NAVMEDCOM_INST_5360.1_Decedent_Affairs_Manual.pdf

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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

Naval Medical Command

Washington, DC 20372-5120 and

Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps Washington, DC 20380-0001

NAVMEDCOM INSTRUCTION 5360.1

From: Commander. Naval Medical Command Commandant of the Marine Corps

To: All Ships and Stations

Subj: DECEDENT AFFAIRS MANUAL

'N REPLY fl.EFER TO

NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1

MEDCOM-33

MARCORPS MHP-10

17 Sep 87

1. Purpose. To carry out the Department of the Navy's Decedent Affairs Program (DAP). This instruction is a complete revision and should be read in its entirety. Symbols denoting deleted.

revised. or added paraqr2phs are not reflected.

2. Cancellation. BUMED Instructions 5360.1D and 5360.21C.

3. scope. The provisions of this instruction are applicable dur ing peacetime. in times of war. and in support of major military opera t ions. In a war or ma j or mi 1 i tary operation. the Cur rent Death program will continue until the area commander determines that the Graves Registration (GR) program must be started. When GR becomes necessary. the procedures in FMFM 4-8 (NOTAL). Handling of Deceased Personnel in Theaters of Operations. are applicable to all naval forces. Additionally. this instruction:

a. Enumerates persons entitled to or eligible for one or more of the benefits of the Decedent Affairs Program.

b. Prescribes the extent and cond i t ions under which benef its may be provided such persons.

c. Sets forth limitations on payments and reimbursements authorized for such benefits.

4. Action

a. Ensure that all appropriate personnel under your cognizance are made aware of the contents of this instruction. including appendices A through W. assuring that:

(1) Remains of all deceased personnel for whom the Depart ment of the Navy is responsible are furnished required and autho rized services in keeping with the highest standards and traditions of the Navy and Marine Corps.

NAVMEDCOMINST .5360.1

17 Sep 87

(2) Surviving relatives are accorded the consideration and sympathy due them.

b. Use the provisions of this instruction in conjunction with the Manual of the Medical Department (MANMED). U. S. Marine Corps manuals. Naval Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN). Navy Regu lations. Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Joint Federal Travel Regu lations (JFTR). and other applicable directives pertaining to casualty reporting. casualty notification. casualty assistance calls programs. travel to burial sites. and burial honors. The objectives of the programs in this instructions are to assure:

(1) Immediate recovery and identification of deceased per-sonnel.

(2) High standards of and uniformity in services provided.

(3) Minimum elapsed time between death and delivery of remains or cremains to the primary next of kin (PNOK).

(4) Prompt notification to the PNOK and secondary next of kin (SNOK) concerning matters applicable to the Decedent Affairs Program.

5. Records Disposition

a. When 2 years old or when purpose is served. whichever is earlier. destroy accumulated routine day-to-day general DAP records not pertaining to a specific case.

b. Apply appropriate item under SSIC 5360 of SECNAVINST 5212.5C to DAP policy records and records pertaining to specific cases.

6. Repor ts . I n keeping wi th adminis tra t i ve workload reduct ion efforts. the reporting requirements listed below have been reviewed and are found to be current. These reports have been approved by the Chief of Nava 1 Opera t ions for 3 years f rom the da te of this instruction.

Requiring Symbol Title Paragraph(s)

MED 5360-1 Report of Burial in Navy Ceme-teries or Plots 13-3

MED 5360-3 Report of Dispositions and Expen-ditures - Remains of Dead 11-7

15-5a & b r

Symbol

MED 5360-4

(MIN:CONSIDERED)

MED 5360-5

(MIN:CONSIDERED)

MED 5360-6

(MIN:CONSIDERED)

MED 5360-10

MED 5360-11

(MIN:CONSIDERED)

MED 5360-13

(MIN:CONSIDERED)

MED 5360-14

NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1

17 Sep 87

Requiring Title Paraqraph(s)

Unidentified or Group Remains 4-12a 16-1

Subsequent Recovery of Partial Remains 4-13

Search. Recovery. and Identifi-cation Operations Progress 4-15

Interment Allowance Review Data 2-2c(3)(q)

Decedent Affairs Death Report 3-3

Disaster Involving Other Service Dead 4-4

Escort of Deceased Naval Personnel 10-7a(2)(f)

7. Forms. Forms are available from the sources listed below:

a. The following forms are available from COG 11 stock points of the Navy Supply System and can be ordered per NAVSUP P-2002:

Form No.

