DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

UNITED STATES SOUTHERN COMMAND 

9301 NW 33RD STREET 

DORAL, FL 33172-1202 

Supersedes SC Regulation 0638-2 dated, 1 November 2010

SC-Regulation 0638-2 22 April 2020 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS PROGRAM 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 Page 

Purpose.............................................................................................................. 1 

Applicability......................................................................................................... 1 

Summary............................................................................................................ 2 

Conflict .............................................................................................................. 2 

Records Management ............................................................................................... 2 

Point of Contact.................................................................................................... 2 

Appendix List: 

Appendix 1: References ........................................................................................ 1-1 

Appendix 2: Responsibilities .................................................................................. 2-1 

Appendix 3: Procedures for Assistance Pertaining to Human Remains ........................... 3-1 

Appendix 4: Mortuary Affairs Support for Active Duty Military ........................................ 4-1 

Annex List: 

Annex A: Mortuary Affairs Checklist ........................................................................ A-1 

Annex B: USSOUTHCOM Mortuary Affairs Process (Flow Chart) .................................. B-1 

Annex C: Casualty Reporting ................................................................................. C-1 

Annex D: Operational Report (OPREP-3) ................................................................. D-1 

Annex E: Additional Considerations in Handling of Remains ......................................... E-1 

Annex F: Migrant Remains .................................................................................... F-1 

Annex G: Joint Mortuary Affairs Office (JMAO) .......................................................... G-1 

Annex H: Definitions............................................................................................. H-1 

1. Purpose. This regulation establishes policy, procedures and assigns responsibilities for 

Mortuary Affairs support within the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Area of 

Responsibility (AOR) while the Current Death Program is in effect (see Annex E). The 

provisions of this regulation apply to all elements, to include sub-unified commands, subordinate 

Task Forces, service components and Security Cooperation Organizations (SCOs) operating 

within the USSOUTHCOM AOR. 

2. Applicability. Members of the United States Armed Services, Department of Defense 

(DoD) Civilians, and their dependents are entitled to Mortuary Affairs Support IAW DoD 

Directive 1300.22, Army Regulation (AR) 638-2, and this Regulation. Personnel assigned to 

USSOUTHCOM, its components, and subordinate joint activities and their families, as well as 

eligible personnel operating or traveling in the USSOUTHCOM AOR are entitled to Mortuary 

Affairs support with the least possible delay. 

 
 SC Regulation 0638-2 2

3. Summary. The care for the remains of all deceased personnel for which USSOUTHCOM 

is responsible will be in keeping with the highest standards and traditions of the United States 

Armed Services. The coordinated support of all individuals and agencies assigned or 

attached to USSOUTHCOM is necessary to achieve this objective. 

4. Conflict. If the provisions of this regulation conflict with a respective service regulation, the 

provisions of the service regulation will apply. 

5. Records Management. Records generated by the implementation of this regulation 

will be maintained IAW CJCSM 5760.01, Joint Staff Records Schedule. This regulation will 

be reviewed every three (3) years or sooner, as needed. 

6. Point of contact for this regulation is SCJ4, at OMB Mailbox 

southcom.miami.scj4.mbx.omb-jma-office@mail.mil. 

The proponent agency of this regulation is U.S. Southern Command. Users are 

invited to send comments and suggested improvements directly to: 

HQ USSOUTHCOM J4-LOGISTICS, 9301 NW 33RD Street, Doral FL 33172. 

FOR THE COMMANDER 

 Patricia M. Anslow 

 Major General, USA 

 Chief of Staff 

DISTRIBUTION: 

D 
APPENDIX 1 

REFERENCE 

SC Regulation 0638-2 1-1 

1. References. 

a. U.S.C. Title 10, Part II, Chapter 75, Armed Forces, Personnel, Death Benefits. 

b. DoD Directive 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy. 

c. DoD 4515.13-R, Air Transportation Eligibility. 

d. DoDI 1300.18 Personnel Casualty Matters, Policies, and Procedures. 

e. CJCSM 3150.05D, Joint Reporting System Situation Monitoring Manual. 

f. Joint Pub 4-0, Joint Logistics. 

g. AFI 34-501, Mortuary Affairs Program. 

h. AR 638-2, Army Mortuary Affairs Program. 

i. AR 12-15, Joint Security Assistance Training (JSAT). 

j. Naval Medical Command (NAVMEDCOM) 5360.1c, Handling of Deceased 

Personnel in Theater of Operation. 

k. USSOUTHCOM Regulation 31-2, Event and Incident Reporting Procedures. 

l. ATP 4-46, Contingency Fatality Operations. 

APPENDIX 2 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 2-1 

1. CDR, USSOUTHCOM: 

a. Ensure this policy remains within the limits of policies established by DoD, 

service components or higher authority. The Geographic Combatant Commander 

(GCC) has the authority and responsibility to conduct sufficient joint training for 

Mortuary Affairs within the command to ensure effective conduct of joint operations. 

The procedures for Mortuary Affairs should be evaluated in the Chairman of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) and Combatant Commands (CCMD) sponsored exercises. 

 

b. Monitor the effectiveness of established mortuary policies and make revisions 

as necessary. 

 

c. Conduct recurring Inspector General (IG) inspections of SCOs and other 

military activities to ensure compliance with the provisions of this regulation and Army 

South’s Mortuary Affairs guidance. 

d. Determine when to temporarily suspend the Current Death Program in the 

USSOUTHCOM AOR, and activate the appropriate Concurrent Return or Temporary 

Interment Operations. 

e. In wartime, the Commander, United States Southern Command (CDR, 

USSOUTHCOM) will determine if, and when, operational constraints necessitate a 

transition to a program of temporary interment in theater. All interments performed 

within the scope of this policy are temporary, except for burial at sea. 

 

2. Commander, United States Army South (CDR, USARSOUTH) will: 

 

a. As USSOUTHCOM’s designated executive agent and logistics lead, be prepared 

to provide Mortuary Affairs assistance for all forces located in the USSOUTHCOM 

AOR while the Current Death Program is in effect. 

 

b. Designate a (4V) Mortuary Affairs Officer or (92M) Senior NCO from 

USARSOUTH G4 as Lead Agent. 

 

c. Establish and publish Mortuary Affairs procedures, as required, to supplement 

those contained in this regulation. Obtain USSOUTHCOM J4-Directorate approval of 

such doctrine, procedures, and training materials. 

 

d. Publish and update as required, Mortuary Affairs guidance for all components 

and military activities in the USSOUTHCOM AOR. This guidance will: 

 

(1) Outline USSOUTHCOM AOR unique mortuary procedures. 

(2) Include a list of key contacts (email and phone number). 

(3) Provide checklists for common-service key mortuary and decedent effects 

disposition procedures. 
APPENDIX 2 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 2-2 

(4) Identify recommended mortuary supplies, equipment, and forms that should 

be maintained by each military activity. 

(5) Maintain reserve Mortuary Affairs (MA) supplies (transfer cases, human 

remains pouches, and flags) for theater wide contingency in case of a Mass Casualty 

event. 

e. Assist military activities in the USSOUTHCOM AOR establish country specific 

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will outline the actions required to 

process and evacuate Human Remains (HR) to CONUS. Each SOP will include 

consideration of local laws and procedures, and will identify key points of contact and 

numbers. 

 

f. Negotiate local contracts, as necessary, to support the requirements of this 

regulation. 

 

g. When requested, follow-up on mortuary program discrepancies identified by 

USSOUTHCOM-IG inspections to ensure corrective actions are completed. 

 

h. Monitor specific actions taken by military activities in the USSOUTHCOM AOR 

in individual mortuary cases. 

 

i. Assist in developing contingency plans for military activities to respond to 

accidents, natural disasters, etc., involving a substantial number of U.S. fatalities. 

The plans should address command and control, search and recovery, identification, 

Mortuary Affairs officer support, sources for search and recovery supplies, and human 

remains pouches. 

j. Provide guidance to military activities on current mortuary cases or other 

mortuary matters, and be prepared to deploy to provide assistance as needed. 

 

k. Provide mortuary orientation training to appointed Mortuary Affairs officers 

along with Search and Recovery training for Task Forces and military activities. 

Mortuary affairs officers can take the Computer Based Training (CBT) Mortuary Affairs 

course at the following link: https://jko.jten.mil/southcom, select course catalog, change 

prefix to SOU and search for Mortuary Affairs course. In person training is also 

available and can be scheduled by contacting the USARSOUTH G4 Mortuary Affairs 

Officer at (210) 295-5957. 

 

l. Maintain a current list of the mortuary officers at military activities in the 

USSOUTHCOM AOR. Provide the updated list to the USSOUTHCOM JMAO NLT 31 

January and 30 June yearly. 

m. Fund and procure equipment and supplies as necessary for the fulfillment of 

mortuary responsibilities. 
APPENDIX 2 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 2-3 

n. Recommend changes in mortuary policies and procedures to USSOUTHCOM 

J4 Directorate. 

3. Component Commanders will: 

a. Ensure subordinate commanders comply with policies and procedures 

established to conduct Mortuary Affairs operations in the USSOUTHCOM AOR. 

b. Ensure subordinate commanders are prepared to provide for their own mortuary 

support when deployed. 

c. As required, provide military activities with technical training assistance on 

service mortuary procedures. 

