Atch 1 - AFI34-501.pdf

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY

OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 34-501

16 APRIL 2019

Services

MORTUARY AFFAIRS PROGRAM

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing CoP at www.e-Publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering

RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication

OPR: AF/A1S

Supersedes: AFI34-501, 18 Aug 2015

Certified by: SAF/MR

(Jeffrey R. Mayo, SES)

Pages: 168

This instruction implements Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 34-1, Air Force Services, DoDI

3001.03, Accounting for Personnel Lost in Past Conflicts – The Armed Forces Identification

Review Board and DoD 4515.13-R, Air Transportation Eligibility. This instruction provides guidance for remains disposition of Air Force and other eligible personnel, responsibility to ensure convening medical authorities accomplish positive identification of remains, military funeral honors, guidance and procedures for search and recovery, government cemeteries and headstones, DoD mortuary facilities, procurement of supplies, contract mortuary services, case file maintenance, records administration and disposal, and reimbursable supplies and services. In collaboration with the Chief of Air Force Reserve (AF/RE) and the Director of the Air National

Guard (NGB/CF), the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services (AF/A1) develops policy for the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Program. This publication may be supplemented at any level; all MAJCOM-level supplements require approval by the publication

OPR prior to certification and approval. All Air Force military and civilian personnel (includes

Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard (units and members)) comply with this publication. The authorities to waive wing/unit level requirements in this publication are identified with a Tier (“T-0, T-1, T-2, T-3”) number following the compliance statement. See AFI 33-360, Publications and Forms Management, for a description of the authorities associated with the Tier numbers. Submit requests for waivers through the chain of command to the appropriate Tier waiver approval authority, or alternately, to the Publication OPR for non-tiered compliance items.

This instruction does not apply to the Casualty Assistance and Civil Defense Programs. Refer recommended changes and questions about this publication to the Office of Primary

Responsibility. Waivers to this publication may only be granted on a case-by-case basis by HQ http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/

2 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

USAF/A1S, and consistent with federal law and DoD Policy. This Instruction requires the collection and or maintenance of information protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 authorized by

Title 10 United States Code, Section 8013, Secretary of the Air Force. The applicable SORN

A0600-8-1c, AHRC DoD is available at: http://dpclo.defense.gov/Privacy/SORNs.aspx.

Ensure all records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication are maintained in accordance with Air Force Manual 33-363, Management of Records, and disposed of in accordance with the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule located in the Air Force Records

Information Management System. The use of the name or mark of any specific manufacturer, commercial product, commodity, or service in this publication does not imply endorsement by the

Air Force.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This document is substantially revised and requires complete review. This publication incorporates content previously found in AFI 34-511, Disposition of Personal Property and

Effects, which will rescinded upon publication of this document. This revision updates the tiering requirements and provides detailed guidance on cemetery management. Retained are the process steps necessary to standardize activities across the enterprise. This policy also revises the guidance on denial of Military Funeral Honors determinations. The overall instruction is simplified and acronyms spelled out as required.

Chapter 1— AIR FORCE MORTUARY AFFAIRS PROGRAM 18

Section 1A— General Guidance. 18

1.1. Scope

1.2. Overview of the Mortuary Affairs Program

Section 1B— Mortuary Affairs Program Roles and Responsibilities. 18

1.3. Headquarters United States Air Force, Director of Services (HQ USAF/A1S):

1.4. AFMAO Commander:

1.5. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO):

1.6. MAJCOM/CC:

1.7. MAJCOM/A1 and NGB/A1:

1.8. Installation Commander, General Court Martial Convening Authority or Senior

Air Force Officer within a non-Air Force led joint base organizational structure with installation level responsibilities:

1.9. Force Support Squadron Commander or Director:

1.10. Installation Mortuary Officer:

http://dpclo.defense.gov/Privacy/SORNs.aspx

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 3

1.11. Air University, Eaker Center for Professional Development will develop and provide, in coordination with AFMAO, formal mortuary training:

Section 1C— Additional Roles. 22

1.12. Person Authorized Direct Disposition (PADD)

1.13. Summary Courts Officer

1.14. Escort and Special Escort

1.15. Family Assistance Representative

1.16. Unit Commander of a Fallen Airman:

Chapter 2— MORTUARY ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENTS FOR AIR FORCE

PERSONNEL 25

2.1. Purpose

Section 2A— Eligibility for Mortuary Entitlements. 25

2.2. Regular Air Force, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Cadets

2.3. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

2.4. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard

2.5. Enlistment Applicants

2.6. Discharged Military Personnel Who Die in a U.S. Government Hospital

2.7. Retired or Retained

Section 2B— Entitlements – Primary Expense Items – Services and Merchandise selected by the

Person Authorized to Direct Disposition and provided by Funeral Home under

Contract to the Air Force. 26

2.8. Recovery and Removal of Remains

2.9. Basic Services of the Funeral Director and Staff

2.10. Preparation of Remains

2.11. Holding of Remains

2.12. Casket

2.13. Shipment of Remains-Outer Shipping Container

2.14. Death Certificates

2.15. Burial Clothing

2.16. Cremation and Cremation Permit

4 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

2.17. Urn

2.18. State Cemetery Fees

Section 2C— Entitlements–Secondary Expense Items–Receiving Funeral Home Selected by

Person Authorized to Direct Disposition. 27

2.19. Secondary Reimbursement Entitlements

Table 2.1. Authorized Secondary Expense Items

Table 2.2. Unauthorized Secondary Expenses

Section 2D— Other Entitlements. 30

2.20. Remains Escort

2.21. Summary Courts Officer

2.22. Family Assistance Representative

2.23. Interment Flags

2.24. Hardwood Flag Cases

2.25. Dignified Arrival at Destination Airports

2.26. Military Funeral Honors

2.27. Memorial Register Books

2.28. Interment in a Government Cemetery

2.29. Government-Furnished Headstones

Section 2E— Transportation of Remains; Authorized Next of Kin Travel to Attend a Dignified

