to ensure the ability to locate specific human remains at a future date 

for repatriation. 

3. Mass Casualty/Fatality Incidents During War 

a. During combat operations, MC/FIs may be a result of intense combat, disease, 

environmental conditions, or attacks using CBRN weapons. The decision to temporarily 
Appendix B 

B-2 JP 4-06 

inter may be required for the safety of the forces, or lack of transportation. More 

significantly, the decision to temporarily inter may be necessary when the fatalities are a 

result of a CBRN attack or incident. Temporary interment may be the best option when 

the ability to mitigate the hazard for transportation cannot be achieved and long-term 

refrigerated storage is not an option. 

b. Temporary interment can consist of individual graves, burial by rows, or even as 

a last resort, mass burials. The Geneva Conventions require parties to a conflict to search 

for the dead and to prevent their bodies and human remains from being despoiled. For 

every deceased person who falls into the hands of an adverse party, the adverse party 

must record, prepare, and forward all ID information, death certificates, and PE to the 

appropriate parties. Parties to a conflict must also ensure that deceased persons are 

buried with dignity and with respect to the cultural and spiritual mores of their country. 

Bodies should not be cremated except for hygiene reasons or for the religious customs of 

the deceased. Cremation is not authorized for cases under the jurisdiction of the AFMES 

without prior approval. Interment will be carried out in an honorable fashion, according 

to the religious rites of the deceased. Reference: Appendix E, “Religious Support to 

Mortuary Affairs.” Temporarily interred human remains should be grouped by 

nationality, and their graves marked and maintained so they can be easily found. 

4. Mass Casualty/Fatality Incidents in the United States 

a. A terrorist event in an urban location could produce a significant number of 

fatalities, especially if combined with CBRN effects. Local communities, individual 

states, and even the USG could be easily overwhelmed by large numbers of casualties. 

Local ME/Cs, morgues, and funeral homes most likely will not be able to absorb the 

surge. Some morticians and funeral directors may be reluctant to receive contaminated 

human remains. Additionally, morticians and funeral directors may be reluctant to 

receive human remains that were decontaminated unless certified as safe (clean) by some 

regulatory agency. Issues involved with fatality management interment operations 

include the following: 

(1) Infection Control

(a) Enforce the same personal protection precautions required when 

handling human remains. 

(b) Survivability of all pathogens in human remains is not fully understood. 

For additional guidance, contact Public Health Command; contact information is 

provided in Appendix G, “Key Points of Contact.” 

(2) Victim Identification and Tracking

(a) Even in an MC/FI, legal, moral, ethical, psychological, and religious 

reasons exist to identify the deceased prior to interment. 
 Mass Interment 

B-3 

(b) Release of human remains for interment, cremation, or committal at sea 

will be delayed unless positive ID occurs or, at a minimum, enough evidence is collected 

(e.g., dental radiographs, fingerprints, photographs, or potential DNA samples) for 

determination later. 

Note: Positive IDs are never made based on visual recognition. 

(3) Establishment of Temporary Morgues

(a) In the event of MC/FIs, the ability of hospitals and ME/C medical 

treatment facilities to hold all human remains is doubtful. The establishment of 

temporary morgues may be required in order to account for, identify, prepare, and store 

human remains prior to interment operations. 

(b) Contingency plans must be in place to augment the existing ME/C and 

funeral home system through the use of temporary morgues to assist in human remains 

storage and interment operations. 

(c) Temporary morgues require temperature and biohazard control, 

adequate water, lighting, rest facilities for staff, and viewing areas and the capability to 

communicate with patient tracking sites, interment sites, and the emergency operations 

center. If a viewing area is to be utilized, a physical barrier (such as a window) needs to 

be present to prevent the observer from handling or coming in contact with the human 

remains. A better option is to establish a remote viewing location linked via live video 

feed to the decedent. 

(d) Security must be established for the site. 

(4) Final Disposition or Release of Human Remains. Many moral, cultural, 

and religious issues are involved with the disposition of the deceased. Although the 

President and governors have extraordinary powers under a declared disaster, at some 

point a decision must be made concerning the release of human remains to families for 

interment, cremation, committal at sea, or to the state for state-sponsored disposition. 

(5) Legal issues may include:

(a) Security at temporary morgues and contamination mitigation facilities. 

(b) Evidence collection, storage, and turnover to appropriate authorities. 

(c) Release to the PADD. 

(d) PE. 

(6) Cleanup of the temporary morgues and contamination mitigation facilities 

needs to be thorough. 
Appendix B 

B-4 JP 4-06 

b. The military’s role in support of the JTF-Civil Support in domestic emergencies is 

well defined and, under the Posse Comitatus law, is limited in scope and duration. 

Military resources may temporarily support and augment, but cannot replace local, tribal, 

state, and federal civilian agencies that have the primary authority and responsibility for 

domestic disaster assistance. The domestic employment of military forces has myriad 

legal considerations. 

See JP 3-28, Defense Support of Civil Authorities, for more information. 

c. The military may be asked for personnel support, to help with areas such as 

assisting with CBRN mitigation, S&R, security, MA, and providing rations and water. 

The military may also be asked to provide equipment support in the form of vehicles, 

helicopters, refrigeration units, communications, HRPs, floodlights, and generators. 

5. Mass Casualty/Fatality Incidents Outside the United States 

For foreign operations, DOS and the US ambassador coordinate US activities 

through the country team, with US representation as required for the situation. The 

military chain of command from the President to the JFC remains in effect, even though a 

non-DOD agency (e.g., DOS) may have overall lead responsibility. The AFMES has a 

memorandum of agreement with the DOS for forensic examination and ID of American 

citizens who die outside the US. 

6. Mass Interment 

The GCC may authorize temporary interments only when operational constraints 

prevent the evacuation of US/multinational partner human remains out of the AOR or it is 

deemed prudent for the protection of health and welfare of US/multinational forces. 

Adversary human remains are accorded the same measures. Each Service component 

commander must provide or arrange support for its, or attached multinational, deceased 

personnel subject to GCC’s directives and/or mutual support agreements with another 

Service, provide its own MA support. This includes the proper interment of adversary 

human remains. When requirements exceed a Service’s organic capabilities, the Army 

component will provide backup GS, when requested. 

a. The primary objectives of these operations are to maintain morale and field 

sanitation and to comply with the rules of law of war, international law, and international 

agreements. However, human remains are to be evacuated as long as the operational 

situation permits. The exception to this is the evacuation of adversary human remains, 

which will be interred unless they are turned over to the HN or the Red Cross/Red 

Crescent. If they are interred, the site must be noted on accountability records as an 

interment site. 

b. When individual graves cannot be accommodated, mass graves should be 

constructed consisting of straight rows. The burial site may consist of any number of 

rows. Each row holds 10 human remains, head to foot, lengthwise (see Figure B-1). The 

rows are approximately 70 feet long, 3 feet deep, as wide as the earth-moving equipment 

blade (minimum of 2.5 feet) and at least 7 feet apart (minimum of 2 feet wider than the 
 Mass Interment 

B-5 

 

Figure B-1. Diagram of Interment Site 

Diagram of Interment Site

70 ft

7 ft

Row 1 Row 2

7 ft

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10
Appendix B 

B-6 JP 4-06 

outside track of the earth-moving equipment). Earth-moving equipment should be used if 

possible, as it can open all types of soil with relative ease. Ideally, rows should be side 

by side, but may not be if terrain conditions prohibit. Use separate rows for US, 

multinational partners, and adversary dead. 

c. Maintain accurate interment/disinterment records utilizing DD Form 1079 

(Interment/Disinterment Register). Interment/disinterment records along with the 

associated DD Form 1079 will be hand delivered to the TMAO or JMAO at the 

conclusion of the operation as directed (see Figure B-2). 

d. Contaminated human remains pose a much larger problem. Interment does not 

necessarily kill all pathogens or contaminants; some can remain resistant or dormant 

underground. See Chapter 8, “Contaminated Human Remains and Personal Effects.” 

e. An option regarding final disposition is state-sponsored mass burial. Though it 

has rarely been used in the US, authorities may accept mass burial under extreme 

circumstances. One such circumstance is when interring human remains protects the 

living. Interment may be considered when human remains are biologically contaminated 

rather than chemically contaminated. To prevent contamination from spreading, 

authorities may choose to minimize the handling of human remains and identify a site 

that can support mass burial. 

Figure B-2. DD Form 1079, Interment/Disinterment Register 
 Mass Interment 

B-7 

f. The state may be more inclined to accept state-sponsored mass burial if human 

remains are placed in individual caskets, are located in an area that is protected, and the 

site is commemorated. 

7. Interment Site Selection 

When interment is necessary, the burial site should be on high ground with good 

drainage. Avoid areas that have high water tables or that can flood easily. During the 

survey of the site, ensure that pilot holes are dug to check for underlying rock formations 

and ease in digging. Use of preexisting sites is recommended when available. 