DD 565

DD 890

DD 892

DD 893

DD 894

Title

Statement of Recognition (Rev. 8-84)

Record of Identification Processing - Effects and Physical Data (Rev. 1-58)

Record of Identification Pro cessing - Skeletal Chart (Rev. 2-56)

Record of Identification Pro cessing - Anatomical Chart (Rev. 2-56)

Record of Identification Pro cessing - Fingerprint Chart (Rev. 2-56)

Stock No.

0102-LF-000-5650

0102-LF-008-7920

0102-LF-008-7940

0102-LF-008-7950

0102-LF-008-7960

I

NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1

Form No.

DD 1149

DD 1155

DD 1351-2

DD 1375

DD 1384

DD 1387-2

DD 2064

Title Stock No.

Requisition and Invoice/Ship-ping Document (Rev. 3-59) 0102-LF-011-1801

Order for supplies or Services/ Request for Quotation (Rev. 9-82) 0102-LF-011-3103

Travel Voucher or Subvoucher (Rev. 6-78) 0102-LF-013-2703

Request for Payment of Funeral and/or Interment Expenses (Rev. 4-87) 0102-LF-013-5302

Transportation Control and Movement Document (Rev. 4-66) 0102-LF-013-5700 special Handling Data Certifi-cation (Rev. 6-86) 0102-LF-001-3877

Certificate of Death (Overseas) (Rev. 4-77) 0102-LF-002-0640

b. The following forms are available from the sources indi cated:

Form No.

AF Form 507

DA 2386-R

DD 891

DD 2062

DD 2063

Title

Agreement for Interment (Rev. 8-76)

Agreement for Interment (Rev. 6-82)

Record of Identification Processing - Dental Chart (Rev. 2-56)

Record of Preparation and Disposition of Remains (Out side CONUS) (Rev. 4-84)

Record of Preparation and Disposition of Remains (Within CONUS) (Rev. 4-87)

Source

COMNAVMEDCOM (MED

COM-332)

Same as above.

Same as above.

Same as above.

Same as above.

Form No. Title

DD 2065 Disposition of Remains - Reim bursable Basis (Rev. 4-87)

VA Form 40-1330 Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (Rev. 7-80)

VA Form 21-8834 Application for Reimburse ment of Headstone or Marker Expenses (Rev. 2-79)

NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1

17 Sep 87

Source

COMNAVMEDCOM (MED

COM-332)

Director, Monument Services, Veterans Administration, Washington, DC 20420

Same as above.

c. The following forms are available from the Federal Supply System through normal supply procurement procedures:

F'orm No.

SF 88

SF 603

SF 603A

Distribution:

(See next page)

Title

Report of Medical Examination (Rev. 10-75)

Dental Health Record (Rev. 10-75)

Dental Health Record (Continuation) (Rev. 10-75)

National Stock No.

7540-00-634-4038 (8 X 10 1/2) or 7540-00-753-4570 (8 X 21)

7540-00-634-4179

7540-00-577-5881

Distribution:

SNDL Parts 1 and 2 MARCORPS Codes H and I (COMNAVMEDCOM - 250 copies)

Stocked:

CO, NAVPUBFORMCEN

5801 Tabor Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19120-5099 (500 copies)

LOCATOR CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET

Subj: DECEDENT AFFAIRS MANUAL

See:

NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1

17 Sep 87

(Recipient enter information as to where this instruction is maintained.)

RECORD OF CHANGES

DECEDENT AFFAIRS MANUAL

Change No. Date of Change Date Entered i

NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1

Signature

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Decedent Affairs Program

General Departmental Responsibilities Programs Definitions Field Records

2 Current Death Program General Responsibilities Services and Supplies Eligibility and Extent of Benefits .. .

3 Notification of Death General Initial Report of Death Decedent Affairs Death Reports Report of Death to Other u.S.

Government Agencies Report of Death on Foreign Nationals .