 

d. Coordinate mortuary arrangements with USARSOUTH Mortuary Affairs Section 

during all USSOUTHCOM exercises or contingencies. 

e. Commanders of military activities who deploy on exercises or contingencies in 

the USSOUTHCOM AOR will deploy with adequate search and recovery supplies, 

equipment, and human remains pouches. 

 

4. Subordinate Task Forces, Security Cooperative Offices, Commanders, and 

Chiefs of U.S. Military Activities will: 

a. Maintain applicable service mortuary directives, guides, and comply with the 

mortuary policies and procedures established or supplemented by this regulation. 

b. Maintain Mortuary Affairs supplies IAW USARSOUTH directives 

(2 x transfer cases, 2 x flags, 2 x human remains pouches). Please contact 

USARSOUTH for MA supplies shipment and replenishment. In the event of a Mass 

Casualty; USARSOUTH maintains reserve supplies (transfer cases, human 

remains pouches and flags) staged at both JTF-B and JTF-GTMO that can be 

diverted via aircraft to any location needed. 

c. Designate a Mortuary Affairs representative. In this regard, commanders or 

chiefs of permanent military activities will appoint a primary and alternate Mortuary 

Affairs Officer, either a DOD Civilian, Senior NCO or Officer (an alternate MAO is 

required for SCOs with three or more GOV personnel assigned). Activities with more 

than 10 personnel should assign an Officer as the Primary MAO. The mortuary 

representatives will: 

 

(1) Provide the appointment letter with name, unit, and phone number of the 

designated officer to the USARSOUTH G4 MA section within one month of 

appointment. 

(2) Ensure appointed members complete the mandatory Computer Based Training

APPENDIX 2 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 2-4 

(CBT) Mortuary Affairs course at the following link: https://jko.jten.mil/southcom. 

In person training is also available and can be scheduled by contacting the 

USARSOUTH G4 Mortuary Affairs Officer at (210) 295-5957. 

(3) Select a replacement for the incumbent mortuary officer in advance of 

PCS/TDY processing, to accomplish USSOUTHCOM AOR mortuary training. 

 

(4) Discourage Host Nation officials from performing autopsies on the remains 

of active duty military members, unless required by law IOT preserve a deceased 

member’s remains in viewable condition. An autopsy normally can best be performed 

by a U.S. Armed Services medical facility (i.e., Dover Center for Mortuary Affairs), with 

the results being provided to the Host Nation government. 

(5) Inspect, maintain, and replace any equipment and supplies, as necessary, 

for the fulfillment of mortuary responsibilities. Commanders of military activities in 

the USSOUTHCOM AOR who deploy on exercises or contingencies, will ensure 

that their activity deploys with adequate search and recovery supplies, equipment, 

and human remains pouches. 

(6) With the exception of JTF's, host nation resources will be used to transport 

and store human remains. Because service specific funeral home contracts exist within 

the USSOUTHCOM AOR, the MAO will contact the losing services casualty office prior 

to use of Host Nation funeral homes. If necessary, contact the U.S. Embassy or 

Consulate to expedite the release of remains from Host Nation. Commanders of other 

military activities will provide assistance as needed. If further assistance is required, the 

responsible impacted commander will immediately contact USARSOUTH Command 

Center. 

(7) For the purpose of continuity, develop a unit mortuary SOP that provides 

guidance for coordination with U.S. Embassies, U.S. Consulate officials, and Host 

Nation officials in regard to the recovery and release of remains. SOPs should also 

identify support required within the unit to handle a mortuary case. 

APPENDIX 3 

PROCEDURES FOR ASSISTANCE PERTAINING TO HUMAN REMAINS

 SC Regulation 0638-2 3-1 

1. Support Relationships. 

 

a. Under the Current Death Program, U.S. Army South (USARSOUTH) is 

responsible for administering the Mortuary Affairs Program within the USSOUTHCOM 

AOR. 

 

b. To fulfill mortuary responsibilities, the USARSOUTH G4 Mortuary Affairs 

section is authorized direct liaison with USSOUTHCOM component commands and 

military activities. This includes the authority to obtain assistance from all component 

commands and military activities to support the Mortuary Affairs Program within the 

USSOUTHCOM AOR. 

 

c. AR 638-2 should be consulted to determine if a person, other than a member of 

the U.S. Armed Services, has any entitlements that Mortuary Affairs support can or 

should process. Family members will receive entitlements IAW service regulations. 

 

2. Preservation of Remains. 

 

a. It is imperative that human remains be preserved in a viewable condition 

whenever possible. Every effort must be made to safeguard the condition of the HR 

until transportation to a mortuary facility can be arranged. 

b. Autopsies on service members are accomplished at Dover Port Mortuary by 

the Armed Forces Medical Examiner (AFME). The JTF’s, SCO’s or TF’s MAOs should 

attempt to deter autopsies until the AFME has been contacted and provides guidance 

on how to proceed. Under USC Title 10, Section 1471 AFME is authorized to perform 

an autopsy, without consent, on any case within their jurisdiction that they deem a 

medical examiner case. 

(1) If the country where the HR is located agrees to defer or waive rights to an 

autopsy, contact the AFME's office for instructions. If the country allows the HR to 

leave without autopsy, SDDOC will coordinate transportation. 

(2) If host nation insists on performing an autopsy; request that they wait until an 

AFME pathologists arrives to witness the procedure. 

c. Because commercial embalming standards in the USSOUTHCOM AOR are 

not uniform, embalming through Host Nation facilities should be a last resort. 

d. Whenever possible, HR will be refrigerated, placed into a human remains 

pouch, transfer case, iced, and evacuated to Dover Port Mortuary by military 

airlift for processing. 

e. In the case of infectious disease or Host Nation laws demand it, USARSOUTH is 

authorized to contract local mortuary services as required. The HR will then be 

transported to Dover Center for Mortuary Affairs for final processing. 
APPENDIX 3 

PROCEDURES FOR ASSISTANCE PERTAINING TO HUMAN REMAINS 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 3-2 

3. Shipping of Remains.

a. The responsible or impacted military activity will evacuate human remains 

pouches containing unidentified human remains, positively identified human remains, 

and portions in separate human remains pouches and separate transfer cases. There 

should never be a situation where portions are placed in the same transfer case as a 

believed to be or unidentified human remains. Portions from one incident may be 

grouped in the same transfer case; however, portions from two or more separate 

incidents shall not be grouped in the same transfer case. 

 

b. If there are insufficient transfer cases, limited airlift, or any condition that would 

delay evacuation of remains, USARSOUTH may waive the requirements above in 

coordination with the theater’s Joint Mortuary Affairs Officer, Armed Forces Medical 

Examiner (AFME), Casualty Assistance Center (CAC), and Dover Center for Mortuary 

Affairs. 

 

4. Transportation of Remains. 

 

a. Immediately following confirmation that a death has occurred, the military 

activity, in coordination with the USSOUTHCOM Joint Operations Center (JOC), and 

USSOUTHCOM Deployment and Distribution Operations Center (SDDOC), will 

arrange for the transportation of the remains to CONUS (Dover Port Mortuary 

Affairs) via military aircraft. 

 

b. If Air Mobility Command (AMC) airlift is not available within 12 hours of the 

anticipated release of remains for shipment, arrangements will be made by the 

SDDOC, in coordination with the JOC, to divert an aircraft or to initiate a Special 

Assignment Airlift Mission (SAAM). If military airlift is used, the decedent’s parent 

Service provides the Transportation Account Code (TAC). 

 

c. If military airlift is not possible, obtain the approval of the Person Authorized to 

Direct Disposition (PADD) and AFME to have the remains embalmed and transported 

by commercial aircraft. When remains are shipped by commercial airlift, an escort is 

mandatory. Assignment and selection of the escort is determined by the losing Service. 

 

d. To ensure that the flight schedule of the aircraft transporting remains out of the 

USSOUTHCOM AOR is known, the responsible or impacted military activity will contact 

the SDDOC and the receiving mortuary facility by telephone. This will be followed up by 

a message to the JOC, the USARSOUTH Command Center, and the appropriate 

Service personnel center. Current telephone numbers and email addresses are located 

in Annexes A and B. If any phone number or e-mail address is inaccurate, contact 

ARSOUTH MAO for updated information. 
APPENDIX 3 

PROCEDURES FOR ASSISTANCE PERTAINING TO HUMAN REMAINS 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 3-3 

e. The transportation of remains will not be delayed for services of any kind in the 

USSOUTHCOM AOR without prior approval from CDR, USSOUTHCOM, IAW AR 

638-2, paragraph 6-6. 

5. Reporting. 

a. Within 15 minutes of confirmation that a death has occurred, the military 

activity will telephonically notify the USSOUTHCOM JOC that possible support is 

required with additional information to follow. The purpose of this telephone call is to 

alert USSOUTHCOM Command Group, the USSOUTHCOM Mortuary Affairs Officer 

and the SDDOC of the incident, and to establish the military activity point of contact. 

b. Within one (1) hour of the initial message; the responsible or impacted 

military activity will send an electronic Operational Report-3 (OPREP-3) message via 

SIPR or AMHS to the USSOUTHCOM JOC for each incident. This message will 

include all information as required in Annex C of this regulation. 

c. A casualty report shall be forwarded to the losing services casualty office IAW 

applicable service directives and DoDI 1300.18. A copy of this report will also be sent 

to the USSOUTHCOM JMAO, and USARSOUTH MAO. 