8. Interment Procedures 

When human remains are received, all documentation and information is turned over 

to interment site personnel. If a list of human remains is present, it will be verified as 

human remains before being offloaded. Upon verification, MA personnel sign for the 

human remains. 

a. Assign each human remains an interment processing number by using the next 

available sequential number from DD Form 1079. Use one page of DD Form 1079 for 

each row of 10 human remains. The number consists of a cumulative number and the 

current calendar year (e.g., 00024-02). 

b. Disassociated portions recovered from the same general location should not be 

individually bagged, unless there is a strong presumption that the human remains belong 

to a distinct BTB individual or that the provenience information for where each portion 

was recovered is critical to an investigation. Portions recovered from geographically 

and/or incidentally distinct areas should be bagged separately from one another. Multiple 

S&R numbers may be interred in the same HRP, but it is critical that they are correctly 

labeled with the applicable location of recovery information within the HRP. Assign 

each HRP interred with an interment processing number by using the next available 

sequential number from DD Form 1079. 

c. Prepare two metal interment tags (Figure B-3). Mark the processing number on 

each tag and attach one to the human remains. Attach the other tag to the HRP or burial 

shroud. Finally, initiate a case file for each human remains, labeling the file with the 

interment processing number and the name, rank, and branch of Service for each human 

remains. Include any documentation generated at the MACP as part of the interment case 

file and in MARTS. 

d. Verify that DE and ID media are present and complete blocks 6 through 9 of DD 

Form 1079. Use “unidentified” if tentative ID cannot be established. Verify or complete 

DD Form 1076 (Record of Personal Property/Personal Effects), time permitting. 

Inventory any DE found and leave on the human remains or place in a plastic bag and 

attach the bag to the human remains for interment. Securely seal the bag. Do not remove 

ID tags or ID card from human remains. 
Appendix B 

B-8 JP 4-06 

e. Verify completion of the DD Form 894 (Record of Identification Processing 

Fingerprint Chart), printing all available fingers under the direction of DOD or FBI 

investigative agencies and/or the AFMES. Latent prints may be used if provided by these 

investigative agencies or AFMES. Ensure that the DD Form 894 or latent prints are 

placed in the case file and in MARTS. 

f. Place the human remains in an HRP or wrap with shrouding material. Attach one 

metal interment tag to the outside of the HRP or shroud. 

g. The assignment of the actual row and space number to the human remains should 

not take place until the human remains is at the interment site. Then assign the next 

available interment site row and space number (e.g., row 10, space 6), on DD Form 1079, 

blocks 11 a. and b. Adversary, multinational, and US human remains should be interred 

in separate rows to aid in disinterment operations. 

Figure B-3. Interment Processing Tag

Interment Processing Tag

"BACK SIDE"

"FRONT SIDE"

0024-XX

(BLANK)
 Mass Interment 

B-9 

h. Enter the row and space number on the top right-hand corner of DD Form 894 

and DD Form 1076. Place the human remains in the assigned row and space, in a headto-foot relationship to other human remains. Place all completed forms in the case folder. 

Write the name and SSN of the human remains on the folder label, along with the 

processing number. 

9. Closing the Site 

a. When all burials have been completed in each row, the row may be refilled. A 

bucket loader-type vehicle should be used for refill. Care should be taken not to drive 

over the rows, even after they have been refilled. 

b. Mark the beginning and end of each row with a metal stake. The stake should 

extend into the ground at least 2 feet, and 2 feet should be left above ground. Securely 

affix a metal tag to each stake indicating the row number. Use a GPS device (if 

available) to determine the location of each row, and record it on DD Form 1079, block 

2. All forms and records will be sent by special courier to the JMAO or TMAO. The 

JMAO/TMAO will provide one copy of all records of HN or adversary interments to the 

HN government. The JMAO/TMAO will send the original records for all interments 

conducted by US forces to the JMAC for archive. The JMAC is required as part of Army 

EA responsibilities to collect and maintain complete MA records as required. 

10. Trench Disinterment Procedures 

The following is guidance for the disinterment of human remains temporarily 

interred in an operational area. Whenever possible, a forensic anthropologist should be 

present during disinterment activities to verify chain of custody, minimize postmortem 

damage, and mitigate commingling of human remains. 

a. The GCC is responsible for temporary interment/disinterment operations for US 

human remains and for the return of the human remains to the US or servicing mortuary 

for disposition. This responsibility is carried out by the JMAO/TMAO. In the event that 

the human remains of multinational partner personnel are present at the interment site, it 

should be maintained if operationally feasible until custody of the site can be transferred 

to the appropriate government. The JMAO/TMAO is responsible for monitoring, 

coordinating, and providing special guidance during disinterment operations. 

b. The MA lead Service and other Service component commanders have the 

responsibility to coordinate and supervise disinterment operations within their operational 

area. The MA lead Service normally provides specialized equipment, personnel, and 

other support as necessary to accomplish the mission. Each individual component 

commander’s MA office coordinates with the JMAO/TMAO and obtains records and 

reports of burials that will be necessary during the disinterment. 

c. Whenever personnel are conducting disinterment operations, they should wear 

N95 (HEPA) respirators, gloves, aprons, and other types of protective clothing in 

accordance with component Service health and safety guidance. 
Appendix B 

B-10 JP 4-06 

For further guidance on the handling of potentially infectious human remains, see 

USACHPPM Technical Guide 195, Safety and Health Guidance for Mortuary Affairs 

Operations: Infectious Materials and CBRN Handling.

d. Once in the general area of the temporary interment site, a GPS device, in 

conjunction with maps, may be used to determine the exact location of each row. 

e. A chaplain, if present, may offer a prayer or other appropriate RS. If a chaplain is 

not available, the senior military person may lead those present in 60 seconds of silence, 

with bowed heads, as a memorial. 

f. Rows may be opened from either end. Using a backhoe and digging with care, the 

operator should dig down approximately 3 feet. Multiple rows may be opened 

simultaneously depending on the availability of equipment. Dig the remaining depth 

with hand tools so as to minimize damage and commingling of the human remains. 

g. Remove the dirt from all sides of the human remains carefully. Look for the 

metal tag that was pinned to the outside of the HRP or shroud. Match the number on the 

tag to the DD Form 1079 processing number recorded during interment operations. 

h. Complete the DD Form 1079 and prepare processing tag in the same manner as in 

interment operations. Attach this tag to the HRP or shroud. 

i. If the HRP or shroud is not intact, the soil in the immediate area should be sifted 

for skeletal anatomy and PE. Place human remains and HRP on a litter and remove them 

from the row or interment site. 

j. Human remains are processed at an MACP adjacent to the disinterment site. After 

all rows have been opened and human remains removed, refill all rows and return the 

area as closely as possible to the original condition. Report through command channels 

to the JMAO/TMAO when all human remains have been disinterred from the interment 

site. Include the condition of the restored land being vacated in this site closure report. 

Once a site has been evacuated, the JMAO/TMAO is responsible for turning the land 

back to the appropriate HN government agency. If the human remains of deceased 

adversary or multinational partner personnel are still interred at the site, maintain the site 

if operationally feasible or until custody of the site can be turned over to the appropriate 

government. 
C-1 

APPENDIX C 

FOREIGN HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE 

1. Introduction 

Upon notification of a foreign humanitarian assistance (FHA) mission, the 

responsible GCC should task the CCMD staff to conduct a mission analysis and provide 

planning guidance, to include MA operations. When requested, the JMAC is able to 

provide subject matter experts (SMEs)/LNOs assistance in coordinating at the 

interagency/intergovernmental level and SME support to the CCMDs in planning and 

operations. During the analysis phase, the staff officer should contact the J-4 of the Joint 

Staff to determine if any cooperation agreements exist between the supported foreign 

governments or between multinational partners. During this phase, logistic planners 

should coordinate with subordinate and supporting commands to determine their MA 

force structure and capabilities. Use of contract support for MA should be considered for 

equipment and supporting tasks such as refrigeration, cadaver dog, engineer support, and 

additional transportation assets. Contracting MA processes out to a private company 

restricts the flexibility and control of the CCDR in directing MA. Only US MA 

personnel will process US human remains. In addition, if DOD is responsible for the 

recovery effort, then DOD must ensure proper procedures are followed to the level 

expected by the American public. 

a. FHA missions will vary, each in its own unique way. Upon approval of the 

OPLAN, the GCC may assign a staff officer as the joint MA officer. 

b. Upon deployment of the JTF, a JMAO may be assembled to support the J-4 and 

serve as the principal MA advisor to the command. The JMAO coordinates directly with 

the CJMAB on all issues relating to MA support. In FHA missions, the CJMAB must 

coordinate with the JMAO to develop plans to process local nationals. In most FHA 

missions, the supported country may lack the necessary infrastructure required to support 

the local population. Prior to implementing plans for providing MA support, the CJMAB 

should contact the command SJA for legal guidance concerning the JTF’s obligations for 

providing mortuary support to the local population. The JTF’s legal obligations 

concerning deceased and/or interred human remains found in the JTF’s controlled areas 

derive from the commander’s responsibility for health and public hygiene. 

(1) For example, mass graves may be contaminating the ground water supply, 

or uninterred human remains or human remains washed out of shallow graves may 

constitute a general health hazard. This may require interment of human remains in 

another location. If the local government will not or cannot perform the reinterment, the 

commander, following local religion and culture to the extent possible, should do so. The 

affected commander should request assistance from the JTF-MAO. Upon notification, 

the JTF-MAO coordinates for an interment site in theater and an MA team will deploy to 

assist in the reinterment. Upon completion of the reinterment, a report is forwarded to 

the JTF-MAO by the requesting commander. Sufficient information to identify burial 

sites and the names of persons buried there should be maintained and forwarded to the 
Appendix C 

C-2 JP 4-06 

JTF-MAO. Upon termination of the operation, these records are turned over to the legal 

government representative. 