Transfer, Funeral or Installation Memorial Service. 31

2.30. Authorized Transportation Expenses

Table 2.3. Authorized Transportation Expenses

2.31. Transportation of Remains within the fifty states and US Territories

2.32. Authorized Modes of Transportation

2.33. Transportation of Remains – OCONUS (All locations outside of the fifty states and US Territories)

2.34. Transportation of Remains from AFMAO

2.35. Stopover Requests

2.36. Prohibition of Arrival and Departure Ceremonies and Media Coverage

2.37. Dignified Transfer

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 5

2.38. Media Coverage

2.39. Funeral Travel Eligibility

Table 2.4. Individuals Entitled to Funeral Travel and Installation Memorial Service. (Joint

Federal Travel Regulation)

2.40. Authorized Funeral and Installation Memorial Service Travel Allowances

2.41. Installation Memorial Service

Section 2F— Mortuary Entitlements for Military Members under Unusual Circumstances. 38

2.42. Absent Without Leave

2.43. A Military Member Dropped From the Rolls

2.44. Undetermined Military Status

2.45. Body Not Recoverable

2.46. Group Burial or Interment

2.47. Disinterment

2.48. Subsequent Identified Remains: Portions and Retained Organs

Chapter 3— MORTUARY ACTIONS FOR DECEASED MILITARY PERSONNEL 41

3.1. Purpose

Section 3A— Recovery of Remains and Initial Mortuary Actions 41

3.2. Mortuary Case Management:

3.3. Initial Actions upon Notification of a Death

Table 3.1. Initial Death Message – Required Information Format

Table 3.2. Supplemental Death Message Format

3.4. Recovery and Movement of Remains

3.5. Verification of Military Status and Entitlements

3.6. Securing Personal Property and Effects

3.7. Summary Courts Officer Appointment

3.8. Appointment of a Family Assistance Representative

3.9. Initial Contact With the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition

Section 3B— Disposition, Preparation and Casketing. 46

3.10. Brief the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition on Mortuary Entitlements

6 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

3.11. Person Authorized to Direct Disposition Mortuary Entitlements Brief

3.12. Actions When the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition Makes Arrangements

Prior to the Disposition Briefing

3.13. Relinquishment of the Right to Direct Disposition

3.14. Release of Remains to the Funeral Home

3.15. Cremation

3.16. Reprocessing Remains Prepared Without Person Authorized to Direct

Disposition or Air Force Direction

3.17. Direct Consignment to a Government Cemetery

3.18. Inspection of Remains, Casket and Shipping Container (CONUS)

Section 3C— Summary Courts Officer and Escort Actions. 50

3.19. Summary Courts Officer Briefing

3.20. Escort Selection and Approval

3.21. Escort Briefing

3.22. Escort Travel Arrangements

Section 3D— Interment Actions. 51

3.23. Arranging the Dignified Arrival

3.24. Arranging Military Funeral Honors

3.25. Applying for the Government Furnished Headstone

Section 3E— Transportation of Remains and Funeral Travel. 52

3.26. Shipping Remains to Final Destination in CONUS

3.27. Shipping Remains from Origin in OCONUS

3.28. Notification of Movement of Remains to Final Destination

3.29. Sending the Instruction Letter to the Receiving Funeral Home

3.30. Funeral Travel Assistance

3.31. Installation Memorial Service Travel Assistance

Section 3F— Group Interment and Body Not Recovered Actions. 53

3.32. Body Not Recovered

3.33. Final Mortuary Officer Actions

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 7

Chapter 4— ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENTS FOR OTHER CATEGORIES OF

PERSONNEL 56

4.1. Purpose and Eligibility

4.2. Entitlements—Transportation of Remains

Table 4.1. Authorized Modes of Transportation

Section 4A— Other Categories of Entitled Persons. 56

4.3. Dependents of Active Duty Personnel

4.4. Retirees and Their Dependents

4.5. Appropriated Funds (APF) Civilian Employees

4.6. Dependents of Appropriated Fund Civilian Employees - OCONUS only

4.7. Nonappropriated Fund Employees - OCONUS only

4.8. Dependents of Nonappropriated Fund Employees - OCONUS only

4.9. Contractors Employed by the Air Force - OCONUS only

4.10. Dependents of Contractors Employed by the Air Force-OCONUS only

4.11. American Red Cross and USO Employees - OCONUS only

4.12. Dependents of American Red Cross and USO Employees - OCONUS only

4.13. Foreign National Civilian Employees

4.14. Other Eligible US Citizens

4.15. Dependents of Other Eligible US Citizens

4.16. Military Prisoners

4.17. Indigent or Unclaimed Persons

4.18. Enemy Prisoners of War (POWs) and Interned Enemy Aliens

4.19. Members of Another Branch of Service

4.20. US Coast Guard and Uniformed Services

4.21. Air National Guard Members

4.22. Foreign Military Members

Chapter 5— MORTUARY ACTIONS FOR OTHER CATEGORIES OF PERSONNEL 66

5.1. Purpose

5.2. Validation of Status and Mortuary Entitlements

8 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

5.3. Initial Death Messages

Table 5.1. Initial Death Message for Other Categories of Personnel–Required Information. . 66