6. Requests for Assistance. All requests for assistance concerning either an open 

mortuary case (i.e., the need for aircraft diversions, special airlift missions, search 

and recovery support, remains identification assistance, etc.) or other mortuary 

procedural matters will be addressed to the JOC for action with the SDDOC and 

USARSOUTH Command Center as information addressees. Telephone conversations 

concerning open mortuary cases should be followed-up with confirmation e-mails to the 

same activities. 

 

7. U.S. Citizen Casualties in the USSOUTHCOM AOR. U.S. citizens, in or 

associated with the Department of Defense (DoD), who die while in the USSOUTHCOM 

AOR, will be afforded mortuary benefits as authorized by Service mortuary directives 

and other applicable directives. Mortuary Affairs support and transportation will be 

provided on a reimbursable basis for the recovery, identification, and disposition of 

remains and personal effects of contractor personnel authorized to accompany the force 

(CAAF). DoDI 3020.41 Reference (f) provides conditions when contractor personnel 

may accompany U.S. Military personnel in austere, uncertain, or hostile environments. 

8. Contractor personnel. IAW DoDI 3020.41 Reference (f), Host Nation agreements, 

and applicable contract provisions, the disposition of non-CAAF contractors (local 

nationals and third-country nationals) may be provided on a reimbursable basis for the 

recovery identification and disposition of remains and personal effects at the request of 

the Department of State (DOS). Mortuary Affairs support and transportation may be 

provided on a reimbursable basis for the recovery, identification, and disposition of 

remains and personal effects of U.S. citizens and employees of other government 

agencies who die outside of the United States, upon the specific request of the DOS or 

other government agency and IAW section 1486 of Reference (c), section 5741 of 
APPENDIX 3 

PROCEDURES FOR ASSISTANCE PERTAINING TO HUMAN REMAINS 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 3-4 

Reference (d), and section 1535 of Title 31, U.S.C. Reference (g).

 

9. Host Nation Casualties. Incidents involving foreign nationals and members of 

other Nations’ armed forces require immediate notification to local authorities by the 

responsible or impacted commander in the USSOUTHCOM AOR. Tact and diplomacy 

are essential because U.S. forces are not responsible for processing foreign remains. If 

U.S. and foreign personnel die in the same incident and remains are comingled, the 

AFME will perform DNA testing at the location of incident. Shipping of comingled 

remains back to the U.S. for DNA testing will not be allowed without written approval 

from U.S. and Host Nation officials. Contact the AFME's office for clarification of the 

approval process. 

 

10. Migrant Casualties. Incidents involving the death of international migrants in the 

USSOUTHCOM AOR will be handled IAW procedures outlined in Annex G. 
APPENDIX 4 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS SUPPORT FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 4-1 

1. Key Aspects of Mortuary Affairs Support for Active Military. Refer to AR 

638-2 for specific requirements and guidance for Mortuary Affairs support and 

categories of eligible personnel. 

a. The remains of all members of the U.S. Armed Services will be returned for 

permanent disposition IAW the decedent’s will, as allowed within the laws of the 

deceased person’s state, territory, or country as directed by the PADD. 

 

b. When military or other factors prevent evacuating the remains of U.S. Armed 

Services, civilian personnel, allied or deceased enemy, the remains will not be 

cremated. Such remains are to be temporarily interred according to established 

procedures. Disinterment may commence when evacuation of the remains is 

operationally advisable. 

c. Recording Key Personnel Data. The responsible Mortuary Affairs Officer will 

record key personnel data for each mortuary case in a systematic manner. Information 

should include, but not limited to name, rank, age, sex, branch of service, assigned 

unit, job, and cause of death IAW Service requirements. 

d. Returning the belongings of the deceased (decedent effects). The commander 

of the responsible or impacted military activity will arrange for the deceased’s personal 

belongings not under the Next of Kin’s (NOK) control to be secured immediately 

following the death. Such belongings will then be entrusted to an appointed summary 

court or decedent effects officer for return to the PERE. Personal belongings will be 

thoroughly inventoried, and recorded IAW service directives of the deceased. 

e. Search and Recovery (S&R) of Remains. Coordination with the Armed Force 

Medical Examiner is mandatory. As necessary, military activities will send daily reports 

indicating the progress being made. 

(1) Land-based military activities, that are responsible for U.S. Armed 

Services aircraft operations or have an authorized military strength of 25 or more 

military personnel, will each have a search and recovery team. Such team would be 

composed of a minimum of five military personnel, with a minimum of one NCO 

assigned as team leader. The mortuary officer should serve as the team’s commander. 

(2) This team will form the nucleus of a much larger team that may have to 

be formed from local augmentation in the event of an aircraft accident or major disaster. 

(3) Commanders of all units are responsible for the initial search and recovery of 

remains located within USSOUTHCOM’S AOR. The personnel assigned as search and 

recovery team members are responsible for ensuring that the Search and Recovery 

Kits, are on hand and serviceable. Search and Recovery Kits should be based upon 

Five percent (5%) of the unit’s strength. 

APPENDIX 4 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS SUPPORT FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 4-2 

Search and Recovery Kit 

Item   QTY Notes  

Footlockers 1 Box 

Latex Gloves 1 Box 1 x each (S, M, L) 

Facemasks 20 each 

Bio-Hazard Bags 10 each 

Bio-Protective Suits Optional 

Hand Disinfectant 1 Box 

Human Remains Pouches 5% Unit Strength 

Manila Tags 5% Unit Strength 

Zip-Lock Bags (S,M, L) 5% Unit Strength 

Personal Effects Bags Optional 

Trash Bags (Heavy Duty) 1 Box 

Multi-Colored Pin Flags (3 colors) 50 each 

Nylon Rope 120' 

DA From 1156 (Casualty Feeder 

Report ) 5% Unit Strength 

DD Forms 565 (Statement of 

Recognition ) 5% Unit Strength 

DD Forms 567 (Record of Search and 

Recovery) 5% Unit Strength 

DD Form 1074 (Local Inhabitants) 5% Unit Strength 

Blank Sketch paper (8 1/2" x 11") Optional 

Permanent Markers Optional 

Document Protector (for Overlay) Optional 

#2 Lead Pencils Optional 

Clipboards Optional 

(4) Each team will be responsible for responding to all accidents in their assigned 

country involving the loss of life by a member of the U.S. Armed Services and where a 

search for remains is deemed appropriate by the respective military activity commander. 

(5) This team will provide search and recovery support to a military activity that 

does not have a search and recovery team. Normally, this support will come from the 

nearest military activity with a search and recovery team. This support relationship 

should be documented in a Memorandum of Understanding between activities. 

(6) Each military activity that does not have a search and recovery team will 

be prepared to assist the military activity providing search and recovery support with a 

liaison mortuary officer and local augmentation. 

 

(7) In the event there is a requirement for a search and recovery operation that is 

beyond a military activities capability, and assistance is not available from other military 

activities in the USSOUTHCOM AOR, USARSOUTH Command Center will coordinate 

assistance. 

APPENDIX 4 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS SUPPORT FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 4-3 

(8) Each military unit that deploys to the USSOUTHCOM AOR as part of an 

exercise or contingency operation and qualifies as a military activity, as defined by 

paragraph 5h, will prepared and equipped to conduct its own search and recovery 

operation, IAW ATP 4-46. 

f. Preservation of Remains. Human remains decompose very rapidly in temperate 

climates. If the decomposition is allowed to continue, remains become extremely 

difficult to move. Decomposition may also render a deceased’s remains non-viewable 

that normally would be viewable to the NOK. To preserve remains, commanders will 

use refrigeration (ideally between 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 1.1 to 4.4 degrees 

Celsius), ice chest or ice packs in lieu of refrigeration equipment to temporarily 

hold and preserve the remains. Freezing damages body tissue and should be avoided. 

When remains are transported via military aircraft to a mortuary facility, ice, ice 

chest, or ice packs should be put in the remains transfer case. At no time should ice or 

water be placed directly on remains or dismembered portions. It is recommended to 

place ice in a plastic bag, and triple-bag to prevent melted ice from leaking and 

damaging the remains. Dry ice should not be used. 

g. Individual Identification of Remains. When possible, military activities are 

responsible for tentative identification of deceased personnel, IAW service mortuary 

directives until positive identification has been made by a competent authority. When 

positive individual identification is beyond an activity’s capability, its mortuary officer will 

immediately advise USSOUTHCOM. Based on the advice of the mortuary officer and 

assisting medical personnel, USSOUTHCOM will determine if it is best to provide onthe-spot identification assistance or remove the remains to a U.S. Armed Services 

mortuary for further identification and processing. 

h. Notification of NOK and ADD. When a service member dies, and their 

NOK or PADD lives in the USSOUTHCOM AOR, the SCO’s Mortuary Affairs Officer 

may be asked to be the CNO, and should notify both if possible. Once the casualty 

notification is complete, casualty assistance will be provided by the service’s casualty 

office. When a reportable DoD contractor casualty occurs, the respective Military 

Service or DoD Component will notify the appropriate contracting agency who will be 

responsible for notifying the contractor’s NOK. 

(1) Do not request instructions for disposition of remains until remains are 

recovered and individually identified. 

(2) Disposition instructions should include the following information: 

(a) Name, address, and telephone number of receiving funeral home and 

cemetery, or other method of disposition. 

(b) Whether or not military honors are desired at place of interment. 

