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.
Past history illustrates the successes in the identification process.
Of the 81,462 US dead in World War I, the remains of 1,227 were not recovered and identified. The figures for World War II list the total US dead as 360,844. In the Korean war, the total dead numbered 36,923. During the Vietnam war in the 1960s and 1970s, about 57,500 US military personnel died in Southeast Asia. In September 1998, that figure stood at 2,076.