5.4. Mortuary Case Files

5.5. Mortuary Entitlements Briefing

5.6. Payment or Reimbursement of Authorized Expenses

5.7. Dependents of Active Duty Members (CONUS Deaths)

5.8. Dependents of Active Duty Members (OCONUS Deaths)

Table 5.2. Remains Movement Message–OCONUS Dependents

5.9. Retirees and Their Dependents

5.10. Appropriated Fund and Nonappropriated Fund Civilian Employees and Their

Dependents

5.11. Contractors and Their Dependents

5.12. Red Cross and USO Employees and Their Dependents - OCONUS

5.13. Foreign National Civilian Employees

5.14. Other US Citizens - OCONUS

5.15. Military Prisoners

5.16. Indigent (Unclaimed) Persons

5.17. Enemy POWs and Interned Enemy Aliens

5.18. Members of Another Branch of Service

5.19. Air National Guard Members

5.20. Foreign Military Members

Chapter 6— SEARCH AND RECOVERY (S&R) OPERATIONS PROGRAM

RESPONSIBILITIES 71

Section 6A— Program Responsibilities. 71

6.1. Purpose

6.2. National Incident Management System (NIMS)

6.3. Search and Recovery Team

6.4. Installation Requirement for Search and Recovery Team

Table 6.1. Installation Search and Recovery Team Composition and Training

Requirements

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 9

6.5. Determining Level of Response

6.6. Search and Recovery Capability Limitations

6.7. Roles and Responsibilities

6.8. S&R Supplies and Equipment

Table 6.2. Required S&R Supplies and Equipment

Table 6.3. Required Personal Equipment

6.9. Personal Protective Equipment

Table 6.4. Required Personal Protective Equipment

Section 6B— Planning & Execution of Search and Recovery Operations 76

6.10. Responsibilities and Actions During Search and Recovery Operations

Table 6.5. Search and Recovery Planning Considerations

6.11. Refer to the Guide to Services Contingency Planning:

Chapter 7— INSTALLATION HONOR GUARD PROGRAM AND CONDUCT OF

MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS 80

Section 7A— General Honor Guard Policy. 80

7.1. Military Funeral Honors Mission

7.2. Military Funeral Honors Entitlement

7.3. Performance of Military Funeral Honors

7.4. Composition of the Funeral Honors Detail

7.5. Military Funeral Honors Ceremonial Requirements

7.6. Waiver of Funeral Honors

7.7. Unsupported or Missed Funeral Honors Requests

7.8. Denial of Military Funeral Honors

7.9. Annual Report to Congress

7.10. Responding to Funeral Honors Requests

Section 7B— Funeral Honors Roles and Responsibilities. 84

7.11. HQ USAF/A1S will:

7.12. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) will:

7.13. AFSVA/SVORA will:

10 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

7.14. HQ AFRC/A1 will:

7.15. NGB/A1X will:

7.16. The 11th Wing Commander (Joint Base Andrews, MD) will:

7.17. The USAF Honor Guard will:

7.18. The Installation Commander will:

7.19. AFRC/ANG Wing or Group CC (unit providing augmentation) will:

7.20. Force Support Squadron Commander

7.21. Force Support Squadron Chief Enlisted Manager will:

7.22. Honor Guard Program Manager will:

7.23. Honor Guard Team Member Responsibilities

7.24. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard Honor Guard Augmentees will:

7.25. Security Forces Commander will:

7.26. Public Affairs will:

Section 7C— Military Funeral Honors Eligibility and Entitlements. 90

7.27. Active Duty and Recipients of the Medal of Honor

7.28. Reservists Not On Duty

7.29. Former Military Members Eligibility (Veterans and Retirees) is determined by

10 USC 1491

7.30. Certain Civilians Who Served During Wartime

7.31. Uniformed Services

Section 7D— Base Honor Guard Team Elements. 92

7.32. Pallbearers will be proficient in dignified casket carrying maneuvers

7.33. Honorary Pallbearers

7.34. Firing Party

7.35. Bugler

7.36. Color Guard

7.37. Flag Folding Teams

Figure 7.1. Verbiage Used When Presenting The American Flag During A Funeral/

Memorial Service

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 11

Section 7E— Flyovers. 93

7.38. Flyovers at Funeral or Memorial Services

7.39. Eligibility

7.40. Approval for Flyovers Participation

7.41. Installation Memorial Flyovers

7.42. Flyovers in the National Capital Region (NCR)

7.43. Exceptions to Policy

Section 7F— Resource Management. 95

7.44. Sources of Funeral Honors Manpower

7.45. Funding

7.46. Base Honor Guard Uniforms

7.47. Honor Guard Weapons and Ammunition Acquisition

7.48. Weapons Storage

7.49. Weapons Maintenance

7.50. Honor Guard Vehicles

Section 7G— Honor Guard Training. 97

7.51. Training Resources

7.52. In-Residence Training

7.53. Mobile Training Courses

7.54. Honor Guard Reporting

Chapter 8— MORTUARY AFFAIRS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 98

Section 8A— Responsibilities. 98

8.1. Purpose

8.2. AFMAO will:

8.3. MAJCOM/A1 will:

8.4. The Installation Mortuary Officer will:

Section 8B— Authorized Use of Funds for Mortuary Supplies and Services. 98

8.5. Mortuary Funds – Authorized Utilization and Expenses

8.6. Operation and Maintenance Funds-Authorized Expenses

12 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

8.7. Expenses for Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Foreign Personnel. . 100

8.8. Reimbursable Cases Overseas

8.9. Funding Shortfalls

Section 8C— Purchase of Mortuary Supplies. 101

8.10. Local Purchase Items

8.11. Centrally Purchased Items

8.12. Supplies as Part of the Contract

8.13. Purchase of Burial Clothing and Accoutrements

8.14. Authorized Burial Clothing Items

Section 8D— Mortuary Services Contracts. 103

8.15. Contracting for Mortuary Services

8.16. Annual Mortuary Services Contracts or Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)

8.17. One Time Purchase Order

8.18. Non-Contract Services

Section 8E— Payment of Mortuary Supplies and Services. 104

8.19. Use of the Government Purchase Card (GPC)

8.20. Payment of Mortuary Expenses

8.21. Payment of Reimbursable Services and Supplies

8.22. Depositing Proceeds from Reimbursement

8.23. Establishing Accounting Procedures

Chapter 9— DOD MORTUARY FACILITIES OPERATED BY THE AIR FORCE 107

9.1. Air Force Mortuaries

9.2. AFMAO will follow DoD guidance and internal Operating Instructions in the operation of the Port Mortuary Branch of AFMAO

