The key to search and recovery on the modern battlefield is not the mortuary affairs team, but rather the responsibility of every unit. Unit leadership is responsible for initial search and recovery. When casualties occur and the tactical situation permits, a unit team should be organized to collect deceased personnel and their effects. The remains and effects are then retrograded to the BSA where a mortuary affairs team will handle the concurrent return of the remains. Identification of Remains The Department of the Army and Department of Defense have come a long way in successful identification of soldier remains.
Identification remains the key step in the mortuary affairs process.
These changes and improvements have come through better training, new and improved identification methodology, improving technology, and doctrinal changes. Technology has had the largest impact on the identification of remains. Soldiers' records now contain information not available during previous wars and conflicts. Specific locations have been designated in Hawaii and Washington, DC, to assist with the identification process. Finally, joint doctrine has changed to ensure timely return and identification of US service members.