(c) Date NOK will depart for CONUS, relationship, address, and telephone 

number where he or she can be contacted. 
APPENDIX 4 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS SUPPORT FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 4-4 

(d) If the PADD is unable to decide on a funeral home, other burial 

arrangements, or military honors, note this in the status report. The PADD should be 

advised to contact the appropriate service headquarters mortuary office upon arrival in 

CONUS, and provide information regarding funeral arrangements with which he or she 

desires assistance. 

i. Coordination with Host Nation Authorities. Action regarding the release of 

remains, autopsies, investigations, movement of remains, and other aspects of the 

Mortuary Affairs operation will be coordinated with civilian or other foreign authorities, as 

required. 

j. Remains Transportation. At the earliest possible time, the mortuary officer 

will arrange with USSOUTHCOM J4 SDDOC for the transportation of remains to 

Dover Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover AFB, DE or to the place designated by the 

PADD. For Contractor Personnel Authorized to Accompany the Force (CAAF) 

human remains extraction, mortuary support and transportation are provided on a 

reimbursable basis. Shipment of the remains will not be delayed pending disposition 

instructions from the PADD. If identification can be determined locally, the following 

documents, if available, will be provided to Dover Center for Mortuary Affairs: 

(1) Positive identification will be established using dental records, fingerprints, 

or DNA. 

(2) Foreign death certificate, if applicable. 

(3) U.S. Military Certificate of Death Overseas, DD Form 2064, signed by a 

competent DoD medical official or CONUS medical examiner when a medical 

examiner is not available in the OCONUS command. 

(4) Dental and medical records of the deceased, if available (Records should 

not be placed in the human remains pouches or transfer case.) 

(5) Authorization of autopsy signed by a medical officer (Standard Form 

523). 

(6) American Consulate Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad, issued 

by the American Consulate in country of death. 

(7) For remains embalmed by Host Nation, an Embalming Certificate and Burial 

Transit permit is required, and are issued by the Host Nation Authorities. Note – Host 

Nation embalming is not desired – remains should be embalmed in CONUS. 

k. Remains Escort. Remains flown on military aircraft do not require an escort, the 

aircraft commander acts as the escort. Remains flown on civilian aircraft must have 

an escort accompany remains from point of origin to stopover point to final destination. 

An additional escort may be appointed to accompany remains from the CONUS 

preparing port mortuary to the final destination. The escort will be selected IAW the 
APPENDIX 4 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS SUPPORT FOR ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 4-5 

policy of the deceased member’s service. Escort duties are assumed after processing 

and preparation of the remains are completed, and they are released. 

 

l. Decedent Personal Effects Disposition. Military activities will conduct summary 

Court and decedent effects disposition actions in safeguarding and transporting 

personal property to the person eligible to receive effects (PERE). These actions 

must be conducted as expeditiously as possible, and should be completed not later 

than 30 days after the date of death. 

m. Payments. IAW service mortuary directives, the local Mortuary Affairs officer 

will process claims for authorized mortuary expenses incurred overseas. 

Claims may include human remains transportation, commercial telegrams, mailgrams, 

phone calls, faxes, escort travel and per diem, and clothing purchases or dry cleaning 

for the deceased. 

n. Mortuary and Summary Court Logs. 

(1) The mortuary officer will maintain a log for each mortuary case. The log 

will list sequentially the key case actions, and events, along with the date and time 

of each entry. As a minimum, backup documentation, messages, identification 

statements, remains disposition instructions, death certificate(s), bills, escort and 

summary court officer order should be attached to the case log. The purpose of 

this log is to provide a record of events should the U.S. Government’s handling of a 

mortuary case be questioned. The log may also serve as a useful reference tool 

for future cases. 

(2) The summary court or decedent effects officer will maintain a log of actions 

taken to secure and return the deceased’s personal belongings to the PERE and 

resolve other appropriate outstanding matters as required in service regulations. 

Backup documentation (i.e., letters to the NOK, receipts from the NOK for the 

deceased’s personal property, receipts for debts paid, funds collected, etc.), should be 

attached to the log. When complete, this log should be filed with the mortuary case log. 

(3) The Summary Court-Martial Officer (SCMO) will comply with service directives 

pertaining to the documentation and submission of summary court-martial reports. 

The appointed SCMO or summary court officer will be appointed within 48 hours of 

the incident. The SCMO is not relieved of their duties until PE is shipped and all 

documents are closed by CAC or losing service. 

(4) Once all actions are complete a copy of the Mortuary and Summary Court 

Logs will be forwarded to USSOUTHCOM JMAO and USARSOUTH G4 MAO for filing. 

ANNEX A 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS CHECKLIST

 SC Regulation 0638-2 A-1 

Task When notified that a death has 

occurred in the AOR: 

Responsible of 

Coordination

DTG

Contacted

Name of Person

Notified

1 

Employment Classification: - 

Service Member 

 Dependent 

 DoD Civilian 

 Other 

 Contractor 

(If Other or Contractor contact the 

State Department) 

 UNIT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Obtain relevant information about 

deceased: 

UNIT

 

2.a Rank/Name: 

2.b SSN: 

2.c Unit: 

2.d Date and Time of Death: 

2.e Location of remains: 

Notification: 

1 

US Army deaths only: UNIT notifies 

Casualty Assistance Center within 4 

hours, Fort Buchannan Puerto Rico 

787-707-3245/ 787-707-2987 After 

Hours 787-370-3903/ 787-370-3908 

 

Email: luis.a.cruz58.civ@mail.mil, 

ignacio.gonzalez-ruiz.civ@mail.mil 

UNIT 

2 

Notify the appropriate service. Provide 

info / from step 1 above: 

 

USA - HQ, Mortuary Affairs 

1-800-626-3317 

USAF – AF Casualty AffairsComm: 1-800-433-0048

USN – MA - Comm: 1-800-368-3202 

USMC – MA – 1-800-847-1597 

USCG – MA-1-202-372-2100 

Dover Port Mortuary- DSN 445-3982 

Comm:1800-565-1398 

UNIT

ANNEX A 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS CHECKLIST

 SC Regulation 0638-2 A-2 

2.a 

To determine Contracting Agency 

Contact: SPOT & TOPPS helpdesk at 

dodhra.beau-alex.dmdc.mbx.spothelpdesk@mail.mil or via phone at:

703-578-5407

UNIT 

3 

 UNIT notifies USSOUTHCOM (SC) JOC 

COM: 305-437-3722/3716/3600 Fax 

3744 

UNIT 

4 

SC JOC makes internal and Executive 

Agent notifications within (1) hour: 

SDDOC: 

(southcom.miami.scj4.mbx.omb-j43-

mobility@mail.mil) 

JMAO: 

(southcom.miami.scj4.mesg.jmaoffice@mail.mil;southcom.miami.scj4.mb

x.omb-j44-sustainment@mail.mil) 

USARSOUTH: 

C2 210-295-6900

MAO 210-295-5957

(usarmy.jbsa.arsouth.list.g4-mortuaryaffairs@mail.mil) 

National Military Command Center 

(NMCC): 

(703-695-0100/0098)

USSOUTHCOM 

JOC

5 USARSOUTH notifies Dover AFB Port 

Mortuary DSN 445-3982 

ARSOUTH G-4

6 USARSOUTH notifies the Armed Forces 

Medical Examiner's Office (AFME) of a 

death. NOTE: Any death under 

suspicious circumstances, i.e., death 

in a hospital, homicide, etc. will 

probably require an autopsy in the 

country of the incident. If a foreign 

country insists on accomplishing an 

autopsy on a military member, notify 

AFME immediately to see if they will 

travel to witness the autopsy to avoid the 

requirement of a secondary autopsy in 

CONUS

ARSOUTH G-4

 

ANNEX A 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS CHECKLIST

 SC Regulation 0638-2 A-3 

7 NOK notification completed by CAC or 

Casualty Office 

CAC/Service 

MA

 

8 SCOs and JTFs notify SC when remains 

have been released 

UNIT

9 Establish communications with POC 

at location of remains 

ARSOUTH G-4

Transportation Coordination: 

1 Coordinate transfer case for remains. 

If no transfer case is available, 

ARSOUTH MAO will coordinate the 

shipment of a case. Cases are 

available in Soto Cano, GTMO, and 

most SCO offices throughout the 

theater 

ARSOUTH G-4

2 Notify USSOUTHCOM SDDOC of 

requirement to move remains and DTG 

remains will be ready to be repatriated 

ARSOUTH G-4

3 

SDDOC will check airlift availability: 

- Check currently scheduled airlift from 

location 

- If no A/C for time requirements, look 

into SAAM 

- Check with operations for coronet oak if 

intratheater lift is required to APOE for 

subsequent movement to CONUS 

USSOUTHCOM 

SDDOC

 

3.a 

If no MILAIR meets requirement, contact 

CAC or Embassy for support with 

commercial airlift (remains must be 

embalmed). 