9.3. Air Force Facilities OCONUS - USAF Regional Mortuary Yokota, Japan

9.4. DoD Mortuary Facilities OCONUS not Operated by the Air Force. NOTE:

9.5. When DoD Mortuary Facilities are Not Available OCONUS

9.6. Specification Casket

9.7. Procurement of Infant and Child Caskets

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 13

9.8. Transfer Cases

9.9. Shipping Containers

9.10. Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Chapter 10— MASS FATALITY MANAGEMENT 111

Section 10A— General Mass Fatality Policy 111

10.1. Purpose

10.2. Mass Fatality Incident (MFI) Defined

10.3. Mass Fatality Operating Locations

10.4. Funding

10.5. Mass Fatality Management Plans

Section 10B— Mass Fatality Roles and Responsibilities. 111

10.6. HQ USAF/A1S will:

10.7. AFMAO will:

10.8. MAJCOM/A1 will coordinate funding support for installation mass fatality incident support

10.9. Mortuary Officer (at the installation providing Search and Recovery) will:

10.10. AFMAO Port Mortuary will:

10.11. AFMAO will:

10.12. Air Force and Other Services Augmentation

Section 10C— Disposition of Personal Effects. 113

10.13. Handling and Disposition of Personal Effects

Section 10D— Mass Fatality Plans. 114

10.14. Mass Fatality Plans–Required Elements

Chapter 11— MORTUARY AFFAIRS IN CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS 117

Section 11A— General Policy. 117

11.1. Purpose

11.2. Overview

11.3. Scope of the Mortuary Program in Contingency Fatality Operations

11.4. Contingency Mortuary Support-Other Categories of Personnel

14 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

11.5. Search and Recovery Operations

Section 11B— Contingency Mortuary Operating Concept (Flow of Remains). 118

11.6. Casualty Collection Point (CCP)

11.7. Mortuary Affairs Collection Point

11.8. Mortuary Personnel Mortuary Affairs Collection Point Responsibilities

11.9. The Mortuary Affairs Collection Point Process

11.10. Theater Mortuary Evacuation Points (TMEPs)

11.11. Aerial Port: (Force Support Augmentation)

11.12. Armed Forces Medical Examiner System and AFMAO Roles, Dover AFB

Section 11C— Temporary Storage or Interment in the Area of Responsibility. 122

11.13. Emergency Interment

11.14. Temporary Interment

Section 11D— Contaminated Remains. 123

11.15. Contaminated Remains Overview

11.16. Contaminated Personal Effects

11.17. Health and Safety

Table 11.1. Decontamination Supplies and Equipment

11.18. Required Supplies and Equipment

Chapter 12— FAMILY ASSISTANCE REPRESENTATIVE FOR FAMILIES OF

DECEASED AIRMEN 125

12.1. Introduction

12.2. Key Personnel in the Delivery of Services

12.3. Air Force Family Assistance Representative Program Service Delivery

12.4. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Chapter 13— DISPOSITION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY AND EFFECTS PROGRAM 133

Section 13A— ----Disposition Of Personal Property And Effects Program Overview. 133

13.1. Program Objective

13.2. Entitled Air Force Personnel and Other Individuals

13.3. Authorized Person Eligible to Receive Effects

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 15

13.4. Roles and Responsibilities

13.5. SCO Requirements

13.6. SCO Actions

Section 13B— ---Handling And Disposing Personal Effects Of Deceased Personnel 138

13.7. Procedures for handling and disposing of the personal effects of deceased personnel. Section 13C

13.8. Inventorying Personal Effects

13.9. Personal Effects Containing Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment.

The Summary Courts Officer:

13.10. Securing Personal Effects

13.11. Disposition of Personal Effects

13.12. Destroying Personal Effects

13.13. Record Final Disposition of Personal Effects:

Section 13C— ---Disposing Of Property And Settling Accounts For Members Who Die On

Active Duty 140

13.14. Personal Property Disposition Instructions

13.15. Inventorying Property

13.16. Disposing of Identification (ID) and Military Documents

13.17. Disposing of Mail and Personal Papers

13.18. Disposing of Funds and Negotiable Instruments

13.19. Shipping Items

13.20. Packing and Storage Services

13.21. Disposing of Property in Transit or in Non-temporary Storage

13.22. Disposing of Property Without a Recipient

13.23. Closing the Summary Court File

Section 13D— ---Disposing Of Property and Settling Accounts For Other Individuals 146

13.24. Missing, Detained, and Captured Persons. Military Personnel

13.25. Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN)

13.26. Medically Evacuated, Hospitalized, or Mentally Incompetent Personnel

13.27. DoD Civilians

16 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

13.28. Contract Personnel Whose Property is in Possession of the Air Force

13.29. Foreign National Military Members Who Die While on Training in the United

States

13.30. Foreign National Civilian Employees

13.31. Pensioners, indigent patients, and persons who die on Air Force Installations

13.32. Traditional ANG or Dual Status Technician Members Who Die While Not In A

Duty Status

Section 13E— ---Wartime Personal Effects and Property Procedures 149

13.33. Personal Effects and Property:

13.34. In Forward Areas:

13.35. In Rear Areas:

13.36. Disposing of the Property and Funds of Deceased Persons:

13.37. Effects Disposition for Allied Dead:

13.38. Missing, Detained, or Captured Personnel

13.39. Return of a Missing Person

13.40. Disposition of Classified Matter

Chapter 14— INSTALLATION CEMETERY MANAGAMENT 152

14.1. Installation Cemeteries Overview

14.2. HQ USAF/A1S will:

14.3. HQ USAF/A4C will:

14.4. AFMAO/CC will:

14.5. The Installation Commander will:

14.6. Force Support Squadron Commander or Director will:

14.7. Base Civil Engineer will:

14.8. Government Cemetery Manager will:

14.9. Installation Government Cemeteries

14.10. When the Family Member Died Before the Eligible Member

14.11. Reserving Gravesites

Figure 14.1. Reservation Contact Memorandum Template

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 17

14.12. Disposal

14.13. Record and Reports

14.14. Maintenance of Cemeteries

14.15. Administering Government Cemetery Operations

Figure 14.2. Installation Cemeteries by Type

Attachment 1— GLOSSARY OF REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION 162

18 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

Chapter 1

AIR FORCE MORTUARY AFFAIRS PROGRAM

Section 1A—General Guidance.