Notification to Primary and Secondary

Next of Kin Method of Notification Telegram Format Condolence Letter Autopsy

4 Search. Recovery. and Identification General Unusual Identification Problems Coordination With Other Military

Activities Other Services Deceased Personnel Recovery Control Officer Identification Processing comparison Studies Conclusions Identified Remains Group Interment Unidentified Remains Subsequent Recovery of Partial

Rema ins Per s 0 na 1 E f f e c t s Progress Reports Medical Examination of Remains

(Autopsy) iii

NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1

17 Sep 87

Paragraph Page

1-1 1-1 1-2 1-1 1-3 1-1 1-4 1-4 1-5 1-8

2-1 2-1 2-2 2-2 2-3 2-10 2-3b 2-14

3--1 3-1 3-2 3-1 3-3 3-2

3-4 3-4 3-5 3-4

3-6 3-4 3-7 3-6 3-8 3-7 3-9 3-10 3-10 3-10

4-1 4-1 4-2 4-1

4-3 4-1 4-4 4-2 4-5 4-2 4-6 4-4 4-7 4-4 4-8 4-5 4-9 4-6 4-10 4-6 4-11 4-7 4-12 4-7

4-13 4-7 4-14 4-8 4-15 4-8

4-16 4-8

CONTENTS (Continued)

Chapter 5 Mortuary Services

General Annual Contracts One-Time Contracts (Individual

Purchase Orders) Private Arrangements by Primary

Next of Kin Authorized Items

6 Preparing and Reprocessing Remains General Outside the 48 Contiguous United

States Within the 48 Contiguous United

States Preservation Guide Surveillance After Preservation Cosmetizing. Dressing. or

Wrapping Remains Burial Clothing and Accoutrements Placement of Remains in Casket or

Transfer Case Caskets Reprocessing at U.S. POE Inspection of Remains. Casket. and

Shipping Container in the U.S Acceptance of Supplies and Services ..

7 Cremation Authorization Place of Cremation Crema t ion Cas ket Certification Transportation Urn Cons ignment Transportation Schedule.

Notification of

8 At Sea Disposition General Individuals Eligible for At Sea

Disposition Responsibilities Documents Required Preparation Commi t tal iv

Paragraph Page

5--1 5-1 5-2 5-1

5-3 5-2

5-4 5 --2 5-5 5-3

6-1 6-1

6-2 6-1

6-3 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-4

6-6 6-4 6-7 6-5

6-8 6-7 6-9 6-7 6-10 6-8

6-11 6-8 6-12 6-8

7-1 7-1 7-2 7-1 7-3 7-1 7-4 7-1 7-5 7-1 7-6 7-2 7-7 7-2

7-8 7-2

8-1 8-1

8-2 8-1 8-3 8-2 8-4 8-4 8-5 8-8 8-6 8-9

CONTENTS (Continued)

Chapter Paragraph 8 At Sea Disposition

Completion of Burial ................. 8-7 Individuals Not Entitled to Decedent

Affairs Program Benefits. ........ 8-8

9 consignment. Notification. and Transportation Consignment - Persons Authorized Trans portation at Government Expense ..

Notification - Consignee. Primary and

Secondary Next of Kin. and Casualty Assistance Calls Officer

Transportation Indirect Routing (Stopover

Enroute) Special Transportation

Requirements Disinterred Remains

10 Escorts General Use of Escorts Eligibility for Escort Duty special Escorts Selection of Escort Naval Members as Escorts for Army or

Air Force Members Duties and Responsibilities Stopover Time Lodging Travel Expenses Completion of Escort Duties

11 Payments and Collections General Amounts Allowable Payment and Reimbursement of Autho-rized Expenses. Except Dependents.

Transportation Expenses. Military

Dependents Decedent Affairs Programs Allotments .

Collection Actions Reporting Expenses Autopsies - Payment for Civil Death Certificates

12 National Cemeteries General Eligibility for Interment v

9-1

9-2 9-3

9-3e

9-3f 9-3f(3)

10-1 10-2 10-3 10-4 10-5

10-6 10-7 10-8 10-9 10-10 10-11

11-1 11-2

11-3

11-4 11-5 11-6 11-7 11-8 11-9

12-1 12-2

Page

8-12

8-12

9-1

9-2 9-7

9-12

9-12 9-13

10-1 10-2 10-4 10-4 10-6

10-6 10-6 10-10 10-10 10-10 10-10

11-1 11-1

11-3

11-5 11-6 11-6 11-8 11-8 11-- 9

12-1 12-1

CONTENTS (Continued)

Chapter 12 National Cemeteries

Application Military Honors Vaults, Liners, and Containers viewing Remains Schedule of Interments Transportation National Cemeteries - List of

13 Naval Plots and Cemeteries General Eligibility for Interment Report Expansion Limitations Naval Plots and Cemeteries - List of .