- Determination of commercial or military 

air by Executive Agent - Commercial Air 

- US Embassy engaged 

- MILAIR- USSOUTHCOM SDDOC 

engaged 

TAC provided by losing Military Service

USSOUTHCOM 

SDDOC 

4 

Escort appointed, authorized and 

coordinated by unit with USSOUTHCOM 

JMAO 

CAMAC/

WASHINGTON 

DC/

USSOUTHCOM/ 

JMAO 

 

ANNEX A 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS CHECKLIST

 SC Regulation 0638-2 A-4 

5 

 

Transfer case on hand - remains 

transferred CONUS - Dover AFB or final 

destination 

ARSOUTH G-4

6 

 

Continue to monitor until remains are in 

CONUS 

ARSOUTH 

G-4/

USSOUTHCOM/ 

JMAO

7 

 

 

If casualty is related to an on-going 

contingency or operation, enter 

appropriate information in events log 

USSOUTHCOM/ 

JMAO/

ARSOUTH 

G-4/

UNIT

 

Documentation (Transported with remains) 

1 

 

 

 

Host Nation Guidelines and regulations 

for the release, movement, and 

inspection of remains will be identified 

by the unit to USSOUTHCOM, 

USARSOUTH MAO, and AFME 

UNIT 

2 The following documentation WILL be 

required: 

 

2.a DD Form 2064 

- U.S. Military Certificate of 

Death Overseas, signed by a DoD 

medical official or CONUS medical 

examiner when OCONUS examiner is 

not available (transported with remains)

AFME 

DOVER 

MORTUARY 

EMBASSY 

 

 

 

2.b Original dental and medical records of 

deceased, if available UNIT 

2.c Authorization of autopsy signed by 

medical officer (SF 523)

AFME 

DOVER 

MORTUARY

 

2.d American Consulate Report of Death of 

an American Citizen Abroad, issued by 

the American Consulate in country of 

death (transport with remains) 

EMBASSY 

 

ANNEX A 

MORTUARY AFFAIRS CHECKLIST

 SC Regulation 0638-2 A-5 

2.e 

For remains embalmed by Host Nation, 

an Embalming Certificate and Burial 

Transit permit is required, issued by 

Host Nation Authorities 

(NOTE: Host Nation embalming is not 

a desired action) 

SCO MAO/ 

TF MAO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.f DD Form 1076 

- Military Operations Record of 

Decedent effects of Deceased 

Personnel 

UNIT 

 

3 The following documentation MAY 

be required: 

 

UNIT

 

3.a DD Form 567 

- Record of Search and Recovery 

 

 

3.b DD Form 1074 

- Questionnaire of Local Inhabitants 

 

3.c DD Form 1077 

- Collection Point Register of Remains 

 

Decedent Effects 

1 Appoint a unit Summary Court-Martial 

Officer (SCMO) within 48 hours of death UNIT 

2 

Provide copy of SCMO appointment order 

to USSOUTHCOM JMAO and 

USARSOUTH MAO 

UNIT 

3 Decedent effects safeguarded by unit as 

soon as possible 

UNIT 

4 Decedent effects disposition commenced. 

To be completed no later than 30 days 

after the date of death 

 

UNIT

 

* 

Review SC Reg 0638-2, AR 638-02, DA 

PAM 638-02, and JP 4-0 

ARSOUTH G-4/ 

USSOUTHCOM J-4 

 

ANNEX B 

USSOUTHCOM MORTUARY AFFAIRS PROCESS (FLOW CHART)

 SC Regulation 0638-2 B-1 

Deceased 

Service Member, 

Family Member, or 

DoD Civilian?

For deaths of 

Non-DoD Civilian or 

contractors contact 

the US State 

Department YES

NO

ARSOUTH MA Fly Away Team POC

G4 MAO: Eric Herr cell: (210) 897-9342

Unit makes internal notifications and 

notifies SC JOC. SC JOC notifies SCJ1, 

SC JMA-Office, SDDOC and ARSOUTH 

EOC, who will notify ARSOUTH MAO. 

Unit MAO goes to location of remains and 

deters autopsy or embalming (if possible) 

until notified from ARSOUTH MAO, and notifies 

SC when remains are ready to be released

ARSOUTH MAO notifies AFME and 

Dover AFB Port Mortuary and 

consults with the military Services 

CAC NO

SDDOC Prepares and checks airlift availability. If 

no airlift is currently operating, SDDOC 

coordinates with S&I Air Ops, AFSOUTH, and or 

TRANSCOM for airlift. 

If autopsy has to be 

performed in country, AFME 

will fly to country and 

observe or assist. If autopsy 

is to be performed at Dover, 

remains cannot be 

embalmed

POINTS OF CONTACT

SOUTHCOM (SC)

SCJOC: southcom.miami.scj3.mbx.omb-sc-joc-ops@mail.mil

SCJ1: southcom.miami.scj1.mbx.omb-ops@mail.mil

SDDOC: southcom.miami.scj4.mbx.omb-j43-mobility@mail.mil 

SCJ4/JMAO: southcom.miami.scj4.mesg.jmaoffice@mail.mil;southcom.miami.scj4.mbx.omb-j44-

sustainment@mail.mil 

ARSOUTH 

ARSOUTH EOC: usarmy.jbsa.arsouth.mbx.eoc@mail.mil

ARSOUTH MAO: usarmy.jbsa.arsouth.list.g4-mortuary-affairs@mail.mil

Casualty Reporting Phone #s 

US Army CAC (PR) 1-787-707-3245/2987

US Marine Corps 1-800-847-1597

US Navy 1-800-368-3202

US Air Force 1-800-433-0048

US Coast Guard(DHS) 202-372-2100 

Remains can be 

embalmed and 

returned to the US 

on commercial 

airlift

TAC 

Provided by service 

component

YES

POINTS OF CONTACT

SOUTHCOM Joint Operations Center (JOC) - C2-Watch:

305-437-3719/3716 

SC Joint Mortuary Affairs Officer (JMAO):

Office 305-437-1035, Cell 305-804-6095

SC Deployment and Distribution Operations Center (SDDOC):

305-437-1069/2508

SCJ1: 305-437-1101, BB 786-239-2058 

US Army Casualty Assistance Center Ft Buchanan, Puerto Rico: 

787-707-3245/ 787-707-2987 After Hours 787-370-3903/ 787-370-3908

 US Army South (ARSOUTH) C2: 1-877-613-8270, 210-295-6900/6902

 ARSOUTH MAO: 210-295-5957/295-5703/ DSN:421

 Armed Forces Medical Examiner (AFME): 302-346-8648 / DSN: 366

 Dover Port Mortuary: DSN 445-3982 Comm: 1800-565-1398

Remains 

returned to 

PADD

Remains 

returned to 

PADD

Movement 

of Remains

Has

AFME 

requested an 

autopsy?

Remains airlifted 

to Dover AFB for 

autopsy at Port 

Mortuary 

ANNEX C 

CASUALTY REPORTING

 SC Regulation 0638-2 C-1 

1. Incidents involving casualties will be reported using the Operational Report-3 

(OPREP-3) (see Annex D) and transmitted to the JOC by the most expeditious means 

(telephonic with hard copy message to follow). Initial reports will contain as much 

information as possible with follow-up reports submitted as additional details become 

available. See DoDI 1300.18 paragraph 6.1.1.4 to determine reporting requirements. 

Reports are required for all deceased or missing military personnel, DoD civilian 

employees and DoD contractors, OCONUS, who are casualties as a result of hostile or 

non-hostile action or while accompanying Armed Forces in the field. For CONUS, this 

requirement is for all casualties as a result of hostile action. 

 

a. Reporting. 

 

(1) Voice: The responsible/impacted military activity will TELEPHONICALLY

notify the USSOUTHCOM JOC within 15 minutes upon confirming a death has occurred. 

Provide the following information, as known: 

 

(a) Deceased Name, Grade, Branch of Service, Social Security Number, and 

assigned unit. 

 

(b) Date, Time, Place, and apparent cause(s) of death. 

(c) Present location of deceased’s remains and type of storage (i.e. 

refrigeration). 

(d) Details of search and recovery actions, if any. 

(e) Condition of Remains (Viewable, Non-viewable, or Questionable). 

(f) Problems anticipated or being experienced, while dealing with the release of 

remains by Host Nation officials. For example, does the Host Nation require that they 

perform an autopsy and issue the Certificate of Death? If so, the USSOUTHCOM 

Mortuary Affairs Officer will coordinate with the Armed Forces Medical Examiner to assist 

and witness the process. 

(g) Estimated date and time remains will be available for airlift to Dover Center for 

Mortuary Affairs. 

(h) Provide any other relevant information to Headquarters and the NOK in the 

coordination of disposition arrangements. 

 

(2) OPREP-3: Not more than one (1) hour following the initial telephonic 

notification, the military activity will electronically submit an OPERATIONAL 

REPORT-3 (OPREP-3) to the JOC via SIPRNET or AMHS message for each 

fatality. 

 
ANNEX C 

CASUALTY REPORTING 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 C-2 

(a) Use a secure telephone for all classified voice reporting and for 

unclassified voice reporting when available. 

(b) OPREP-3 initial reports will contain only as much of the requested 

information as is immediately available. The initial report must not be delayed to 

gain additional information. Submit follow-up reports as additional information 

becomes available. 

 

1. How to Correct OPREP-3 Reports. The originator will submit a correction if an 

error is found after submitting a report. Include in the corrected report only those 

sections of the report requiring correction. 

 

2. Notify the deceased respective Military Service Mortuary or Casualty 

Operations Center (see Annex A). 
ANNEX D 

OPERATIONAL REPORT (OPREP-3)

 SC Regulation 0638-2 D-1 

ANNEX D 

OPERATIONAL REPORT (OPREP-3)

 SC Regulation 0638-2 D-2 

GENTEXT/INCIDENT IDENTIFICATION AND DETAILS (CONTINUATION) 

 

 

6. WHAT ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY THE COMMAND AT THIS TIME IN 

RESPONSE TO THE EVENT? 