1.1. Scope. This instruction establishes guidance and assigns responsibilities for the Air Force

Mortuary Affairs program. The Mortuary Affairs program provides for the recovery, segregation, identification, care, and disposition of the decedent’s remains prescribed in this instruction in peacetime and wartime across the range of military operations. It also provides guidance for the provision of entitlements and communication with the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition of the remains.

1.1.1. Training. Due to the highly sensitive nature of this program, commanders must ensure personnel involved in the Mortuary Affairs program are properly trained and proficient in the execution of their Mortuary Affairs duties. (T-1)

1.1.2. Installation Mortuary Plan. Installation commanders will ensure their mortuary plans are current include provisions for individual deaths, search and recovery operations, and mass fatalities.

1.2. Overview of the Mortuary Affairs Program. Provides support across the full range of military operations in two distinct categories:

1.2.1. The Current Death category. Eligible personnel receive with professional mortuary services (removal, identification, preparation, and disposition of remains) and supplies

(clothing, casket, etc.) incident to care and disposition.

1.2.2. The Graves Registration category. Provides for search, recovery and evacuation of remains to a theater mortuary affairs activity or temporary burial site.

Section 1B—Mortuary Affairs Program Roles and Responsibilities.

1.3. Headquarters United States Air Force, Director of Services (HQ USAF/A1S):

1.3.1. Establish policy for the execution of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Program.

1.3.2. Provide oversight for Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) and ensure the organization has the required training, equipment, and resources to effectively execute the Air

Force Mortuary Affairs Program and operate the Port Mortuary at Dover AFB.

1.3.3. Determine the requirement for the establishment of additional Air Force mortuaries or closure of same.

1.4. AFMAO Commander:

1.4.1. Will serve as waiver authority for all items tiered as T-1 throughout this instruction, except for any actions required of the AFMAO Commander. In those instances, the Director of Air Force Services (AF/A1S) will serve as waiver authority at the T-1 level.

1.4.2. Ensure AFMAO has the required training, equipment, and resources to effectively execute the Air Force Mortuary Program and operate the Port Mortuary at Dover AFB. (T-1)

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 19

1.4.3. The Secretary of the Air Force (SecAF) delegates to the AFMAO Commander the approval authority to expand eligible family member travel, beyond the Primary Next of Kin and two additional travelers (named by Primary Next of Kin), to attend a Dignified Transfer at

Dover AFB.

1.4.4. Be the final authority to consider requests for extensions to Summary Courts Officer cases beyond 180 days.

1.4.5. Serve as the Air Force voting representative to the Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Board and Cemetery Management Board.

1.5. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO):

1.5.1. Act as the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s designee in the execution of the

Dignified Transfers process.

1.5.1.1. Establish policy for the operation of the Campus for the Families of the Fallen including the Fisher House, Meditation Pavilion and Center for the Families of the Fallen to support family members who are attending the Dignified Transfer.

1.5.2. Serve as the Military Funeral Honors and Installation Honor Guard Program point of contact for the Air Force.

1.5.3. Operates, trains, and equip the Port Mortuary(ies), on behalf of the Secretary of the Air

Force.

1.5.4. Develop mortuary affairs procedures, techniques and processes; provide oversight for the execution of the AF Mortuary Affairs Program.

1.5.5. Create and maintain case files for incidents in which an active duty member is declared deceased but remains are not recovered; these cases are referred to as Body Not Recovered.

Gather and store all statistical data on each non-recovered individual for use in future search, recovery and identification.

1.5.6. Provide subject matter expert to installation Mortuary Affairs office in reviewing claims and Cost Data Worksheets and make adjudication recommendations for funeral, interment and transportation expenses.

1.5.7. Oversee the Family Assistance Representative program.

1.5.8. Oversee and execute the Air Force Past Conflict Mortuary Program in accordance with all applicable laws, directives, and policies.

1.5.9. The Mortuary Affairs Branch provides case management oversight for deaths covered in chapters 2 and chapter 4 of this instruction.

1.5.10. Validate or provide all Air Force mortuary affairs education and training. (T-1)

1.5.11. Provide support and guidance for Air Force aircraft incidents resulting in loss of life and mass fatality incidents.

1.6. MAJCOM/CC: Ensures capability exists within their command to provide mortuary support for deaths within geographic proximity to their installation and in compliance with the provisions of this instruction. (T-1)

20 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

1.7. MAJCOM/A1 and NGB/A1:

1.7.1. Ensures installations comply with the guidance set forth in this publication.

1.7.2. Implements a financial plan for governing the payment of mortuary related expenses within the command and at installations. NOTE: Does not apply to National Guard Bureau.

1.7.3. National Guard Bureau ensures all Air National Guard Installations have Search and

Recovery capabilities.

1.8. Installation Commander, General Court Martial Convening Authority or Senior Air

Force Officer within a non-Air Force led joint base organizational structure with installation level responsibilities:

1.8.1. Maintains overall responsibility for their installation Mortuary Affairs program. (T-0)

1.8.2. Ensures Mortuary Affairs is incorporated into the written installation-level mass fatality response plan or disaster response plan for the implementation and execution of the Mortuary

Affairs program and for Search and Recovery operations, including the handling of remains in aircraft mishaps and mass fatalities occurring on and off base. (T-0)

1.8.2.1. Ensures military personnel assigned to the installation, or available from another unit under a Memorandum of Understanding, are trained to support the installation Search and Recovery capability. (T-1)

1.8.3. Appoints a Summary Courts Officer for the disposition of personal property and effects.

(T-1) The Summary Courts Officer will be a commissioned officer, appointed on orders

(Special Orders Series A). (T-1) NOTE: General Court Martial Convening Authority must appoint the Summary Courts Officer. (T-0)

1.8.4. Ensures a Family Assistance Representative is appointed to support eligible family members. (T-1)

1.8.5. Determines whether or not an installation memorial service will be held in honor of a fallen Airman assigned to their installation and whether or not to invite the Airman’s family.