(2) Deaths of persons under the care of the JTF, such as dislocated civilians 

seeking help at a site under JTF control, create other obligations, such as medical 

certification and recording of death. Where there is an indigenous governmental 

infrastructure in place, death records should be registered with it. Where there is none, 

the JTF should maintain appropriate records for later transmittal to an appropriate 

governmental office. The same rules apply to persons killed by JTF forces. In these 

contexts, “identification” is a relative term. It is adequate to attempt to identify such 

persons through papers in their possession or by witnesses in the immediate area of their 

death. If the NOK come forward requesting custody of the human remains, the body 

should be turned over to the NOK only after all legal requirements and processing of the 

human remains have been completed. Copies of all records pertaining to the deceased 

and a signed receipt showing transfer of custody of the human remains will be forwarded 

to the JTF-MAO. 

(3) In general terms, legal obligations depend on whether the JTF is simply 

dealing with a dead body found in a JTF-controlled area or concerned with a death 

associated with JTF forces action. In either case, the handling of human remains should 

only be done by MA specialists trained and equipped to avoid contamination from 

infectious diseases. 

d. The JTF-MAO should attempt to coordinate with the members of the Red Cross 

or Red Crescent for the return of deceased local nationals to local governmental control. 

Depending on the mission and the political climate of the operation, the JTF may receive 

limited assistance from the Red Cross or Red Crescent. During hostilities, assistance 

from the Red Cross or Red Crescent may be limited. 

e. In addition to planning for processing of local nationals, the JTF-MAO should 

develop appendix 3 (Mortuary Affairs), to annex D (Logistics), to the OPLAN that 

provides the theater concept of MA support. The JTF-MAO recommends tasks for 

subunits to provide MA support, monitors and coordinates execution, and assists units in 

obtaining resources required to perform the MA mission. This appendix should include 

procedures for search, recovery, and evacuation of JTF deceased personnel. The overall 

objective is to completely recover, positively identify, and transport in a dignified and 

respectful manner to the final destination determined by the PADD. Multinational forces 

and other non-US dead will be processed in accordance with existing international 

agreements or guidance from the CCDR. In cases of foreign nationals or NGOs 

requesting MA support, the JTF-MAO coordinates with the DOS representative in the 

affected area. 

2. Assistance to/from Foreign Governments 

a. There is a real possibility that a foreign government may request the assistance of 

the US military to respond to an MC/FI that occurs in a country where US military are 

stationed. This likelihood would increase if American fatalities were part of the disaster. 
 Foreign Humanitarian Assistance 

C-3 

Foreign disaster assistance is covered in DODD 5100.46, Foreign Disaster Relief. This 

directive contains the policy and assigns the responsibilities for employment of DOD 

resources in foreign disaster relief operations. 

b. Foreign governments may provide support for US MA operations overseas. US 

forces may require HN transportation, medical facilities, mortuaries, security, or other 

types of services and equipment. 

3. Recommended Equipment/Supply Package for Humanitarian Assistance 

Operations 

The list of equipment shown in Figure C-1 is provided as a planning tool when 

conducting FHA requiring MA support. The list of equipment will allow for initial 

operations and may require additional items based on the level of support required and 

the location of operation. Life support items are not included in this list of equipment 

and supplies. The JMAC can provide current national stock numbers for the items on the 

list. 
Appendix C 

C-4 JP 4-06 

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT/SUPPLY PACKAGE FOR HUMANITARIAN 

ASSISTANCE OPERATIONS 

Nomenclature U/I Qty Source 

Radio frequency identification tags EA As required 

Tent 20 × 32 ft personnel, extendable mod EA 2 GSA 

Tent GP large EA 2 GSA 

Tent GP medium EA 2 GSA 

Generator, 30 kW EA 1 Unit 

Generator, 3 kW EA 2 Unit 

Trailer wtr M149A2 (water 400 gal) EA 1 Unit 

Truck uty cargo trp carrier 1-1/4T M998 EA 2 Unit 

Truck, cargo, LMTV, 1078 EA 2 Unit 

NTV, 9-passenger van EA 2 Contract 

Light set, general illumination ST 10 Unit 

Refrigeration units (MIRCS, mil reefers, contract) as 

req 

EA 5 Contract 

Communications (internal and external as required) 

Container, tri-wall EA 30 GSA 

Ice making machine, cube EA 2 GSA 

Racking system EA 20 COTS 

Case, transfer, human EA 100 DLA 

Human remains pouches (white) CS 500 COTS 

Human remains pouches (black) CS 500 COTS 

Computer EA 2 GSA 

Printer, copier, fax combination unit EA 2 GSA 

Digital camera EA 6 GSA 

Memory card, camera EA 10 COTS 

Cot folding EA 40 Unit 

Litter folding rigid pole EA 50 Unit 

Litter stands (support) folding EA 100 Unit 

Table folding leg EA 8 GSA 

Screen, latrine 18 ft long, 7 ft high, and 9 ft wide EA 20 GSA 

Extension cord (50 ft) EA 15 COTS 

Hammer, sledge EA 2 Unit 

Pick, mattock EA 6 GSA 

Shovel, hand EA 6 GSA 

Pin flags, survey, metal shaft 1 pkg of 100 ea (R, O, Y) PKG 1 COTS 

Tape, engineer RL 10 GSA 

Hats, hard, construction EA 40 COTS 

Vests, reflective EA 40 COTS 
 Foreign Humanitarian Assistance 

C-5 

Suit, personal protective, S CS 20 GSA 

Suit, personal protective, M CS 50 GSA 

Suit, personal protective, L CS 100 GSA 

Suit, personal protective, XL CS 100 GSA 

Suit, personal protective, XXL CS 50 GSA 

Gloves, surgical, S BX 100 GSA 

Gloves, surgical, M BX 100 GSA 

Gloves, surgical, L BX 100 GSA 

Gloves, surgical, XL BX 50 GSA 

Gloves, chemical protective, S PR 100 GSA 

Gloves, chemical protective, M PR 200 GSA 

Gloves, chemical protective, L PR 100 GSA 

Gloves, work, S PR 50 GSA 

Gloves, work, M PR 100 GSA 

Gloves, work, L PR 100 GSA 

Gloves, work, XL PR 50 GSA 

Masks, surgical disposable (800 ea) BX 10 GSA 

Masks, N95 respirator (20 ea) in various sizes (small, 

medium, and large) obtained from at least two different 

manufacturers 

BX 100 COTS 

Medical face shields, protective (20 ea) BX 100 COTS 

Bags, plastic, zip-closure, quart BX 50 GSA 

Bags, plastic, zip-closure, gallon BX 50 GSA 

Bags, plastic, zip-closure, 2-gallon BX 50 GSA 

Tag, blank shipping BX 20 GSA 

Tags, stainless steel commercial item 1,000 ea BX 1 COTS 

Bags, PERSONAL EFFECTS EA 2,000 GSA 

Admin supplies (stapler, 3-hole punch, pens pkg 24, 

pencils pkg 24, paper, scissors, tape, CDs etc.) 

BX 2 GSA 

Scissors, bandage, surgical EA 6 GSA 

Mortuary affairs forms, asst EA 1,000 Unit 

Towel, industrial wiping CS 10 GSA 

Bleach, liquid, gallon EA 10 COTS 

Cleaning supplies, asst (sponges, mops, buckets, etc.) BX 2 COTS 

Lime, powdered (quick-lime, 50 lb) BG 50 COTS 

Batteries, AA, AAA, C packages EA 5 COTS 

Legend 

BG 

BX 

COTS 

CS 

bag 

box 

commercial off-the-shelf 

case 
Appendix C 

C-6 JP 4-06 

DLA 

EA 

ft 

gal 

GP 

GSA 

kW 

lb 

LMTV 

mil 

MIRCS 

NTV 

PKG 

PR 

Qty 

req 

RL 

ST 

T 

U/I 

Defense Logistics Agency 

each 

feet 

gallon 

general purpose 

General Services Administration 

kilowatt 

pound 

light medium tactical vehicle 

military 

mobile integrated remains collection system 

non-tactical vehicle 

package 

pair 

quantity 

required 

roll 

set 

ton 

unit of issue 

Figure C-1. Recommended Equipment/Supply Package for 

Humanitarian Assistance Operations 
D-1 

APPENDIX D 

TRANSPORTATION OF CONTAMINATED HUMAN REMAINS 

1. Introduction 

a. The purpose of this appendix is to provide basic information and guidance for 

transportation of contaminated human remains. Currently no international or national 

transportation standards exist specifically for transportation of contaminated human 

remains from an overseas location back to the US. Also, there are currently no standing 

agreements in place that address movement of contaminated human remains. Although 

countries establish requirements for the transport of human remains in or through their 

country, limited international guidance exists for the transport of contaminated human 

remains. Contaminated human remains require coordination and approval between 

countries and carriers prior to transport. The type of contamination and detected levels 

impact the transportation requirements and safeguards implemented. Transportation of 

human remains that have been exposed to most contaminants may be able to be 

transported or evacuated utilizing mortuary evacuation channels once they have been 

properly processed and packaged for transport. 

b. Repatriation of human remains to the US or servicing mortuary requires proof 

that the human remains pose minimal contamination or infection risk to others. 