 

 

7. WHAT ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY OTHER PERSONNEL, UNITS, OR 

AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE EVENT? 

 

 

8. WHAT IS THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF THE CHAIN OF COMMAND CURRENTLY 

AWARE OF THE INCIDENT? 

 

 

9. WHO VERIFIED AND RELEASED THIS REPORT? FOLLOW-UP REPORT: 

 

 

1O. IF THE INCIDENT IS “SPOUSE OR CHILD ABUSE,” THE FOLLOWING 

INFORMATION WILL BE RECEIVED: 

A. WHAT ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO SAFEGUARD THE VICTIMS’S FAMILY 

MEMBERS? (IAW AR 608-18, PARA 3-13D) 

B. WHAT ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO NOTIFY THE PROPER 

AUTHORITIES? IAW AR 608-18, PARA 1-7B(4)? 

 

11. IF THE INCIDENT INVOLVES AN ACCIDENT WITH “PUBLIC AFFAIRS 

IMPLICATIONS,” THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WILL BE RECEIVED: 

A. WHAT EXTERNAL (TO DoD) MEDIA IS CURRENTLY AWARE OF THE 

INCIDENT?

B. WHAT DoD PUBLIC AFFAIRS ACTIVITIES ARE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT? 

 

12. ON THE INITIAL WRITTEN REPORT, UNITS MUST PROVIDE DETAILS ON 

WHAT ACTIONS WILL BE TAKEN IN THE FUTURE REGARDING THE INCIDENT. 

 
ANNEX E 

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS IN HANDLING OF REMAINS

 SC Regulation 0638-2 E-1 

1. Of primary consideration are view-ability and timeliness of the return of remains. 

Of secondary importance are the costs incurred by the Armed Services. All contracts 

and plans must be made within these considerations. 

a. View-ability of Remains. It is imperative that remains be maintained in a 

viewable condition. This is especially important in a tropical environment. 

(1) Refrigeration is the preferred means of preservation prior to embalming at a 

mortuary facility. When this is not possible, remains should be packed in ice. 

Recommended that human remains team fill six (5 lbs.) bags of ice per human 

remains container (triple bagged). The total of the six bags of ice should range 

between 25-30 lbs. with placement as such: Place (1 bag) of ice under head, (2 

bags) on upper torso/chest, (1 bags) under feet, and (2 bags) 1 bag on each 

side of obliques. At no time should ice or water come in direct contact with the 

remains. Remains should never be frozen because of the damage caused to 

tissue. Dry ice should never be used. 

(2) Embalming is performed at a mortuary facility. Embalming standards 

vary greatly from country to country. If embalmed OCONUS, remains must be 

reprocessed at a CONUS facility (normally Dover AFB, Dover Center for Mortuary 

Affairs) prior to shipment to CONUS funeral home. 

(3) Embalming is not required prior to remains arriving CONUS, provided that the 

cause of death is not due to an infectious disease. 

(a) AMC can transport remains from OCONUS APOE to first CONUS APOD 

without restriction. 

(b) Ensure all required certificates and documentation are present and 

correct and that the remains are transported in a hermetically sealed container 

(transfer case). 

(c) Usually the minimum embalming and preservation requirements of the 

Country in which death occurred must be met prior to the release of the remains to U.S. 

custody. This can be coordinated through the local U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate. 

The USARSOUTH G4 MA Officer will coordinate with the Dover Center for Mortuary 

Affairs, Medical Examiner’s office for support as required. 

b. Timeliness of return of human remains to CONUS is of critical importance for 

medical and social reasons. For remains requiring identification, flights should 

terminate at Dover AFB where remains will be processed at the Dover Center for 
ANNEX E 

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS IN HANDLING OF REMAINS

 SC Regulation 0638-2 E-2 

Mortuary Affairs facility. If Air Mobility Command (AMC) airlift is not available 

within 12 hours of the anticipated release of remains by medical authorities for 

shipment, the SDDOC will make arrangements to divert an aircraft or initiate a 

special assignment airlift mission (SAAM). 

c. Costs. Entitlements and reimbursable expenses for Mortuary Affairs are 

outlined in U.S. Code Title 10 and AR 638-2.
ANNEX F 

MIGRANT REMAINS 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 F-1 

1. U.S. Department of State is the controlling Agency for all issues, to include 

Mortuary Affairs Support, for international migrants. Currently the Immigration 

and Naturalization Service (INS) and Coast Guard share responsibility for coordinating 

with the State Department concerning the disposition of migrant remains. 

2. Migrant Camps under U.S. Armed Services Control. 

a. Responsibilities. 

(1) Department of State is the controlling agency for Mortuary Affairs support 

for international migrants. 

(2) USARSOUTH will: 

(a) Be prepared to perform duties as executive agent for Mortuary Affairs 

Support for any and all migrant camps established in USSOUTHCOM AOR. 

Establish contingency plans to cover Mortuary Affairs Support for migrant camps 

using facilities at Guantanamo Naval Base. Plans must consider preservation 

(embalming), temporary storage (30 days), temporary interment, and permanent 

burial of migrant remains. 

b. Disposition Instructions. 

(1) Gather all available information on the deceased: Full name, Next of Kin 

(NOK), time of death, place of death, cause of death, race or ethnic background, 

sex, age, identifying marks, and any other information that aids in the identification 

of the deceased. 

(2) If NOK is present in migrant camp, determine disposition instructions for 

the remains. 

(3) Contact Department of State (DoS) Operations Center, commercial phone: 

(202) 647-1512 with as much information as possible. Inform them of the situation 

and the desired disposition instructions. 

(4) DoS will contact the appropriate agencies and notify the JTF controlling 

the camp of the procedures to follow. 

(5) Mortuary facilities must be prepared to store remains for at least 30 

days in cases where the DoS must attempt to locate NOK.
ANNEX G 

JOINT MORTUARY AFFAIRS OFFICE (JMAO)

 SC Regulation 0638-2 G-1

1. The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Joint Mortuary 

Affairs Office (JMAO) sets forth policies, guidance, and responsibilities for Joint 

Mortuary Affairs program support during theater contingency operations, 

mobilization planning, and for peacetime mass-fatality events. This regulation 

applies to all elements, to include sub-unified commands, subordinate task 

forces, service components and Security Cooperation Organizations (SCOs) 

operating within the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility (USSOUTHCOM 

AOR). 

 

a. In peacetime, the mission of the JMAO is to promote uniform policies, 

procedures, plans, and records for the disposition of remains and decedent 

effects for all components. An additional mission of the JMAO is to establish a 

single system for the care and disposition of deceased personnel and their 

decedent effects in joint theater contingency operations and mass fatality disaster 

incidents. 

 

b. In the case of prolonged hostile action, CDR, USSOUTHCOM will direct 

activation of a full-time JMAO, based upon recommendation of the Chairman of 

the JMAO. If fully activated, the JMAO will become the governing body from 

which Mortuary Affairs wartime operational direction will be promulgated to the 

components. 

c. Theater contingency functions of the JMAO will include, but not be limited to, 

disposition of records, mass fatality planning, and post-conflict disposition of 

remains and decedent effects programs. 

 

2. Responsibilities. 

 

a. CDR, USSOUTHCOM will establish the JMAO to: 

 

(1) Approve joint Mortuary Affairs theater contingency doctrine and 

procedures. 

(2) Recommend any changes to executive agent responsibilities. 

(3) Coordinate with the executive agent for Mortuary Affairs requirements in 

support of theater contingency operations and mass fatality disaster incidents. 

 

b. J-1, Manpower will: 

 

(1) Designate a member of the JMAO. 

(2) Coordinate joint casualty reporting IAW AR 600-8-1. 

 

(3) Monitor casualty reporting activities within the theater and notify the 

Chairman and JMAO of incidents when appropriate. 

 
ANNEX G 

JOINT MORTUARY AFFAIRS OFFICE (JMAO) 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 G-2 

c. J4-Director will: 

 

(1) Appoint a Mortuary Affairs Officer as chairman of the Joint Mortuary 

Affairs Office. 

d. Mortuary Affairs Officer will: 

(1) Convene the JMAO no less than annually. 

 

e. Component Commanders will: 

 

(1) Designate a member of the JMAO. 

(2) Coordinate, IAW JMAO guidance, service Mortuary Affairs capability to 

support joint theater contingency operations and mass fatality disaster incidents 

within the USSOUTHCOM AOR. 

(3) Plan for and coordinate service component Mortuary Affairs capabilities 

within the USSOUTHCOM AOR. 

3. Point of contact for SC JMAO: 

 

Telephone: 305-437-1035 

 OMB Mailbox: southcom.miami.scj4.mbx.omb-jma-office@mail.mil 
ANNEX H 

DEFINITIONS

 SC Regulation 0638-2 H-1

The definitions used herein apply solely to this instruction and may vary from 

definitions established IAW Joint Pub 1-02, "Department of Defense Dictionary of 

Military and Associated Terms.” 

 

Active Duty (AD). Full-time duty in the Active Military Services of the United States. 