(T-3) NOTE: (1) The Installation Commander must ensure compliance with the (2) two-year limitation (as stated in JTR 032005) on the decision to hold a memorial service for family travel entitlements. (T-0) The Joint Travel Regulation restricts reimbursement for travel to memorial services to two years after the death of the Service member.

1.8.5.1. Ensures the Mortuary Officer is the representative communicating with the Person

Authorized to Direct Disposition (and Primary Next of Kin, if not the same as Person

Authorized to Direct Disposition) in the scheduling of the installation memorial service, should one be held and the Airman’s family is invited. (T-3)

1.8.6. Ensures the Installation Honor Guard Program is manned and the program is funded to render Military Funeral Honors within geographic area of responsibility. (T-0) NOTE: Does not apply to Air National Guard.

1.8.6.1. Air National Guard units with Honor Guard teams will not perform military funeral honors details without proper coordination with the Active Duty Air Force unit owning the area of responsibility.

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 21

1.9. Force Support Squadron Commander or Director:

1.9.1. Be responsible to the Installation Commander, or Senior Air Force officer within the joint base organizational structure for the management of the Installation's Mortuary Affairs

Program, Honor Guard Program and Cemetery Program (where applicable). (T-0)

1.9.2. Appoints a primary Mortuary Officer and at least one alternate Mortuary Officer. (T-

1)

1.9.2.1. The primary Mortuary Officer is the Force Support Operations Officer or a designated civilian position, however the Force Support Squadron Commander or Director maintains overall responsibility for Mortuary Affairs Program.

1.9.2.2. Mortuary Officers will be exempt from additional duties outside the Force Support

Squadron during a mortuary case, to include being a member of the notification team. (T-

1)

1.9.3. Ensures the appointed primary and alternate Mortuary Officers attend the Mortuary

Officers’ Course as soon as a course slot comes available. AFMAO may provide training in the interim to allow newly assigned Mortuary Officers to conduct the duties of the position.

(T-1) NOTE: Air National Guard Mortuary Officers can attend the Air National Guard hosted

Mortuary Officer’s course.

1.9.4. Ensures the primary or alternate Mortuary Officers can be reached during non-duty hours.

1.9.5. Ensures the primary and alternate Mortuary Officer(s) and Mortuary Technician(s) have user access to the Defense Casualty Information Processing System for use in mortuary case management. (T-1)

1.9.6. Ensures a written Installation Mortuary Plan is current and updated every two years.

1.9.7. Ensures a minimum of 11 personnel to support Search and Recovery operations are assigned by appointment letter and trained. Additional required S&R team augmenters’ will receive just-in-time training.

1.9.8. Establish with the Wing Staff Judge Advocate, the base jurisdiction for mortuary affairs responsibilities. If the installation is exclusive federal jurisdiction, make all death notifications to the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System. The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System will determine the need for a forensic pathology investigation (which may include an autopsy examination). Establish and maintain Memorandum of Understanding between the Air Force or Air National Guard installation (if stand-alone) and local civilian authorities. Delineate the roles and responsibilities with transportation and care of the remains of all decedents, in the event the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System determines a forensic pathology investigation is not warranted when the death occurs on the installation. Handle all deaths occurring off the installation in accordance with local statue as defined by local authorities.

Include provisions for the other categories of deceased covered in Chapter 4 of this publication when the death occurs on an Air Force installation that is not under federal jurisdiction. (T-1) Download the Memorandum of Understanding template from the AFMAO

SharePoint.

22 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

1.9.9. Ensures a Memorandum of Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding is established between Regular Air Force and Air Reserve components for Mortuary, Honor

Guard, or Search and Recovery support, as required. (T-1)

1.9.10. Ensures a response is provided for inquiries from family members or outside agencies concerned with the quality of service provided by Installation Mortuary Office, Honor Guard or Cemetery (where applicable). (T-1)

1.9.11. Ensures Mortuary Technicians attend the Mortuary Technician’s Course within six months of assignment. (T-0) NOTE: Air National Guard Mortuary Technicians will attend the

Air National Guard Mortuary Affairs Skills Enhancement Course within six months of appointment.

1.10. Installation Mortuary Officer:

1.10.1. Utilize AF Form 57, Mortuary Guide, the Air Force Mortuary Case Management

DCIPS Checklist and Defense Casualty Information Processing System for mortuary case management. NOTE: Defense Casualty Information Processing System Checklist and User

Guide are available on AFMAO SharePoint. (T-1)

1.10.2. Develops a written Installation Mortuary Plan. NOTE: Example plan available on

AFMAO SharePoint. (T-1)

1.10.3. Establishes, trains, and equip the Installation Search and Recovery Team. (T-1)

1.10.3.1. Establishes an annual contract, Blanket Purchase Agreement or a one-time contract for mortuary services that complies with Performance Work Statement for the

DoD Contracted Mortuary Services. NOTE: This requirement does not pertain to Air

National Guard, except for Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands Air National Guard. (T-1)

1.10.4. Most Mortuary Officer responsibilities can be delegated to the Mortuary Technician.

Mortuary Technicians may assist Mortuary Officers with the preparation of viscera before embalming and suturing of remains after embalming. The Mortuary Technician will not brief the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition, ensure positive identification of remains, inspect remains, prepare embalming chemicals or embalm remains, take responsibility for the Search and Recovery team or perform annual inspections of contract funeral homes.