International and national regulations may require that documentation not only cover the 

type and amount of CBRN material the fatality was exposed to but also any methods used 

to mitigate, monitor, or detect any internal or external residual contamination associated 

with the human remains. 

c. Transportation of contaminated human remains must comply with all established 

national and international agreements, laws, and regulations provided by public health 

authorities and carriers. 

d. Within the US there are special agents identified as category “A” agents, by the 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Public health authorities mandate 

quarantine or detention procedures for human remains contaminated with a category “A” 

agent. Biologically contaminated human remains that have been infected with category 

“A” agents, as defined by the CDC, require a permit prior to shipment to or within the 

US. Although this regulation is intended to ensure the safe transport of biological 

specimens, it also applies to human remains infected with category “A” agents. 

Obtaining this permit typically requires identifying the safety precautions employed to 

render the human remains safe for handling and transport. Such safety precautions would 

include identifying the use of triple layers of leak-proof packaging. 

2. General Guidance for Air Transportation of Contaminated Human Remains 

DOD aircraft will not transport contaminated human remains that pose a health risk 

or contamination risk to the air crew or aircraft. An exemption may be authorized to 

transport small numbers of contaminated human remains. If needed, exemptions to this 

policy will be addressed to USTRANSCOM on a case-by-case basis. Any remains that 
Appendix D 

D-2 JP 4-06 

pose a threat to public health will be temporarily interred until safe handling procedures 

and materials can be identified. 

3. General Guidance for Ground Transportation of Contaminated Human 

Remains 

Ground transportation routes within a theater will be determined by Service CBRN 

specialists. The cargo area should be decontaminated after each delivery of remains to 

the MACRMS. Ground transportation vehicles will not have any markings on them other 

than the NATO hazard labels. Any other business markers will be covered or removed. 

The vehicles will be enclosed or have tarp covers so the contents of the vehicle cannot be 

seen from outside the vehicle. Human remains will not be stacked in the vehicle under 

any circumstances. The vehicle should be refrigerated. Air conditioning will not suffice 

unless there are no refrigerated trucks available. If no refrigerated vehicles are available, 

then when in high-temperature areas, transport of human remains should take place at 

night as long as the human remains can be kept refrigerated at 34 to 40 degrees 

Fahrenheit (1.1 to 4.4 degrees Celsius) while awaiting transport. Loading and unloading 

of the vehicle shall be accomplished discretely. Tarps or camouflage netting should be 

used to block the view of the MACRMS from the rest of the installation, entry roads, and 

other positions that would compromise the dignity of the human remains. The top of the 

vehicle or transport area should be shielded from the top as well as the sides to prevent 

observance from the air. Metal or plastic shelving material is preferred for 

decontamination purposes. Decontamination procedures will be followed for all 

transport vehicles and personnel. 

4. Transportation of Chemically Contaminated Human Remains 

a. A chemical incident should not automatically preclude returning human remains. 

The only variable that directly affects the decision to withhold human remains is the 

inability to mitigate the contamination to an acceptable level. The AFMES will be 

notified of a chemical incident resulting in fatalities once the chemical agent has been 

identified. The AFMES will provide additional guidance on handling, transport, and 

interment procedures. The time required to identify, mobilize, and coordinate the 

resources needed to process chemically contaminated human remains may affect the 

ability to rapidly return human remains. 

b. Once the human remains have gone through the MACRMS, they will be placed in 

a transfer case if being transported. The external surface of the transfer case or 

containment system will be decontaminated and marked with the following information: 

CBRN hazard label providing dose, agent, and the decedent information. In addition, all 

appropriate shipping documents will be affixed to the transfer case or containment 

system. Once human remains have been properly containerized, the containers will not 

be reopened except by the AFMES or at their direction. 
Transportation of Contaminated Human Remains 

D-3 

5. Transportation of Biologically Contaminated Human Remains 

a. Biologically contaminated human remains are separated into three distinct 

categories for transportation: Noncontagious pathogens (e.g., anthrax), contagious 

pathogens (e.g., smallpox), and toxin (e.g., ricin). The AFMES will be notified of a 

biological contamination incident involving fatalities once the pathogen is identified. 

The AFMES will provide additional guidance on handling, transportation or interment 

procedures. Many biological pathogens have been safely handled using standard 

precautions. Once the human remains have gone through the MACRMS, they will be 

placed in a transfer case if being transported. The exterior of the transfer case will have 

the appropriate CBRN label along with all pertinent data and shipping documents. Once 

the human remains are prepared for shipment, the container will not be opened in transit. 

Many biologically contaminated human remains can be safely transported to the US once 

they have been appropriately packaged. Contact and droplet hazards are the primary 

transportation concern related to biologically contaminated human remains. The 

transportation of biologically contaminated human remains across national or 

international borders is a major concern due to the contagion and latency factor in many 

biological agents. 

b. Human remains that meet mitigation standards will be transported through MA 

evacuation channels. The exterior of the containment system will be decontaminated and 

marked with the following: a CBRN hazard label providing dose, agent, and the decedent 

information. In addition, all appropriate shipping documents will be affixed to the 

transfer case or containment system. Once human remains have been properly 

containerized, the container will not be reopened except by the AFMES or at their 

direction. Guidelines to assist the safe handling, mitigation, and management of human 

remains can be found in USACHPPPM Technical Guide 195: Safety and Health 

Guidance for Mortuary Affairs Operations: Infectious Materials and CBRN Handling. 

6. Transportation of Radiological Contaminated Human Remains 

a. A radiological incident should not automatically preclude repatriation of human 

remains. The only variable that directly affects the decision to hold human remains is the 

inability to mitigate the contamination to an acceptable transportation level. The AFMES 

will be notified of a radiological incident resulting in fatalities once the type and dose of 

radiation is known. The AFMES will provide additional guidance on handling, transport, 

and interment procedures. MA personnel or the ME/C will have a CBRN specialist 

verify that the human remains are not emitting contamination above the acceptable level 

of contamination for transport. No loose surface contamination or shrapnel will be 

present when the human remains are prepared for evacuation. 

b. For those human remains that are to be repatriated, a CBRN hazard label will be 

affixed to the exterior of the containment system. The label will display dose rate and 

date and time of the measurement, even though the amount of radioactive material is not 

known. If human remains have internal contamination due to shrapnel, then whenever 

possible, the shrapnel will be removed prior to shipment. 
Appendix D 

D-4 JP 4-06 

Intentionally Blank 
E-1 

APPENDIX E 

RELIGIOUS SUPPORT TO MORTUARY AFFAIRS 

1. Introduction 

This appendix provides some basic information and references regarding religious 

and cultural considerations associated with MA. RS considerations and RS support are 

critical components of a successful response. US culture places great importance on the 

ability to provide honor and respect to the deceased. The rituals associated with handling 

a death help to provide acceptance of the disaster and to the loss of loved ones. Public 

knowledge regarding the availability of RS during an MC/FI is critical to resiliency. The 

appendix provides guidance on interment requirements for several of the primary 

religions. It also addresses considerations when DOD provides DSCA during civilian 

MC/FIs as part of the NRF ESF #8. 

2. General Guidance 

a. Beliefs and practices concerning the death of individuals and how their human 

remains are to be treated differ between religious faiths and may even differ between 

regions and subcultures within a country (operational area). Details for preparing human 

remains, mourning, and burial or cremation practices, to include mourning periods and 

perceptions by belligerents and the local populace on how the deceased are handled by 

joint forces, may impact joint and multinational operations. History shows us that the 

treatment of and respect shown to all human remains are newsworthy events that invoke 

emotion and are open to misrepresentation and propaganda. 

b. While MA personnel may be familiar with certain aspects of these issues, they 

should consult with local authorities and RST personnel on specific religious practices 

associated with the different populations within the operational area. This is also true for 

the operational units first coming in contact with the human remains and responsible for 

their evacuation to an MACP. 

c. Chaplains are also capable of assisting commanders in counseling Service 

members who may be emotionally affected by the loss of comrades or constantly dealing 

with the deceased. 

For additional information on RS considerations to MA, see JP 1-05, Religious Affairs in 

Joint Operations.

3. General Guidance for Religious Support for Domestic Operations 

a. Non-DOD federal fatality management assets under the National Disaster 

Medical System, to include spiritual care capabilities, may be deployed once a mission 

assignment has been approved. Upon SecDef approval of DOD assistance, DOD 

chaplains primarily provide support to DOD personnel. In certain rare and emergency 

circumstances and in accordance with legal guidelines, DOD chaplains may provide care 

to civilians (see JP 1-05, Religious Affairs in Joint Operations). 
Appendix E 

E-2 JP 4-06 

b. Chaplains should prioritize RS to personnel conducting mission assignments that 

place them at great risk from stress (i.e., S&R, family assistance centers, MACPs, or 

those working at final disposition locations). 

c. RS care considerations for interment and disinterment operations. The general 

role of the chaplain is to offer prayers to consecrate the site, prayers for the dead, as well 

as prayers for the families. 

(1) Catastrophic Temporary Interment. A chaplain, or if needed, an interfaith 

group of clergy, will offer prayers to consecrate that site as a sacred space prior to the 

interment of human remains. A chaplain will also offer prayers for the repose of the 

souls of those placed there. When the temporary site is vacated, a chaplain or group of 

clergy will offer prayers as the human remains are moved to their final resting place and 

the space is returned to secular use. 