14 Headstones and Markers General Entitlement Procurement Memorial Headstones or Markers

15 Disposition of Remains of Members of Other General Deaths in the 48 Contiguous United

States and Alaska Deaths Outside the 48 Contiguous

United States and Alaska Multiple Deaths Involving Members of

Two or More Services Records and Reporting Payment Procedures

16 Group Interments General Preparation and Casketing Place of Interment Escorts NOK Not if ica t ion Transportation of Relatives Hotel and Motel Reservations Honors and Flags Photographs Heads tones vi

Paragraph Page

12-3 12-4 12-4 12-5 12-5 12-6 12-6 12-6 12-7 12-6 12-8 12-6 12-9 12-7

13-1 13-1 13-2 13-1 13-3 13-1 13-4 13-1 13-5 13-2

14-1 14-1 14-2 14-1 14-3 14-1 14-4 14-2

Services 15-1 15-1

15-2 15-1

15-3 15-2

15-4 15-3 15-5 15-3 15-6 15-4

16-1 16-1 16-2 16-1 16-3 16-1 16-4 16-1 16-5 16-1 16-6 16-3 16-7 16-11 16-8 16-11 16-9 16-12 16-10 16-12

CONTENTS (Continued)

Appendices

NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1

17 Sep 87

Page

A Bibliography of Instructions. Notices. Manuals. and Other Source Materials Cited .................. A-l

B Care and Disposition of Remains When Multiple Deaths of Members of Two or More Services Occur as Result of Disaster or Major Accident .......... B-1

C Mortuary Supplies and Equipment ..................... C-l

D Checklist for Pre-Award Inspection of Funeral Establishment ................................. D-l

E Safeguarding and Transporting Human Remains to the United States ................................. E-l

F Offices of Medical Affairs. Naval Hospitals with OMA Responsibilities. and Commanders in Chief F-l

G Sample - Request for Payment of Funeral and/or Interment Expenses (DD 1375) .................. G-l

H Sample - Statement of Recognition of Deceased (DD 565) ...................................... H-l

I Sample - Agreement for Interment (DA 2386-R) ........ I-1

J Specifications ...................................... J-l

K Air Force and Army Accounting Data .................. K--l

L Sample - Application for Reimbursement of Headstone or Marker Expenses (VA 21-8834) ............... L-1

M Sample - Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (VA 40-1330) .............. M-1 o Sample - Record of Preparation and Disposition of Remains (Outside CONUS) (DD 2062) ............. 0-1

P Sample - Record of Preparation and Disposition of Remains (Within CONUS) (DD 2063) .............. P-1

Q Sample - Disposition of Remains - Reimbursable Basis (DD 2065) ............................... Q-1

R Casualty Assistance Calls and Funeral Honors Support (CAC/FHS) Program Coordinators ................ R-1 vii

Appendices

CONTENTS (Continued)

Page

S Sample - Certificate of Death (Overseas) (DD 2064) .. S-l

T Sample - Receiving Funeral Director's Report T-1 u Acronyms U-1

V Sample - Interment Allowance Review Data

(MED 5360-10) ................................. V-1

W Geographic Naval Medical Regions and Areas of Responsibility ............................. W-1 viii

Chapter 1 - Decedent Affairs Program

1-1. General. The Decedent Affairs Program (DAP) provides for search. recovery. identification. care. and disposition of remains of deceased persons for whom the Department of the Navy is respon sible.

1-2. Departmental Responsibilities. The Secretary of the Navy has delegated administrative responsibilities as follows: "The Chief.

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. under the command of the Chief of Naval Operations. is responsible. in conjunction with the Comman dant of the Marine Corps as to matters pertaining to Marine Corps personnel. [or the formulation and promulgation of policies. stand ards. procedures. and training material pertinent to the Decedent Affairs Program." Due to restructuring. this delegation of admin istrative responsibilities is vested in the Commander. Naval Medi cal Command (COMNAVMEDCOM).