1.11. Air University, Eaker Center for Professional Development will develop and provide, in coordination with AFMAO, formal mortuary training:

1.11.1. Mortuary Officers’ Course for primary and alternate, military and civilians. (T-1)

1.11.2. Mortuary Technicians’ Course enlisted and civilians assigned to mortuary technician duties. (T-1)

Section 1C—Additional Roles.

1.12. Person Authorized Direct Disposition (PADD). The individual designated by the deceased member on DD Form 93, Record of Emergency Data, entitled to direct the disposition of the remains.

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 23

1.12.1. If a member has failed to designate a Person Authorized to Direct Disposition, or the designated Person Authorized to Direct Disposition relinquishes his or her rights to direct disposition in writing, the Air Force will utilize the hierarchy listed in paragraphs 1.12.3.1.

through 1.12.3.9. to determine who serves as the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition, in order of precedence. (T-0)

1.12.2. If two or more persons claim the right to direct disposition and cannot provide documentary support, agreement may be achieved either between them mutually or via legal adjudication in the civil courts. The Air Force will adhere to any order provided by a civil court with respect to a decision as to who has the authority to effect disposition of the remains of a fallen Airman. (T-0)

1.12.3. The Air Force will use the following order of precedence to determine who serves as the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition.

1.12.3.1. Surviving spouse.

1.12.3.2. Children over 18 years of age, in order of age from oldest to youngest.

1.12.3.3. Father or mother, whichever is older and if not divorced. If divorced when decedent was a minor, the custodial parent or legal guardian has the right to direct disposition. If the parents divorced after the decedent was of legal age, the eldest parent has the right to direct disposition.

1.12.3.4. A blood relative who had legal custody by court decree or statutory provision.

1.12.3.5. Brothers and sisters over 18 years of age, in order of age from oldest to youngest.

1.12.3.6. Grandparents, in order of age.

1.12.3.7. Blood relatives over 18 years of age, in order of relationship to the decedent, according to state laws. In equal degrees of relationship, seniority by age controls.

1.12.3.8. Adoptive relatives of the decedent in order of relationship and age.

1.12.3.9. A person standing in “loco parentis” to the decedent, if no person in paragraphs

1.12.3.1 through 1.12.3.8. can be found.

1.13. Summary Courts Officer. A Summary Courts Officer must be a commissioned officer appointed by a General Court Martial Convening Authority to handle the personal property and effects of deceased personnel and other eligible individuals. (T-0)

1.14. Escort and Special Escort. The escort must accompany the remains from the preparing mortuary to the funeral home or other location requested by the Person Authorized to Direct

Disposition. (T-0)

1.15. Family Assistance Representative. The Family Assistance Representative is a military member, recommended by the commander of the deceased, and appointed by the Installation

Commander, who assists the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition or Primary Next of Kin as outlined in Chapter 12 of this instruction. The Family Assistance Representative is not an expert in any entitlements area but serves as an advocate to link the family to available resources to support the family.

24 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

1.16. Unit Commander of a Fallen Airman:

1.16.1. Will appoint in writing a unit member to serve as the Family Assistance Representative and Escort unless a special Escort is requested by the family. (T-1)

1.16.2. Will coordinate installation memorial service for fallen Airman with Mortuary Officer.

(T-3)

1.16.3. Will provide logistical support to the family to meet their needs including all transportation support to and from the airport, the memorial service and any other assistance necessary. (T-3)

1.16.4. Is authorized funded temporary duty to attend or send their designated representative to the funeral of a military member from within their organization, when that funeral is conducted away from their home station.

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 25

Chapter 2

MORTUARY ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENTS FOR AIR FORCE PERSONNEL

2.1. Purpose. This chapter addresses mortuary entitlements for eligible military personnel.

Section 2A—Eligibility for Mortuary Entitlements.

2.2. Regular Air Force, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Cadets. Active duty members of the regular Air Force not dropped from the rolls (available for duty) prior to death and

USAFA cadets.

2.3. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Members and applicants accepted into ROTC who die while attending training camp, hospitalized for a medical condition aggravated by or incurred during training or en route to or from training.

2.4. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. Members of the Air Force Reserve and Air

National Guard, to include Active Guard Reserve full-time personnel, who die:

2.4.1. While on active duty.

2.4.2. During Inactive Duty Training.

2.4.3. Performing authorized travel directly to or from active duty or Inactive Duty Training.

2.4.4. Remaining overnight immediately before the commencement of Inactive Duty

Training; between successive periods of Inactive Duty Training; at or in the vicinity of the site of the Inactive Duty Training; or staying at the member’s residence, when so authorized by proper authority, during a period of inactive duty training or between successive days of inactive duty training.

2.4.5. While hospitalized or undergoing treatment for a medical condition aggravated by or incurred while on active duty or inactive training. NOTE: In the event of an accident or death of an Air Reserve Component Honor Guard Member, it is the responsibility of the active duty

Area of Responsibility Manager to immediately notify the installation Command Post and installation Mortuary Officer, as well as AFMAO.

2.4.6. For Traditional Guardsmen who do not meet the eligibility requirements as stated in

2.4.1. through 2.4.5., refer to paragraph 4.21.

2.5. Enlistment Applicants. Accepted applicants for enlistment or commissioning in the Air

Force under the jurisdiction of the Air Force.

2.5.1. This entitlement is limited to those enlistees who die after reporting to the Military

Enlistment Processing Station, whether staying overnight in the Military Enlistment

Processing Station area while awaiting transportation to or who die while enroute to basic training.

2.6. Discharged Military Personnel Who Die in a U.S. Government Hospital. Any person discharged (not retired) from an enlistment or commission while a patient in a U.S. Government hospital and remained a patient in the hospital to the date of death.

26 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

2.7. Retired or Retained. A member is considered in a retired or retained status if they were called to active duty (other than for training) for a period of more than 30 days and were retired from active duty (including medical retirement) while a patient in a hospital and who died during a continuous hospitalization. This does not include hospice or nursing home care. A Summary

Courts Officer will be appointed on orders when the death occurs at a place or command under the jurisdiction of the Air Force and there is no legal representative or surviving spouse present. (T-0)

NOTE: Retired or retained members are eligible for the same entitlements as an active duty military member, with the exception of funeral travel.