(2) Mass Reinterment. Clergy representing the faith groups of those interred, or 

if this is unknown, all major faith groups, should be invited to offer prayers prior to and 

after interment of the human remains at their final resting place. 

(3) Mass Burial. The decision for mass burial disposition should consider that 

there may be people of many faith groups buried together due to circumstances beyond 

control for any other COA. Clergy leaders from major faith groups should be present at a 

memorial service to jointly offer prayers for their deceased personnel. It is necessary to 

build consensus among public health and medical community, faith leaders, and other 

community leaders in order to maintain the maximum level of dignity and respect 

possible in this situation. 

d. RS considerations for MA following CBRN disasters. 

(1) Chemical/Radiological. Human remains must be decontaminated or the 

contamination mitigated to a safe handling level prior to release to families. In accordance 

with incident commander instructions, only those personnel trained, equipped, and 

required in the hot (contaminated) zone will be permitted to enter. Chaplains will not be in 

the hot zone, but will be present in the cold zone to offer comfort and support. 

(2) Biological. Clergy and RS personnel should be aware of the risks of 

contracting the contagion when performing religious rites, sacraments, and practices such 

as traditional washing of the dead. Also, personnel attending any large gathering, including 

a funeral, should be aware of the hazards and precautions necessary to prevent the spread of 

disease. Consequently, interment or cremation of contaminated human remains should 

occur close to the place of death and as soon as possible. As an added precaution, the size 

of the gathering should be restricted and in accordance with public health guidance. 

(3) Nuclear. In the event of a nuclear detonation, those close to the impact area 

may have no recoverable human remains. Thus, mass memorials may be the only means 

available to honor the dead.

For additional guidance, refer to JP 1-05, Religious Affairs in Joint Operations.
F-1 

APPENDIX F 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS ASSETS AND CAPABILITIES 

Mortuary affairs assets are resident in each of the Services to varying degrees. Each 

Service is responsible for providing MA support for its own personnel. The Army has 

the preponderance of MA assets in order to accomplish its EA mission as well as provide 

GS to all DOD forces. 

1. United States Army 

The US Army capability is task oriented and designed to provide MA support to all 

Army units as well as GS to all Services. The capability is resident in both the Active 

Component and Reserve Component. The Army MA companies are intended to provide 

theater-level support in a multi-Service theater of operation. The Army MA companies 

can provide any of the following MA support functions: 

a. Establish and operate MACPs with refrigeration capability. 

b. Establish and operate a TMEP. 

c. Establish and operate a MACRMS with equipment sets provided to the units. 

MACRMS operation requires substantial augmentation of both personnel and equipment. 

d. Conduct limited S&R missions, if required. 

e. Conduct temporary interment and disinterment operations when directed by the 

GCC. The interment sites will receive, process, and inter deceased US military, US 

civilians and others, multinational, local national, and adversary personnel, with 

associated PE. When interment operations are directed, the company has the ability to set 

up two temporary interment sites. Engineer equipment must augment the platoons to 

facilitate interment operations. 

f. Produce and maintain essential MA records and reports. 

g. Establish and operate an in-theater mortuary with civilian augmentation. When 

augmented with DOD civilian embalmers, the capability exists to set up and operate one 

in-theater mortuary. When fully operational, the in-theater mortuary can receive, 

identify, embalm, and evacuate human remains. However, if the mortuary option is used, 

the processing and evacuation mission of the TMEP is reduced or eliminated. 

h. Establish and operate a theater PE depot to store, safeguard, and coordinate 

shipment of the PE of human remains processed in theater. A theater PE depot may be 

required in theater at the beginning of an operation where casualties are anticipated. The 

theater PE depot will support the JPED by being the single transportation hub for PE to 

the JPED from the AOR. A theater PE depot may remain in operation throughout an 

entire conflict to support theater operations. In addition, the company could establish a 

US PE depot in support of civil authorities as directed by the President or SecDef. 
Appendix F 

F-2 JP 4-06 

i. Respond to peacetime MC/FIs as requested and authorized. 

Note: The company as a whole can perform several MA functions as each platoon could 

be tasked to provide a different capability. Performing either the TMEP or MACRMS 

mission greatly reduces the ability to provide other MA functions. Platoons can perform 

any of the tasks but cannot perform them concurrently. 

For additional information, refer to FM 4-20.64, Mortuary Affairs Operations. 

2. United States Marine Corps 

US Marine Corps MA capability is task oriented and designed to support the Marine 

air-ground task force in an operational environment, and is not intended to be used for 

theater-level support in a multi-Service theater of operation. The Marine Corps has one 

PRP Company within the Reserve Component. The company is trained and equipped to 

conduct all facets of mortuary support across the range of military operations. PRP is 

specifically designed to meet an operational gap of tactical S&R. PRP personnel are able 

to conduct S&R operations in hostile, benign, DSCA, and/or limited contaminated 

environments. PRP can provide the following MA support: 

a. Mortuary affairs collection point operations. 

(1) Establish multiple MACPs to support the Marine Corps area of operations. 

(2) The MACPs can receive, process, and coordinate evacuation of all 

personnel and DE authorized MA support. 

(3) Establish and operate MACPs with refrigeration capability. 

(4) Be prepared to establish and operate a TMEP until relieved. 

(5) Conduct S&R missions while simultaneously conducting MACP operations. 

(6) Conduct temporary interment and disinterment operations when directed 

and approved by the GCC. 

(7) Maintain essential records and reports. 

(8) Respond to MC/FIs as required and authorized. 

(9) Each platoon has three MA processing squads. 

b. Search and recovery operations. 

(1) Conduct S&R operations in a hostile, benign, military support to civil 

authorities, or limited contaminated environment. 

(2) Document S&R operations. 
Mortuary Affairs Assets and Capabilities 

F-3 

(3) Preserve forensic evidence and perform limited forensic evidence collection. 

(4) Recover remains, PE, and government equipment and material from the 

incident scene. 

(5) Coordinate for or provide transportation/evacuation of remains and effects 

back to the MACP or TMEP. 

(6) Each platoon has an S&R squad. 

c. The company has two be-prepared-to missions: 

(1) Conduct TMEP/TPED operations. 

(2) Conduct MA DSCA operations. 

For additional information, refer to MCWP, 4-11.8, Services in an Expeditionary 

Environment, and Navy Medical Command Instruction 5360.1, Decedent Affairs Manual. 

3. United States Air Force 

The Air Force does not have a dedicated MA unit. The Air Force MA capability is 

resident in the force support squadron. Air Force force support personnel are trained in 

MA as well as other force support areas. Each Air Force major command commander 

directs and controls the MA program within the command and designates a supervisor for 

MA from the directorate, manpower, personnel, and services. At the tactical level, each 

installation commander appoints, by letter, a mortuary officer. With the exception of 

Dover AFB, the mortuary officer is the installation’s force support commander, director, 

or deputy. At Dover AFB, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations personnel assume the 

responsibilities of the mortuary officer. The installation force support commander also 

designates S&R team members who function under the supervision of the mortuary 

officer as part of the base disaster response force. 

For additional information, refer to Air Force Instruction 34-501, Mortuary Affairs 

Program. 

4. United States Navy 

The Navy does not have dedicated MA units. At sea, fatalities are handled by the 

ship’s medical department. On shore, fatalities are handled by the installation medical 

treatment facility staff. The Navy has the Armed Force’s only military morticians, 

stationed throughout the world to support naval operations. The Navy provides 

peacetime MA support for the Marine Corps. The Navy maintains the capability to 

evacuate deceased personnel from its units and from other Services. The Navy develops 

contingency plans to evacuate human remains by surface from an operational area should 

air evacuation be interrupted.
Appendix F 

F-4 JP 4-06 

5. United States Coast Guard 

The Coast Guard does not have the force structure capability to provide MA support 

to Coast Guard units overseas during joint operations and would rely upon the GCC for 

support. The Coast Guard maintains the capability to accomplish committals at sea. 

During peacetime, the Coast Guard provides or arranges MA support for Coast Guard 

deceased personnel worldwide through other services or civilian providers. 

6. United States National Guard 

The governor of each state commands the NG when performing training or duty in 

either state active duty or under Title 32, USC. In Title 10, USC, status, the NG is a 

federal military asset under the C2 of the President and may be assigned to the 

Commander, USNORTHCOM; Commander, USPACOM; or Commander, United States 

Southern Command, to mitigate the effects of a CBRNE attack. The NG CERFPs may 

be deployed in state active duty, Title 32, USC, or Title 10, USC, status. The NG 

leveraging existing Army National Guard and ANG units, along with designated states, 

have organized, trained, and equipped NG CERFP units to provide specialized CBRNE 

capabilities that may be requested by local, tribal, state, or federal authorities. The NG 

CERFP can be pre-positioned or respond using organic transportation. It is designed with 

a modular structure, and all elements are comprised of traditional NG (M-Day [term used 

to designate the unnamed day on which full mobilization commences or is due to 

commence]) Soldiers and Airmen (supported by a small staff of full-time Guardsmen in 

Title 32, USC, status) who are trained and equipped to integrate into the NIMS under the 

ICS construct. CERFP capabilities include FSRTs, at least one of which is located in 

each of the 10 FEMA regions; the ability to plan and conduct casualty search and 

extraction; medical triage and treatment; and ambulatory and nonambulatory 

decontamination, using Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National 

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and National Fire Protection Association 

PPE and training. 

a. When directed, the NG CERFP can be pre-positioned or respond to an incident to 

support the incident commander using organic transportation. The CERFP is designed 

with a modular structure; each contains a C2 element and five operational elements. The 

five operational elements include search and extraction, decontamination, battalion C2, 

medical, and fatality S&R. 

 b. The NG CERFP will be assembled and ready to deploy within 6 hours of 

notification following a validated request for support, and set up for three-lane 

decontamination operations no more than 90 minutes after arrival at the incident site. 