A general term applied to all Active military service with the Active Force without 

regard to duration or purpose. The term "active duty" also applies to Reserve Officer 

Training Corps (ROTC) applicants, cadets, and midshipmen participating in practical 

military training; service academy cadets and midshipmen, and members of the 

reserve components serving on AD, ADT, or IDT. 

 

Active Duty for Training (ADT). A tour of AD that is used for training members of 

the reserve components to provide trained units and qualified persons to fill the needs 

of the Armed Forces in time of war, or national emergency and such other times as 

national security requires. The tour of duty is under orders that provide for return to 

non-active duty status when the period of ADT is completed. It includes annual 

training, special tours of ADT, school tours, and the initial tour performed by non-prior 

Military Service enlistees. 

 

Armed Conflict. Conflict between nations or other contestants entailing the physical 

destruction of, or injury to one another's armed forces. Armed conflict exists when the 

lives or safety of members of the armed services of a nation, belligerent power, 

coalition, or faction are endangered as a direct result of the use of physical force. 

Casualty. Any person who is lost to the organization by having been placed in a 

temporary or permanent casualty status. 

 

Casualty Category. A term used to specifically classify a casualty for reporting 

purposes based upon the casualty type and the casualty status. Casualty categories 

include killed in action (KIA), died of wounds received in action (DWRIA), 

beleaguered, besieged, captured, detained, interned, missing in action (MIA), and 

wounded in action (WIA). 

 

Casualty Status. A term used to classify a casualty for reporting purposes. There 

are seven casualty statuses: Deceased, DUSTWUN (a temporary status), Missing, 

Very Seriously Ill or Injured (VSI), Seriously Ill or Injured (SI), Incapacitating Illness or 

Injury (III), and Not Seriously Injured (NSI). 

Casualty Type. A term used to identify a casualty for reporting purposes as either a 

hostile casualty or a non-hostile casualty. 
ANNEX H 

DEFINITIONS 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 H-2 

Certificate of Death Overseas (DD Form 2064). Issued and signed by a competent 

DoD medical official or CONUS medical examiner when a medical examiner is not 

available in the OCONUS command. 

Circumstance of Casualty. A major occurrence that causes a casualty or directly 

sets off a series of actions leading to a casualty. 

 

Classification of Casualty: 

 

- Air Casualty. A casualty resulting from the intent for flight of an aircraft; e.g., 

manned vehicles that are supported in flight by buoyancy or dynamic action. The 

intent for flight begins when an aircraft engine is started for commencing flight and 

continues until the aircraft comes to rest with the engine(s), propeller(s), or rotors 

stopped and brakes set or wheel chocks in place. The aircraft's engine is considered 

started when the intentional attempt is made to set the engine in motion. For 

amphibian aircraft landing on water, intent for flight continues until all normal flight 

operations have ended. It ceases when the engine(s) have been stopped and the 

aircraft has been either moored or taken in tow. For non-engine powered aircraft; 

e.g., balloons, nonpowered gliders, etc., intent for flight begins with any intentional 

operations for commencing flight and ends when said operations cease and the 

aircraft is properly moored, chocked, or the like. 

 

- Sea Casualty. A casualty occurring in water areas in conjunction with the operation 

of seagoing vessels. The term includes casualties aboard seagoing vessels while 

underway, casualties aboard seagoing vessels while in port that result in death 

aboard ship, and ground crew aboard ship that are killed in an aircraft crash. 

 

- Ground Casualty. A casualty other than an air or sea casualty. 

Current Death Program. (See AR 638-2) Provides for professional mortuary 

services, supplies, and related services to statutory eligible personnel. Disposition of 

decedent effects is part of this program. Under this program, remains are shipped to 

a place designated by the PADD for permanent disposition. The decedent’s personal 

effects are shipped to the Person Eligible to Receive Effects (PERE) from the 

Summary Court- Martial Officer (SCMO or equivalent IAW service regulations). The 

program operates during peacetime, including exercises, and may continue to 

operate during contingencies and conflicts until the Concurrent Return and 

Temporary Interment Programs are activated by CDR, USSOUTHCOM. 

Concurrent Return. Provides the search for, recovery, tentative identification, 

processing, and evacuation of human remains and decedent PE from a theater of 

operation to a servicing mortuary through MA evacuation channels. 

Date of Casualty. For deceased persons, the date of casualty is the date of death. 

For members declared DUSTWUN or persons declared missing, the date of casualty 

is the date declared DUSTWUN or missing. For members declared missing who 
ANNEX H 

DEFINITIONS

 SC Regulation 0638-2 H-3

were initially declared DUSTWUN, the date of casualty is the date declared 

DUSTWUN unless there is evidence to indicate a more current date. For persons 

reported VSI, SI, III, or NSI, the date of casualty is the date the illness or injury 

occurred, if known, or the date the person is so classified as ill or injured by 

competent medical authority. 

 

Date of Death. The date a person died based upon actual knowledge of when the 

death occurred, receipt of conclusive evidence, or a presumptive finding of death. 

For persons that suffer irreversible brain death, the law differs among States and 

countries concerning when a person is legally considered deceased. The date of 

death in these cases is the date determined by competent medical authority based 

upon either declaring the person brain dead or removal from life support systems, 

whichever the local law dictates. For persons declared missing and subsequently 

deceased, the date of death is dependent upon either receipt of conclusive evidence 

of death or a presumptive finding of death. The date of death based upon receipt of 

conclusive evidence is the date determined by competent medical authority or by the 

Military Service Secretary or his or her appointed designee. The date of death based 

upon a presumptive finding of death is the date the Military Service Secretary or his or 

her appointed designee signs the change in casualty status from missing to 

deceased. 

 

Deceased. A casualty status applicable to a person, who is either known to have 

died, determined to have died based upon receipt of conclusive evidence, or declared 

to be dead based upon a presumptive finding of death. The recovery of remains is 

not a prerequisite to determining or declaring a person deceased. 

Died of Wounds Received in Action (DWRIA). A casualty category applicable to a 

hostile casualty, other than the victim of a terrorist activity, who dies of wounds or 

other injuries received in action after having reached a medical treatment facility. 

 

Duty Status. A status in which the military member was serving under 10 U.S.C. or 

32 U.S.C. at the time the member becomes a casualty. Duty status is used as a 

basis for determining eligibility for survivor benefits and entitlements. A member's 

duty status is reported as AD, ADT, or IDT. 

 

Duty Status - Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN). A temporary designation, 

applicable to military members only, used when the reason for a member's absence is 

uncertain and it is possible that the member may be a casualty whose absence is 

involuntary, but there is not sufficient evidence to make a determination that the 

member's actual status is missing or deceased. 

 

Full-time National Guard Duty. Training or other duty, other than inactive duty, 

performed by a member of the National Guard of the United States in the member's 

status as a member of the National Guard of a State or Territory, the Commonwealth 

of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia under sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505 
ANNEX H 

DEFINITIONS 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 H-4 

of 32 U.S.C., for which a member is entitled to pay from the United States, or for 

which a member has waived pay from the United States. For the purposes of this 

Instruction, full-time National Guard duty is considered AD. 

 

Home of Record. A term unique to the military used to determine a member's pay, 

allowances, and other entitlements under various Federal statutes. In general, it is 

synonymous with the concept of "domicile" at the time when it is initially recorded, 

and yet unlike "domicile," it does not have the flexibility of change during the 

continuation of an uninterrupted tour of military service. The place recorded as the 

home of the individual when commissioned, reinstated, appointed, reappointed, 

enlisted, reenlisted, inducted, or ordered into the relevant tour of duty. As such, the 

home of record remains constant throughout the member's career unless a member 

separates and has a definite break in military service greater than one day. 

Hostile Casualty. A person who is the victim of a terrorist activity or who becomes a 

casualty "in action." "In action" characterizes the casualty as having been the direct 

result of hostile action, sustained in combat or relating thereto, or sustained going to 

or returning from a combat mission provided that the occurrence was directly related 

to hostile action. Included are persons killed or wounded mistakenly or accidentally 

by friendly fire directed at a hostile force or what is thought to be a hostile force. 

However, not to be considered as sustained in action and not to be interpreted as 

hostile casualties are injuries or death due to the elements, self-inflicted wounds, 

combat fatigue, and except in unusual cases, wounds or death inflicted by a friendly 

force while the individual is in an absent-without-leave (AWOL), deserter, or droppedfrom-rolls status or is voluntarily absent from a place of duty. 

Human Remains. Refers to the remains of a military member, his or her 

dependents, or other personnel eligible for mortuary benefits IAW service mortuary 

directives. 

Inactive Duty Training (IDT). Authorized training performed by a member of a 

reserve component not on AD or ADT and consisting of regularly scheduled unit 

training assemblies, additional training assemblies, periods of appropriate duty or 

equivalent training, and any special additional duties authorized for reserve 

component personnel by the Secretary concerned, and performed by them in 

connection with the prescribed activities of the organization in which they are 

assigned with or without pay. Does not include work or study associated with 

correspondence courses. 

 

Incapacitating Illness or Injury (III). The casualty status of a person whose illness 

or injury requires hospitalization, but medical authority does not classify as very 

seriously ill, or injured or seriously ill or injured and the illness or injury makes the 

person physically or mentally unable to communicate with the NOK. 
ANNEX H 

DEFINITIONS

 SC Regulation 0638-2 H-5

Killed in Action (KIA). A casualty category applicable to a hostile casualty, other 

than the victim of a terrorist activity, who is killed outright, or who dies as a result of 

wounds or other injuries before reaching a medical treatment facility. 