Section 2B—Entitlements – Primary Expense Items – Services and Merchandise selected by the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition and provided by Funeral Home under Contract to the Air Force.

2.8. Recovery and Removal of Remains. Personnel are entitled to recovery and removal of their remains, to include subsequently identified portions or retained organs, to the preparing funeral home.

2.9. Basic Services of the Funeral Director and Staff. Basic services are a non-declinable service fee that a funeral home may charge for services provided in every death handled.

2.10. Preparation of Remains. Preparation includes embalming, wrapping or dressing and cosmetizing any remains and including those that are subsequently identified to a fallen Airman or organs retained by the medical authorities to assist in determining cause and manner of death.

2.11. Holding of Remains. The Air Force will pay all costs for holding remains awaiting burial in a government cemetery (e.g. VA cemeteries, State cemeteries, Arlington National Cemetery, West Point, USAF Academy, US Naval Academy, etc.), when the cemetery schedule is responsible for the delay in interment. (T-0)

2.12. Casket. DoD specification are: 18-gauge metal protective casket, solid hardwood casket, or hardwood cremation casket.

2.13. Shipment of Remains-Outer Shipping Container. Wooden or lightweight outer shipping container.

2.14. Death Certificates.

2.14.1. CONUS. Provide the Primary Next of Kin with fifteen (15) certified copies of the

State Death Certificate. (T-1) Installations will comply with local requirements regarding completion and handling of death certificates. (T-1) The contract funeral home will obtain the death certificates as part of their contractual requirements. (T-1) NOTE: Corrections to Death

Certificates will be made and (15) certified copies will be provided to the Primary Next of Kin when the fault for the correction lies with the Air Force. (T-1)

2.14.2. OCONUS. Overseas military hospitals or the Armed Forces Medical Examiner may prepare and forward one copy of the DD Form 2064, Certificate of Death Overseas, to

AFMAO. AFMAO will distribute DD Form 2064 to the appropriate Mortuary Officer. (T-0)

2.14.3. Body Not Recovered. If death occurred in CONUS, State Death Certificate will be issued IAW State law. If death occurred OCONUS, a DD Form 1300 is prepared by the Air

Force Casualty Office and distributed by the Casualty Assistance Representative IAW AFI 36-

3002. (T-0)

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 27

2.15. Burial Clothing. Purchase of burial clothing, either military uniform or civilian.

2.16. Cremation and Cremation Permit. The Air Force will prepare and place the deceased in a solid hardwood casket and return the deceased to the destination designated by the Person

Authorized to Direct Disposition. (T-0) The cremation will be through the funeral home designated and contracted by the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition at Air Force expense, IAW applicable statutory provisions. (T-0) The Air Force will pay the cost of the cremation permit. (T-

0)

2.17. Urn. The Mortuary Officer will ensure a specification solid walnut or bronze urn is shipped with the deceased for placement of the cremated remains by the receiving funeral home. (T-1)

2.18. State Cemetery Fees. State VA Cemetery charges for interment.

Section 2C—Entitlements–Secondary Expense Items–Receiving Funeral Home Selected by

Person Authorized to Direct Disposition.

2.19. Secondary Reimbursement Entitlements. The Air Force will pay for authorized secondary expense items listed in Table 2.1. (T-1) The Air Force can only pay up to the maximum amount listed on the maximum secondary allowance table located on the AFMAO SharePoint. (T-

0) The Person Authorized to Direct Disposition is responsible for any additional costs above the allowance limits and any unauthorized secondary expenses found in Table 2.2. (T-1) NOTE:

AFMAO can authorize secondary expenses for items not listed in Table 2.1.

28 AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019

Table 2.1. Authorized Secondary Expense Items.

Item

Expense items the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition may incur at the receiving funeral home and cemetery authorized for reimbursement up to the maximum reimbursement entitlement.

1.

Basic minimum services of funeral director & staff; receiving remains service charge

2.

Use of facilities for viewing or visitation, staff for viewing or visitation held elsewhere

3. Use of funeral home chapel or staff for funeral or memorial service held elsewhere

4. Graveside service charge

5. Cemetery equipment

6. Funeral and Memorial service

7. Inurnment

8. Commercial scatter fee

9. Appropriate floral arrangements

10.

Pallbearers when military burial honors are not performed or declined by the

Person Authorized to Direct Disposition

11. Service programs, service bulletins or service orders

12. Prayer cards and mass cards

13. Acknowledgment cards

14. Guest register

15. Religious items required for disposition of remains

16. Organist

17. Interpreter for language or hearing impaired guests

18.

Musician (singer, choir, bagpipes, etc.) (Must be part of funeral or interment service)

19. Clergy or Officiant honorarium

20. Single grave space or crypt for casket; single grave space or niche for urn

21. Opening and closing of grave, crypt or niche

22. Burial permit fee

23. Outer burial container; grave liner or vault for casket or urn, as applicable

24. Grave marker or headstone

25. Temporary grave marker

26. Police escort(s) for funeral procession

27. Family car or limousine for immediate family members

28. Flower car or utility vehicle

29. Lead vehicle

30. Rental casket for cremation

31. Sales Tax

32. Photography, videography, DVDs and CDs, digital media

33. Granite base and setting fees

34.

Additional Urns for use when splitting cremated remains among family members

(No jewelry or micro urns intended as keepsakes)

35. Motorcycle hearse or horse drawn carriage for transportation of remains

AFI34-501 16 APRIL 2019 29

(Automotive Funeral Coach or Hearse is the authorized transportation expense; a motorcycle hearse or horse drawn carriage is a specialty service chosen by the

Person Authorized to Direct Disposition to add symbolic meaning to the funeral and interment)

36.

Storage…