The capabilities of the NG CERFP are specifically tailored to augment, support, or 

relieve existing local, tribal, state, and federal capabilities, and to fill the void when none 

of these resources is available. The CERFP will, at or near a CBRNE incident site, 

provide support to the incident commander for casualty search and extraction; emergency 

medical triage, treatment, and patient stabilization; ambulatory and non-ambulatory 

casualty decontamination; and the S&R of incident fatalities. 
Mortuary Affairs Assets and Capabilities 

F-5 

c. The FSRT is an ANG asset within the NG CERFP. It provides the specific MA 

capability of recovery and transport to designated on-site locations. The FSRT is also 

capable of deploying independent of the NG CERFP as in the case of a non-CBRNE 

event (i.e., natural disaster). The FSRT is trained in NIMS courses, which allows for a 

seamless transition supporting civil authorities under the ICS. 

 
Appendix F 

F-6 JP 4-06 

Intentionally Blank 
G-1 

APPENDIX G 

KEY POINTS OF CONTACT 

1. Department of Defense 

 Deputy Under Secretary of Defense 

 (Military Community and Family Policy) 

 The Pentagon, 1B700 

 Washington, DC 20318 

 Phone: (703) 614-4074 / (DSN 224) 

2. Joint Staff 

 Joint Staff J-4/Medical Readiness Division (MRD) 

 The Pentagon, 2C828 

 Washington, DC 20318-4000 

 Phone: (703) 697-1535 / (DSN 227) 

3. Services 

a. Army

(1) Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center 

 US Army Human Resources Command AHRC-PDC 

 1600 Spearhead Division Ave 

 Fort Knox, KY 40121 

 Phone: (502) 613-9025 / (800) 626-3317 

(2) Joint Mortuary Affairs Center

 1840 Quartermaster Rd 

 Fort Lee, VA 23801-1606 

 Phone: (804) 734-3831 / (DSN 687) 

 Web site: www.quartermaster.army.mil/mac 

b. Air Force

(1) HQ USAF/A1S

 Directorate of Services 

 The Pentagon, 1770 Air Force 

 Washington, DC 20330-1770 

 Phone: (703) 604-6423 / (DSN 664) 

 
Appendix G 

G-2 JP 4-06 

Primary: 

 Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center (AFMAO) 

 116 Purple Heart Dr 

 Dover AFB, DE 19902 

 Phone: (800) 531-5803, (302) 677-3982 / (DSN 445) 

c. Navy

 Navy & Marine Corps Mortuary Affairs 

 5720 Integrity Dr, Bldg 457 

 Millington, TN 38055-6210 

 Phone: (866) 786-0081 

 Fax: (901) 874-2611 

 General e-mail: NAVMORT@NAVY.MIL 

 Web site: http://www.npc.navy.mil/CommandSupport/CasualtyAssistance 

d. Marine Corps 

 HQ USMC 

 Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Code MRP 

 3280 Russell Rd 

 Quantico, VA 22134-5102 

 Phone: (703) 784-9512 / (DSN 278) 

e. Coast Guard

 USCG Personnel Service Center (PSD FS-Casualty Matters) 

 4200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100, STOP 7200 

 Arlington, VA 20598-7200 

 Casualty Matters program manager: (202) 493-1931 

 USCG Command Center: (202) 372-2100 

f. National Guard 

 HQ/USAF/NGB/A1S 

 Chief, Services 

 3500 Fetchet Ave 

 Andrews AFB, MD 20762 

 Phone: (301) 836-8166 / (DSN278) 

4. Combatant Commands 

a. US Central Command

 HQ USCENTCOM 

 Logistics Operations Division, (CCJ4-0) 

 7115 South Boundary Rd 

 MacDill AFB, FL 33621-5101 

 Phone: (813) 827-2162 / (DSN 651) 

 
Key Points of Contact 

G-3 

b. US European Command

 HQ USEUCOM 

 ECJ4-LS-EMS 

 Joint Mortuary Affairs Officer 

 Unit 30400 

 APO AE 091318 

 Phone: 011-49-711-680-5651 / (DSN 314-430-5651) 

c. US Africa Command

USAFRICOM HQ 

Attn: OPLOG 

Unit 29951 

APO, AE 09751-9951 

 Phone: +49 (0) 711-729-4628 

 DSN: (314) 421-4628 

d. US Joint Forces Command

 HQ USJFCOM 

 Attn: JMAO 

 1562 Mitschner Ave, Suite 200 

 Norfolk, VA 23551-2488 

 Phone: (757) 836-5930 / (DSN 836) 

e. US Pacific Command

 HQ USPACOM 

 Attn: J47 

 P.O. Box 64020 

 Camp Smith, HI 96861-4020 

 Phone: (808) 477-6257 / (DSN 315)

f. US Special Operations Command

 HQ USSOCOM 

 SOAL-J4-O 

 7701 Tampa Point Blvd 

 MacDill AFB, FL 33621 

 Phone: (813) 828-3823 / (DSN 299) 

g. US Southern Command

 HQ USSOUTHCOM 

 SCJ4-LRC 

 3511 NW 91st Ave 

 Miami, FL 33172 

 Phone: (305) 437-1419 / (DSN 567) 

 
Appendix G 

G-4 JP 4-06 

h. USTRANSCOM

 Strategy, Policy, Programs and Logistics (TCJ5/4), 

 US Transportation Command, Scott AFB, IL 

 Phone: (618) 229-3999 

5. Other 

a. Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Board. The CJMAB functions as a 

coordinating group of O-6 level representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, the 

Joint Staff J-4, and the AFME, to promote uniform Service policies, procedures, plans, 

and records for the disposition of human remains and PE. The Army maintains the 

CJMAB and designates its chairman. See Chapter I, “Mortuary Affairs Program,” 

paragraph 5e, “Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Board,” for more detail. 

 Director, Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center 

 CDR, Army Human Resources Command 

 ATTN: AHRC-PEC 

 1600 Spearhead Division Ave 

 Fort Knox, KY 40121 

 Phone: (703) 325-0489 / (DSN 221) 

 Web site: https://www.perscomonline.army.mil/tagd/cmaoc/cmaoc.htm 

b. Armed Forces Medical Examiner System. The AFMES is a tri-service 

organization under the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command 

(USAMRMC). The AFMES identifies organization, policies, and procedures concerning 

medicolegal (forensic) investigations for determining positive ID and the cause and 

manner of death under specific circumstances. The Armed Forces DNA Identification 

Laboratory is a functional component of the AFMES. See Chapter I, “Mortuary Affairs 

Program,” paragraph 5h, “Armed Forces Medical Examiner System,” for more detail. 

 Armed Forces Medical Examiner’s Office 

 1413 Research Blvd 

 Rockville, MD 20850 

 Phone: (301) 319-0000 / (DSN 285-0000) 

c. Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. The JPAC’s mission is to achieve the 

fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of our Nation’s previous 

conflicts. JPAC is responsible for conducting S&R operations worldwide for 

unaccounted for American servicemen from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold 

War, and the Vietnam War. See Chapter I, “Mortuary Affairs Program,” paragraph 5f, 

“Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC),” for more detail. 
Key Points of Contact 

G-5 

 Attn: Public Affairs Office 

 310 Worchester Ave, Bldg 45 

 Hickam AFB, HI 96853-5530 

 Phone: (808) 448-1939 or (808) 448-1935 

 Fax: (808) 448-1998 

 E-mail: webmaster@jpac.pacom.mil 

d. US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense 

 3100 Ricketts Point Rd 

 Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5400 

 Phone: (410) 436-3277 

 Fax: (410) 436-4150 

 E-mail: usamricd-crp@amedd.army.mil 

 For assistance during off-duty hours, please call (410) 436-3276. 

e. USAMRIID 

 Attn: MCMR-UIZ-R 

 1425 Porter St 

 Frederick, MD 21702-5011 

 E-mail: USAMRIIDpao@amedd.army.mil 

6. Subject Matter Experts 

a. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC is recognized as the 

jurisdictional federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people at home and 

abroad, providing credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting health 

through strong partnerships. CDC serves as the national focus for developing and 

applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and 

education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the US. 

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

 1600 Clifton Rd 

 Atlanta, GA 30341-3724 

 Phone: (404) 639-3311 

 Web site: www.cdc.gov 

b. Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute

 8901 Wisconsin Ave 

 Bldg 42 

 Bethesda, MD 20889-5603 

 Phone: (301) 295-0316 Military Medical Operations 

 Phone: (301) 295-2950 Medical Radiobiology Advisory Team 

 Phone: (301) 295-0530 Emergency (24 hours) 
Appendix G 

G-6 JP 4-06 

c. US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. The USAMRMC 

operates six medical research laboratories and institutes in the US. These laboratories 

make up the core S&T capability of the command. They are centers of excellence in 

specific areas of biomedical research, staffed by highly qualified military and civilian 

scientists and support personnel. The command’s in-house S&T capabilities are 

enhanced by a large extramural contract research program, and numerous cooperative 

R&D agreements with leading R&D organizations in the civilian sector. The AFMES 

falls under the higher command of the USAMRMC. The command’s headquarters and 

several of its institutes are listed below. 