1-3. Programs. In carrying out the responsibilities delegated in paragraph 1-2. the following programs have been established. These five programs may coexist.

a. Current Death Program. This program provides professional mortuary services. supplies. and related services incident to care and disposition of remains of persons eligible for these services by specific statute. Under this program. remains are shipped to a place designated by the primary next of kin for permanent disposi tion and the decedent's personal effects are shipped to the legal recipient. Although not a part of the Current Death Program.

round-trip transportation to the burial site is authorized for family members of deceased active duty members under a program administered by CMC and COMNAVMILPERSCOM as outlined in paragraph 16-6b. The Current Death program is operational on a worldwide basis during peacetime and will continue outside areas of conflict during major military operations. It may also continue in areas of conflict depending on the logistical and tactical situation.

b. Graves Registration Program. The Graves Registration Pro gram (GR or GRREG) provides for the search. recovery. evacuation (to a temporary cemetery or a mortuary). initial identification.

disposition of personal effects found with each deceased. and burial of eligible deceased persons in temporary cemeteries. This program is only operational when authorized by the responsible commander during major military operations. When necessary. GR includes the establishment and maintenance of temporary burial sites. Operational details incident to graves registration proce dures are contained in Marine Corps publication FMFM 4-8 (NOTAL).

Handling of Deceased Personnel in Theaters of operations.

1-1

1-3c 1-3e(l)(c)

c. Concurrent Return Program

(1) This program, a combination of the Current Death Pro gram and Graves Registration Program, may be activated during emer genc ies or rna j or mi I i tary opera t ions when cond i t ions and ca pa bilities permit. It begins with the initial phase of the Graves Registration Program that provides for search, recovery, and evac uation of remains to a processing point. It ends with the Current Death Program that provides [or identification and preparation of remains in a mortuary (central identification laboratory) and ship ment, for permanent disposition, to final destination as directed by the PNOK. The Concurrent Return Program may be phased into either the Current Death Program or Graves Registration Program as the situation dictates.

(2) Remains buried in temporary cemeteries (under the Graves Registration Program or in emergencies) may be disinterred and evacuated under the Concurrent Return Program if conditions and capabilities permit.

d. Return of Remains Program. The Return of Remains Program can only be activated upon enactment of special legislation. This program provides f or permanent dis pos i t ion of rema ins of those persons buried in temporary cemeteries who could not be evacuated under the Concurrent Return Program. The special legislation could authorize the establishment of one or more permanent American cemeteries in the overseas area thereby giving the PNOK the option of having the remains buried therein or shipped to another place of the PNOK's choosing. Within Navy, the Commander, Naval Medical Command (COMNAVMEDCOM) will advise field activities of the activa tion of a Return of Remains Program.

e. Casualty Assistance Calls Programs

(1) General. Although Casualty Assistance Calls Programs (CACP) of the Navy and Marine Corps are not identified as part of the DAP, they are integrally related. Per NAVMILPERSCOMINST 1770.1 (NOTAL), Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP) Manual, the casu alty assistance calls officer (CACO) helps the PNOK and SNOK with problems surrounding the death and provides information on such matters as:

(a) Disposition of remains.

(b) Death gratuity and unpaid pay and allowances.

(c) Personal effects of deceased.

1-2

1-3e(1)(d) 1-3e(3)

(d) Settlement of decedent's estate (wills, bank accounts, property, savings bonds, commercial insurance, etc.).

(e) Servicemen's Group Life Insurance (SGLI).

(f) Applications for Veterans Administration (VA) sur vivors benefits, dependency and indemnity compensation or pension, social security benefits, etc.

(g) Shipment of household items.

(h) Travel of dependents to grave site and to perma nent residence.

(i) Medical care.

(j) Exchange and commissary privileges.

(k) Employment and education.

(1) Application for Government headstone.

(m) Any other reasonable requests made by the PNOK and

SNOK.