 

Mass Casualty. Any large number of casualties produced in a relatively short period 

of time, usually as the result of a single incident such as a military aircraft accident, 

hurricane, flood, earthquake, or armed attack that far exceeds local logistical support 

capabilities. 

Migrant. A person who moves from one country, place, or locality to another (often 

to find work and, occasionally, with the intention of returning to his or her place of 

origin). Status of a person who is seeking, but has not yet been granted refugee 

status. 

Military Activity. Refers to those military units in the USSOUTHCOM AOR 

responsible for complying with the provisions of this regulation. In this sense, the use 

of the term does not relieve U.S. Armed Services groups or members in the 

USSOUTHCOM AOR who are not considered military activities from inherent 

mortuary responsibilities. For example, initially assisting supporting organization(s) 

as much as possible with such tasks as securing and preserving the remains and 

decedent effects, and transporting human remains to the supporting organization. 

 

Missing. A casualty status applicable to a person who is not at his or her duty 

location due to apparent involuntary reasons and whose location may or may not be 

known. Chapter 10 of 37 U.S.C. provides statutory guidance concerning missing 

members of the Military Services. Excluded are personnel who are in an AWOL, 

deserter, or dropped-from-rolls status. A person declared missing is further 

categorized as follows: 

- Beleaguered. The casualty is a member of an organized element that has been 

surrounded by a hostile force to prevent escape from its members. 

 

- Besieged. The casualty is a member of an organized element that has been 

surrounded by a hostile force compelling it to surrender. 

 

- Captured. The casualty has been seized as the result of action of an unfriendly 

military or paramilitary force in a foreign country. 

- Detained. The casualty is prevented from proceeding or is restrained in custody for 

alleged violation of international law or other reason claimed by the government or 

group under which the person is being held. 

 

- Interned. The casualty definitely known to have been taken into custody of a 

nonbelligerent foreign power as the result of, and for reasons arising out of any armed 

conflict in which the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged. 
ANNEX H 

DEFINITIONS 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 H-6 

- Missing. The casualty is not present at his or her duty location due to apparent 

involuntary reasons and whose location is unknown. 

- Missing in Action (MIA). The casualty is a hostile casualty, other than the victim of a 

terrorist activity, who is not present at his or her duty location due to apparent 

involuntary reasons and whose location is unknown. 

Mortuary Affairs. Covers the search for, recovery, identification, preparation, and 

disposition of remains of persons for whom the U.S. Armed Services are responsible. 

This also involves the disposition of decedent effects and all reporting associated with 

Mortuary Affairs actions. 

 

Next of Kin (NOK). The person most closely related to the casualty is considered 

primary NOK for disposition of remains, decedent effects, and the release of 

records to secondary NOK and third parties. The un-remarried surviving spouse is 

primary NOK. The term surviving spouse does not include one who obtained a 

divorce from the decedent (at any time). Other NOK and interested parties are 

recognized in the following order: 

 

- Natural and adopted children in order of seniority. The age of majority is 18 years. 

The rights of minor children, with the exception of disposition of remains, shall be 

exercised by their surviving parent or legal guardian. (Minor children are not entitled 

to make disposition of remains.) 

 

- Parents in order of seniority, unless legal exclusive (sole) custody was granted to a 

person by reason of a court decree or statutory provision. 

 

- The remarried surviving spouse. The term remarried surviving spouse does not 

include one who obtained a divorce from the decedent (at any time) or who remarried 

before a finding of death pursuant to 37 U.S.C. 

- Blood or adoptive relative who was granted legal custody of the person by a court 

decree or statutory provision. 

 

- Brothers or sisters of legal age in order of seniority. 

 

- Grandparents in order of seniority. 

 

- Other relatives of legal age in order of relationship to the individual according to civil 

laws. Seniority controls when persons are of equal degree of relationship. Persons 

standing in loco parentis to the decedent. Seniority in age will control when the 

persons are equal relationship. (For disposing of remains, the Secretary of the 

Military Department concerned may be deemed to have such standing if no other 

such person is available.) 
ANNEX H 

DEFINITIONS

 SC Regulation 0638-2 H-7

 

Non-hostile Casualty. A person who becomes a casualty due to circumstances not 

directly attributable to hostile action or terrorist activity. Casualties due to the 

elements, self-inflicted wounds, and combat fatigue are examples of non-hostile 

casualties. 

Not Seriously Injured (NSI). The casualty status of a person whose injury may or 

may not require hospitalization, medical authority does not classify as VSI, SI, or III, 

and the person can communicate with the NOK. 

 

Official Combat Area or Zone. A combat area or zone that has been officially 

designated by presidential or congressional authority. 

Permanent Military Activity. Refers to those military activities that are assigned in 

the USSOUTHCOM AOR for more than one year. 

Person Authorized to Direct Disposition of Remains (PADD). The person 

authorized to direct disposition of remains IAW service regulations. 

Person Eligible to Receive Effects (PERE). The person eligible to receive 

decedent’s effects IAW service regulations. Receipt of decedent effects does not 

constitute ownership. 

 

Posthumous Promotion. Promotion to a higher grade following a person’s death; 

however, this promotion is not for pay purposes. 

 

Refugee. A person who flees to another country to escape danger of persecution. 

Under U.S. law, an individual who can establish that he or she has been persecuted 

or has a well founded fear of future persecution on account of race, religion, 

nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group may be 

granted refugee status. 

Report of Casualty (DD Form 1300). Document that is prepared by the losing 

services casualty office upon notification by the military activity mortuary affairs officer 

to officially record the death, or missing status of any deceased or missing military 

member, DoD civilian employees or DoD contractors. This form provides an official 

record of death or missing status of a military member. Government agencies use 

this form as the basis for paying benefits, collecting casualty data, and closing out 
ANNEX H 

DEFINITIONS 

 SC Regulation 0638-2 H-8 

personnel files. A copy of this form may be provided to persons, organizations, or 

agencies not connected with the Government to settle claims requiring proof of death. 

Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad. Issued by the U.S. consular 

officer and generally used in lieu of a foreign death certificate as proof of death. The 

Report of Death is provided to the appropriate service headquarters mortuary office 

upon the death of a military member, his or her dependents, or other personnel 

eligible for mortuary benefits IAW service mortuary directives. 

 

Security Assistance. Refers to a group of programs authorized by the Foreign 

Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, 

or other related statutes by which the United States provides defense articles, military 

training, and other defense related services. Such programs could be by grant, 

credit, or cash sales, in furtherance of national policies and objectives. 

Security Cooperation Organizations (SCO). Refers to elements that are located in 

foreign countries and are assigned security assistance management responsibilities. 

 

Seriously Ill or Injured (SI). The casualty status of a person whose illness or injury 

is classified by medical authority to be of such severity that there is cause for 

immediate concern, but there is no imminent danger to life. 

Service Occupation Codes. The identification by Military Services of occupation 

specialty codes for officers and enlisted personnel: 

 

- Army: 

 Commissioned Officer - A three-digit special skill identifier (SSI). 

Warrant Officer - A four-character military occupational specialty (MOS) code. 

Enlisted - A five-character MOS code. 

 

- Navy: 

 Officer - A four-digit Navy officer designator. 

 Enlisted – A two to five-character rating designation. 

- Marine Corps Officer - A four-digit MOS code. 

 Enlisted - A four-digit MOS code. 

 

- Air Force: 

Officer - A four-digit specialty code (AFSC) plus a suffix/prefix, if appropriate. 

Enlisted - a five-digit AFSC. 

Temporary Interment. Provides for the temporary interment/disinterment of human 

remains. Temporary interment is performed only when authorized by the responsible 

commander during major military operations. Conducted only when operational 

constraints prevent the storage or evacuation of remains or when it is deemed 
ANNEX H 

DEFINITIONS

 SC Regulation 0638-2 H-9

prudent for the protection of health and welfare of personnel. Disposition of PE is not 

part of this program. 

 

Terrorism. The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence against 

individuals or property to coerce or intimidate governments or societies, often to 

achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. A victim of a terrorist act directed 

against the United States or its allies is a hostile casualty. 

 

Unaccounted For. An inclusive term (not a casualty status) applicable to personnel 

whose person or remains are not recovered or otherwise accounted for following 

hostile action. Commonly used when referring to personnel who are killed in 

action/body not recovered (KIA/BNR). 

USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR). The 

USSOUTHCOM geographic AOR consists of the land mass of Central America, 

waters adjacent of South and Central America, South America, the Caribbean 

(except U.S. commonwealths, territories, and possessions, Cuba, and the Bahamas), 

their territorial waters, and for the force of U.S. military resources at these locations. 

 

Very Seriously Ill or Injured (VSI). The casualty status of a person whose illness or 

injury is classified by medical authority to be of such severity that life is imminently 

endangered. 

 

Wounded in Action (WIA). A casualty category applicable to a hostile casualty, 

other than the victim of a terrorist activity, who has incurred an injury due to an 

external agent or cause. The term encompasses all kinds of wounds and other 

injuries incurred in action, whether there is a piercing of the body, as in a penetration 

or perforated wound, or none, as in the contused wound. These include fractures, 

burns, blast concussions, all effects of biological and chemical warfare agents, and 

the effects of exposure to ionizing radiation or any other destructive weapon or agent. 

The hostile casualty status may be VSI, SI, III, or NSI.