(1) HQ, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command

 504 Scott St 

 Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5012 

 Phone: (301) 619-7378 / (DSN 343) 

 Web site: mrmc.detrick.army.mil 

(2) US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense 

 MCMR-UVA 

 31 Ricketts Point Rd 

 Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5400 

 Phone: (410) 436-3276 / (DSN 298) 

 Web site: www.chemdefapgea.army.mil 

(3) US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases

 MCMR-UIZ 

 1425 Porter Rd 

 Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5011 

 Phone: (301) 619-2285 / (DSN 343) 

 Web site: www.usamriid.army.mil 

(4) US Army Medical Research Institute of Environmental Medicine

 MCMR-UEMZ 

 Kansas St, Bldg 42 

 Natick, MA 01760-5007 

 Phone: (508) 233-4811 

 Web site: www-usariem.army.mil 

d. US Army Public Health Command. Organization combines the activities of the 

Veterinary Command and USACHPPM. 

 US Army Public Health Command 

 Army Institute of Public Health 

 5158 Blackhawk Rd 

 Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403 

 Phone: (410) 436-4311/ DSN 312-584-4311 
Key Points of Contact 

G-7 

e. US Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command 

(USARDECOM). The USARDECOM leads the military in chemical and biological 

defense and support to the military forces from daily peace activities to preparing and 

conducting military operations. 

 HQ, US Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command 

 Attn: AMSRD-PA 

 5183 Blackhawk Rd, Bldg E5101 

 Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5424 

 Phone: (410) 436-4345 / (DSN 298) 

 Web site: www.rdecom.army.mil 

 
Appendix G 

G-8 JP 4-06 

Intentionally Blank 
H-1 

APPENDIX H 

REFERENCES 

The development of JP 4-06 is based upon the following primary references: 

1. General 

a. Title 10, USC, as amended. 

b. Title 32, USC, as amended. 

2. Department of Defense 

a. DODD 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy. 

b. DODD 3025.18, Defense Support of Civil Authorities. 

c. DODD 5100.1, Functions of the Department of Defense and its Major 

Components. 

d. DODD 5100.46, Foreign Disaster Relief. 

e. DODD 5154.24, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP). 

f. DODI 1300.18, Department of Defense (DOD) Personnel Casualty Matters, 

Policies, and Procedures. 

g. DODI 2310.08E, Medical Program Support for Detainee Operations.

h. DODI 5505.10, Investigation of Noncombat Deaths of DOD Personnel and DOD 

Civilians. 

i. DODI 6055.05, Occupational and Environmental Health (OEH). 

j. DODI 6055.1, DOD Safety and Occupational Health (SOH) Program. 

3. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

a. CJCSM 3122.03C, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), 

Volume II, Planning Formats. 

b. CJCSM 3150.13C, Joint Reporting Structure - Personnel Manual. 

c. CJCSI 5120.02B, Joint Doctrine Development System. 

d. JP 1-0, Personnel Support to Joint Operations. 

e. JP 1-02, DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 
Appendix H 

H-2 JP 4-06 

f. JP 1-05, Religious Affairs in Joint Operations.

g. JP 3-11, Operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) 

Environments. 

h. JP 3-28, Defense Support of Civil Authorities. 

i. JP 3-29, Foreign Humanitarian Assistance. 

j. JP 3-33, Joint Task Force Headquarters. 

k. JP 3-34, Joint Engineer Operations. 

l. JP 3-40, Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction. 

m. JP 3-41, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence 

Management. 

n. JP 3-57, Civil-Military Operations. 

o. JP 4-0, Joint Logistics. 

4. Service Publications 

a. Army Regulation 638-2, Care and Disposition of Remains and Disposition of 

Personal Effects. 

b. FM 4-20.64, Mortuary Affairs Operations. 

c. FM 4-20.65, Identification of Deceased Personnel. 

d. Joint Mortuary Affairs Center, Mortuary Affairs Staff Guide. 

e. US Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Guidelines for 

Mass Fatality Management During Terrorist Incidents Involving Chemical Agents. 

f. Air Force Instruction 34-501, Mortuary Affairs Program. 

g. Air Force Instruction 34-511, Disposition of Personal Property and Effects. 

h. Navy Medical Command Instruction 5360.1, Decedent Affairs Manual. 

i. Marine Corps Order P3040.4E, Marine Corps Casualty Procedures Manual. 

j. Marine Corps Order 4050.38D, Personal Effects and Baggage Manual.

k. Marine Corps Warfighting Publication 4-11.8, Services in an Expeditionary 

Environment. 
J-1 

APPENDIX J 

ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS 

1. User Comments 

Users in the field are highly encouraged to submit comments on this publication to: 

Joint Staff J-7, Deputy Director, Joint and Coalition Warfighting, Joint and Coalition 

Warfighting Center, ATTN: Joint Doctrine Support Division, 116 Lake View Parkway, 

Suffolk, VA 23435-2697. These comments should address content (accuracy, usefulness, 

consistency, and organization), writing, and appearance. 

2. Authorship 

The lead agent for this publication is the US Army. The Joint Staff doctrine sponsor 

for this publication is the Director for Logistics (J-4). 

3. Supersession 

This publication supersedes JP 4-06, 5 June 2006, Mortuary Affairs in Joint 

Operations. 

4. Change Recommendations 

a. Recommendations for urgent changes to this publication should be submitted: 

TO: JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J7-JEDD// 

 

b. Routine changes should be submitted electronically to the Deputy Director, Joint 

and Coalition Warfighting, Joint and Coalition Warfighting Center, Joint Doctrine 

Support Division and info the lead agent and the Director for Joint Force Development, J7/JEDD. 

c. When a Joint Staff directorate submits a proposal to the CJCS that would change 

source document information reflected in this publication, that directorate will include a 

proposed change to this publication as an enclosure to its proposal. The Services and 

other organizations are requested to notify the Joint Staff J-7 when changes to source 

documents reflected in this publication are initiated. 

5. Distribution of Publications 

Local reproduction is authorized and access to unclassified publications is 

unrestricted. However, access to and reproduction authorization for classified JPs must 

be in accordance with DOD 5200.1-R, Information Security Program. 
Appendix J 

J-2 JP 4-06 

6. Distribution of Electronic Publications 

a. Joint Staff J-7 will not print copies of JPs for distribution. Electronic versions are 

available on JDEIS at https://jdeis.js.mil (NIPRNET) and http://jdeis.js.smil.mil 

(SIPRNET), and on the JEL at http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine (NIPRNET). 

b. Only approved JPs and joint test publications are releasable outside the CCMDs, 

Services, and Joint Staff. Release of any classified JP to foreign governments or foreign 

nationals must be requested through the local embassy (Defense Attaché Office) to DIA, 

Defense Foreign Liaison/IE-3, 200 MacDill Blvd., Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, 

Washington, DC 20340-5100. 

c. JEL CD-ROM. Upon request of a joint doctrine development community 

member, the Joint Staff J-7 will produce and deliver one CD-ROM with current JPs. 

This JEL CD-ROM will be updated not less than semi-annually and when received can 

be locally reproduced for use within the combatant commands and Services. 
GL-1 

GLOSSARY 

PART I—ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 

AFB Air Force base 

AFIP Armed Forces Institute of Pathology 

AFME Armed Forces Medical Examiner 

AFMES Armed Forces Medical Examiner System 

AFTTP(I) Air Force tactics, techniques, and procedures (instruction) 

AIT automated identification technology 

AMC Air Mobility Command 

ANG Air National Guard 

AOR area of responsibility 

APOE aerial port of embarkation 

ARC American Red Cross 

ATOC air terminal operations center 

BTB believed-to-be 

C2 command and control 

CA civil affairs 

CAAF contractor personnel authorized to accompany the force 

CBRN chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

CBRM-CM chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear 

 consequence management 

CBRNE chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield 

 explosives 

CCDR combatant commander 

CCMD combatant command 

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

CERFP chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield 

 explosives enhanced response force package 

CHRP contaminated human remains pouch 

CJCS Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

CJCSM Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manual 

CJMAB Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Board 

cm centimeter 

CMAOC Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center 

COA course of action 

CONOPS concept of operations 

CONUS continental United States 

COTS commercial off-the-shelf 

CP collection point 

CSSB combat sustainment support battalion 

DCO defense coordinating officer 

DD Department of Defense (form) 
Glossary 

GL-2 JP 4-06 

DE decedent effects 

DHHS Department of Health and Human Services 

DHS Department of Homeland Security 

DMORT disaster mortuary operational response team 

DNA deoxyribonucleic acid 

DOD Department of Defense 

DODD Department of Defense directive 

DODI Department of Defense instruction 

DOS Department of State 

DS direct support 

DSCA defense support of civil authorities 

DTD detailed troop decontamination 

EA executive agent 

EFAC emergency family assistance center 

EOD explosive ordnance disposal 

ESF emergency support function 

FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation 

FCO federal coordinating officer 

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency 

FHA foreign humanitarian assistance 

FM field manual (Army) 