(2) Navy. The Commander, Naval Military Personnel Com mand (COMNAVMILPERSCOM) administers the Navy CACP, acting for the Chief of Naval Personnel. Operational control has been delegated to Casualty Assistance Calls and Funeral Honors Support (CAC/FHS) program coordinators listed in appendix R. The CAC/FHS program coordinator for the areas within which the PNOK and SNOK reside designates an active duty commissioned officer or a well qualified senior enlisted member to act as the CACO. This help is provided through per sona 1 contact: the firs t PNOK ca 11 be ing made wi thin 24 hours of death when the PNOK may well need help on such matters as mi 1 i tary honors and memor ia 1 services in connect ion wi th the funeral. Disposition of remains instructions are obtained and provided, by message, to the appropriate command and COMNAVMEDCOM.

Guidance for the CACO is in NAVMILPERSCOMINST 1770.1 (NOTAL), Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP) Manual. Reports of contact (Symbol NAVPERS 1770-1) are submitted to COMNAVMILPERSCOM.

(3) Marine Corps. As outlined in MARCORCASPROCMAN (MCO P3040.4) (NOTAL), the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) admin is ters the Mar ine Corps CACP. Fo llowing rece i pt of inf orma t ion that a Marine Corps member has died, and after personal PNOK noti fication, the CMC originates a letter to the PNOK concerning the various benefits that may be available and offering the aid of a

1-3

NAVMJ:::DCOMINS'r 5360.1

1-4 1-4c(1)(c).£f.

casualty assistance calls officer (CACO) in these matters. Appro priate documents and application forms are provided by the CMC to the CACO. CACOs aid the PNOK. if desired. in the proper completion of all forms. CACOs submit a final report on casualty assistance to CMC.

1-4. Definitions

a. The 48 Contiguous United States.

includes the District of Columbia.

This term. in any form.

b. Port of Entry (POE). An activity designated to receive.

reprocess. and arrange for transportation of remains originating in an overseas location (paragraph 9-1b refers) and to receive remains from naval activities in the 48 contiguous United States that are destined for an overseas location (paragraph 9-3c(1)(c) refers).

c. Primary Next of Kin (PNOK)

(1) Person most closely related to the decedent in the following order. who also has been determined to be entitled to direct disposition (MILPERSMAN 4210100 refers).

(a) Legal Spouse.

(b) Eldest child over age of majority.

(c) Father or mother.

1. The father if the parents are married at the time of disposition.

I. If the parents are separated or divorced. use discretion in deciding which parent should direct disposition. tak ing into consideration:

~. Identi ty of the parent who had custody of the deceased member at time of member's entry into the service.

Q. Relevant information provided in enlistment papers and in member's Dependency' Application/Record of Emergency Data (NAVPERS 1070/602) or Record of Emergency Data (DD 93).

~. Guidance from the senior medical officer or COMNAVMEDCOM (MEDCOM-332). if a decision cannot be made based upon the above factors.

1-4

1-4c(1)(d) 1-4d(1)(b)1

(d) Eldest brother or sister.

(e) Other blood relatives.

(2) For remains of prisoners of war or personnel missing in action for lengthy periods, (lexibility is provided in determining the proper individual to direct disposition. Whenever possible, accept the fami ly 's se lect ion of i ts representative to determine disposition. When a family is unable to agree, the disposition decision may be made by the available interested party highest in the following order of priority. This individual may waive that right in favor of the next interested party in the order of priority:

(a) The unremarried surviving spouse. The term sur viving spouse does not include one who obtained a divorce from the decedent (at any time).

(b) Na tura 1 and adopted chi ldren (by age). The age o[ majority is 18 years. The rights of minor children will be exer cised by their surviving parent or legal guardian.

(c) Parents.

(d) The remarried surviving spouse. The term remar ried surviving spouse does not include one who obtained a divorce [rom the decedent (at any time) or who remarried before a finding of death per 37 United States Code (U.S.C.) 555.

(e) Other blood relatives by degree of sanguinity.

(f) A person standing in loco parentis to the decedent.

If none of the above persons is available, the Secretary of the Military Department concerned may be deemed to have such standing.

d. Dependents

(1) Dependents of members of include:

(a) A spouse.

the uniformed services

(b) Unmarried legitimate or illegitimate children, stepchildren, and adopted children:

1. Under 21 years of age. (When both parents are military members, the child will be considered the dependent of the parent having custody.)

1-5

1-4d(1)(b)~ 1-4d(2)(b)~

2. Over 21 years of age:

~. Incapable of self support due to a mental or physical incapacity and in fact dependent on the member for over one-half of their support. or

b. Attains the age of 21 while overseas accom panying the member sponsor.

3. Over 21 years of age but has not passed the 23rd birthday. and is:

~. In fact dependent on the member for over one-half of their support. or

J2.. A full-time student in an approved insti tute of higher learning. carrying a class load of a minimum of 12 semester credit hours or equivalent.

(c) Fathers and mothers of members if in fact depend ent on the member for over one-half of their support and have been designated as dependents of the member in the member's service record. The term father or mother includes a stepparent or parent by adoption. and any other person. including a former stepparent.

who has stood in loco parentis to the member for a continuous period of not less than 5 years during the minority of the member.

A stepparent-stepchild relationship is deemed terminated by divorce of the stepparent and blood parent. However. such a relationship does not terminate upon the death of the blood parent.

(d) A parent-in-law of the member provided he or she is dependent on the member for over one-half of his or her support.

resides with the member. and has been designated a dependent of the member in the member's service record.

(2) Dependents of civilian employees may include:

(a) A spouse.

(b) Unmarried legitimate or illegitimate children.

stepchildren. adopted children. grandchildren. legal minor wards.

and children in legal guardianship:

1. Under 21 years of age.

~. Over 21 years of age and incapable of self support due to a mental or physical incapacity and in fact depend ent on the employee for over one-half of their support.

1-6

1-4d(2)(c) 1-4j

(c) Fathers and mothers of employees if in fact depend ent on the employee for at least 51 percent of their support. or resides with the employee. and have been provided travel at Govern ment expense to the employee's place of employment. The term father and mother includes legally adoptive parents or stepparents who have stood in loco parentis to the employee at any time for a continuous period of not less than 5 years during the minority of the employee. Stepparent-stepchild relationships are terminated by divorce of the stepparent and blood parent. However. such relationships do not terminate upon the death of the blood parent.

(d) Brothers and sis ters. inc 1 ud ing step and lega lly adopt i ve brothers and sis ters . Genera lly. thi s ca tegory mus t be dependent on the sponsoring civilian employee for at least 51 percent of their support.

(e) A parent-in-law of the employee provided he or she is dependent on the employee for over one-half of his or her sup port. resides with the employee. and has been provided transporta tion at Government expense to the employee's place of employment.

e. Primary Expenses. Expenses incurred in connection with recovery. preparation. and encasement of remains. including but not limited to expenses incurred for recovery; removal; embalming;

casket; shipping container; cremation; urn; clothing; and delivery of remains to a common-carrier terminal.

f. Secondary Expenses. Expenses incurred in connection wi th the funeral and burial of remains. including but not limited to those incurred for transportation (local) of relatives to the ceme tery. single gravesite. vault. funeral director's services. clergy man's services. opening and closing grave. floral tribute. and obituary notices.

g. Memor ia I Services Expenses. Expenses incur red in connec tion with memorial services when remains of deceased naval members are nonrecovered.

h. MIN:CONSIDERED. Minimize Considered. A term used in connection with the release of naval messages to be transmitted by electrical means.

i. Cremains. The ashes of a cremated human body.

j. Secondary Next of Kin (SNOK). Unless otherwise designated in the deceased individual's records. the person in paragraph 1-4c

(1) most closely related to the decedent after the PNOK. It should be noted that not everyone has an SNOK.

1-7

1·-5 1-5a(2) (b)

1-5. Field Records. Each facility involved will maintain a record pertaining to the death and disposition of remains of each indivi dual whose death occurs within its jurisdiction. When remains are removed from an overseas jurisdiction for care. the POE activity receiving remains and effecting reprocessing will maintain records concerning date and time functions are performed. Any documents not required to be forwarded to the Naval Medical Command will only be disposed of following SECNAVINST 5212.5C.

a. Prepare a DD 2063. Record of Preparation and Disposition of Remains (appendix P). in each instance of death occurring within the 48 contiguous United States in which the decedent affairs offi cer (DAO) or designee obtains supplies and services on a contrac tual basis in coordination with the contract mortician. including one-time contracts.