FSRT fatality search and recovery team 

GCC geographic combatant commander 

GPS Global Positioning System 

GS general support 

HA humanitarian assistance 

HEPA high efficiency particulate air 

HN host nation 

HNS host-nation support 

HRC Human Resources Command (Army) 

HRF homeland response force 

HRP human remains pouch 

ICS incident command system 

ID identification 

J-1 manpower and personnel directorate of a joint staff 

J-4 logistics directorate of a joint staff 

JFC joint force commander 

JFO joint field office 

JMAC Joint Mortuary Affairs Center (Army) 

JMAO joint mortuary affairs office 
Glossary 

GL-3 

JOPES Joint Operation Planning and Execution System 

JP joint publication 

JPAC Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command 

JPED joint personal effects depot 

JTF joint task force 

JTF-MAO joint task force–mortuary affairs office 

LNO liaison officer 

m meter 

MA mortuary affairs 

MACP mortuary affairs collection point 

MACRMS mortuary affairs contaminated remains mitigation site 

MARTS Mortuary Affairs Reporting and Tracking System 

MC/FI mass casualty/fatality incident 

MCRP Marine Corps reference publication 

MCWP Marine Corps warfighting publication 

ME/C medical examiner and/or coroner 

MILAIR military airlift 

MIRCS mobile integrated remains collection system 

MOPP mission-oriented protective posture 

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

NCOIC noncommissioned officer in charge 

NG National Guard 

NGB National Guard Bureau 

NGO nongovernmental organization 

NIMS National Incident Management System 

NOK next of kin 

NRF National Response Framework 

NTSB National Transportation Safety Board 

NTTP Navy tactics, techniques, and procedures 

OAFME Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner 

OCONUS outside the continental United States 

OIC officer in charge 

OPCON operational control 

OPLAN operation plan 

OPORD operation order 

PADD person authorized to direct disposition of human remains 

PE personal effects 

PEIO personnel effects inventory officer 

PERE person eligible to receive effects 

POC point of contact 

POE port of embarkation 
Glossary 

GL-4 JP 4-06 

PPE personal protective equipment 

PRP personnel retrieval and processing 

QC quality control 

R&D research and development 

RFA request for assistance 

RFID radio frequency identification 

RS religious support 

RST religious support team 

S&R search and recovery 

S&T science and technology 

SCO state coordinating officer 

SecDef Secretary of Defense 

SECHS Secretary of Homeland Security 

SF standard form 

SJA staff judge advocate 

SME subject matter expert 

SOP standard operating procedure 

SSN Social Security number 

STANAG standardization agreement (NATO) 

TACON tactical control 

TMAO theater mortuary affairs office 

TMEP theater mortuary evacuation point 

TPED theater personal effects depot 

TTP tactics, techniques, and procedures 

USACHPPM United States Army Center for Health Promotion and 

 Preventive Medicine 

USAF United States Air Force 

USAMRMC United States Army Medical Research and 

 Materiel Command 

USARDECOM United States Army Research, Development, and 

 Engineering Command 

USC United States Code 

USG United States Government 

USNORTHCOM United States Northern Command 

USPACOM United States Pacific Command 

USTRANSCOM United States Transportation Command 

UXO unexploded ordnance 

WMD weapons of mass destruction 

WMD-CST weapons of mass destruction–civil support team 
GL-5 

PART II—TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 

antemortem data. Medical records, samples, and photographs taken prior to death. These 

include (but are not limited to) fingerprints, dental x-rays, body tissue samples, 

photographs of tattoos, or other identifying marks. These “pre-death” records would be 

compared against records completed after death to help establish a positive 

identification of human remains. (Approved for replacement of “antemortem 

identification media” and its definition in JP 1-02.) 

believed-to-be. In mortuary affairs, the status of any human remains until a positive 

identification has been determined. Used interchangeably with tentative identification. 

Also called BTB. (Approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

Blue Bark. US military personnel, US citizen civilian employees of the Department of 

Defense, and the dependents of both categories who travel in connection with the death 

of an immediate family member. It also applies to designated escorts for dependents of 

deceased military members. Furthermore, the term is used to designate the personal 

property shipment of a deceased member. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 

with JP 4-06 as the source JP.) 

collection point. A point designated for the assembly of personnel casualties, stragglers, 

disabled materiel, salvage, etc., for further movement to collecting stations or rear 

installations. Also called CP. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

commercial items. Articles of supply readily available from established commercial 

distribution sources which the Department of Defense or inventory managers in the 

Services have designated to be obtained directly or indirectly from such sources. 

(Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 4-06 as the source JP.) 

commercial vehicle. A vehicle that has evolved in the commercial market to meet civilian 

requirements and which is selected from existing production lines for military use. 

(Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 4-06 as the source JP.)

contaminated remains. Remains of personnel which have absorbed or upon which have 

been deposited radioactive material, or biological or chemical agents. (JP 1-02. 

SOURCE: JP 4-06) 

decedent effects. Personal effects found on human remains. Also called DE. (Approved 

for inclusion in JP 1-02.) 

emergency interment. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 

escort. A member of the Armed Forces assigned to accompany, assist, or guide an 

individual or group, e.g., an escort officer. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 4-06) 

graves registration program. None. (Approved for removal from JP 1-02.) 
Glossary 

GL-6 JP 4-06 

joint mortuary affairs office. Plans and executes all mortuary affairs programs within a 

theater. Provides guidance to facilitate the conduct of all mortuary programs and to 

maintain data (as required) pertaining to recovery, identification, and disposition of all 

US dead and missing in the assigned theater. Serves as the central clearing point for all 

mortuary affairs and monitors the deceased and missing personal effects program. Also 

called JMAO. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 4-06) 

M-day. See times. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 4-06 as the source JP.) 

mortuary affairs. Provides for the search, recovery, identification, preparation, and 

disposition of human remains of persons for whom the Services are responsible by 

status and executive order. Also called MA. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02.) 

personal effects. All privately owned moveable, personal property of an individual. Also 

called PE. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 4-06) 

personal property. Property of any kind or any interest therein, except real property, 

records of the United States Government, and naval vessels of the following categories: 

surface combatants, support ships, and submarines. (Approved for incorporation into JP 

1-02.) 

person authorized to direct disposition of human remains. A person, usually primary 

next of kin, who is authorized to direct disposition of human remains. Also called 

PADD. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 4-06) 

person eligible to receive effects. The person authorized by law to receive the personal 

effects of a deceased military member. Receipt of personal effects does not constitute 

ownership. Also called PERE. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 4-06) 

personnel effects inventory officer. An officer appointed to establish clear chain of 

custody for all personal effects of an individual from the time they establish control of 

the effects until they release the effect to mortuary affairs personnel. Also called PEIO.

(Approved for inclusion in JP 1-02.)

search. 1. An operation to locate an enemy force known or believed to be at sea. 2. A 

systematic reconnaissance of a defined area, so that all parts of the area have passed 

within visibility. (JP 4-06) 3. To distribute gunfire over an area in depth by successive 

changes in gun elevation. (Approved for incorporation into JP 1-02 with JP 4-06 as the 

source JP for Definition #2.) 

temporary interment. A site for the purpose of: a. the interment of the remains if the 

circumstances permit; or b. the reburial of remains exhumed from an emergency 

interment. (JP 1-02. SOURCE: JP 4-06) 
Maintenance

Approval Development

Initiation

JOINT

DOCTRINE

PUBLICATION

ENHANCED

JOINT

WARFIGHTING

CAPABILITY

STEP #3 - Approval STEP #2 - Development









JSDS delivers adjudicated matrix to JS J-7

JS J-7 prepares publication for signature

JSDS prepares JS staffing package

JSDS staffs the publication via JSAP for

signature













LA selects primary review authority (PRA) to develop the first

draft (FD)

PRA develops FD for staffing with JDDC

FD comment matrix adjudication

JS J-7 produces the final coordination (FC) draft, staffs to

JDDC and JS via Joint Staff Action Processing (JSAP) system

J adjudicates FC comment

matrix

FC joint working group

oint Staff doctrine sponsor (JSDS)

STEP #4 - Maintenance









JP published and continuously

assessed by users

Formal assessment begins

24-27 months following

publication

Revision begins 3.5 years

after publication

Each JP revision is completed

no later than 5 years after

signature

STEP #1 - Initiation













Joint doctrine development

community (JDDC) submission to fill

extant operational void

Joint Staff (JS) J-7 conducts frontend analysis

Joint Doctrine Planning Conference

validation

Program directive (PD) development

and staffing/joint working group

PD includes scope, references,

outline, milestones, and draft

authorship

JS J-7 approves and releases PD to

lead agent (LA) (Service, combatant

command, JS directorate)

JOINT DOCTRINE PUBLICATIONS HIERARCHY

JOINT

DOCTRINE

JP 1

LOGISTICS COMMUNICATIONS PERSONNEL INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS PLANS SYSTEM

JP 1-0 JP 2-0 JP 3-0 JP 4-0 JP 5-0 JP 6-0

LOGISTICS

JP 4-0

All joint publications are organized into a comprehensive hierarchy as shown in the chart above.

is in the series of joint doctrine publications. The diagram below

illustrates an overview of the development process:

Joint

Publication (JP) 4-06 Logistics