(1) Submit copy 1 of DD 2063 on naval personnel to COMNAV MEDCOM (MEDCOM-332) as soon as possible after remains have been transported to destination. Submit documents listed below with the DD 2063. (Report control symbol MED 5360-3 applies. Also see paragraph 11-7.)

(a) Documentation of the methods used to establish identification and DD 565. Statement of Recognition of Deceased.

from two individuals. When received from civil authorities for care by Navy. identity of remains should be confirmed prior to processing and return to PNOK. Forward identification and process ing documents in the transfer case with remains to POEs.

(b) A signed s ta tement of cond i t ion of rema ins upon arrival at consignee (funeral home).

(c) If the PNOK desires the Navy to arrange cremation.

copy of signed request from the PNOK and copy of crematorium docu ment.

(2) Copy 1 of DD 2063 completed by naval authorities for Army or Air Force personnel. accompanied by documents indicated in paragraphs 1-5a(1) (a). (b). and (c) when available. will be dis tributed as follows:

(a) For Army personnel: Commander. U.S.

tary Personnel Center. Casual ty and Memorial Affairs Center. ATTN: DAPC-·PDC-CD. Alexandr ia. VA 22331-0400.

Army Mili Operations

(b) For Air Force personnel: Headquarters. Air Force Engineering and Services Center-DEHM. Tyndall Air Force Base. F'L 32403-6001.

1-8

1-5a(3) 1-5d

(3) When the deceased member's family makes all arrange ments for care and disposition of remains, a DD 2063 will not be completed (paragraph 5-4 refers).

b. The armed services mortician responsible for preparation of remains will prepare a DD 2062, Record of Preparation and Dispo sition of Remains (Outside CONUS) (appendix 0 refers). When remains are prepared on a reimbursable basis, complete items 31, 32, and 34a and b. In the box entitled "Report Number" in the heading, insert a consecutively numbered identifier for each remains processed, i.e., beginning with the first remains processed each calendar year, 1-87, 2-87, 3-87, etc. Forward identification and processing documents in the transfer case with remains to POEs.

The POE embalmer or contract funeral director will complete the reverse of the form and make distribution of copies 1 through 5 as indicated in the lower right hand corner on the face of the form.

(Report control symbol MED 5360-3 applies. Also see paragraph 11-7. )

c. Prepare a DD 2065, Disposition of Remains - Reimbursable Basis (appendix Q refers), for remains of dependents of active duty members, dependents of civilians paid from appropriated funds, and for other individuals authorized to receive services on a reim bursable basis. Check options I, II, or III concerning arrange ments desired by PNOK in the disposition of remains. Distribute copies as indicated in the heading. (Also see paragraph 11-6c.)

d. When a sponsor (entitled to burial in a military cemetery) desires interment of a dependent in a military cemetery under the jurisdiction of the Army, the mortician responsible for remains processing will prepare an agreement for interment form, such as DA 2386·-R, Agreement for Interment (appendix I). (AF Form 507, Agreement for Interment, is also acceptable.)

1-9

Chapter 2 - Current Death Program

2-1. General. The Current Death Program provides for the follow ing specific functions:

a. Search for. recovery. and identification of remains.

b. COMNAVMEDCOM notification of all deaths of Navy and Marine Corps personnel (per NAVMILPERSCOM (BUPERS) directives and MARCOR CASPROC Manual. as appropriate). and on deaths of other uniformed services and non-uniformed service personnel occurring aboard naval ships. naval installations. or in an overseas area over which the Navy or Marine Corps has jurisdiction.

c. Notification (chapter 3 refers) to the PNOK and SNOK of deaths of personnel enumerated in paragraph 2-lb.

d. Collection and temporary retention of personal effects necessary for proper identification of remains. Instructions for final disposition of personal effects are set forth in directives of NAVMILPERSCOM. CMC. and Commander. Naval Supply Systems Command

(COMNAVSUPSYSCOM).

e. Preparation. casketing.

includes provision of clothing.

and inspection of remains. This insignia. and other required items.

f. Transportation of remains.

g. Escort -- In coordination with the appropriate Pay/Personnel Administrative Support System (PASS) office or responsible Marine Corps unit. arrangements for and instructions to escort.

h. Provision of u.S. flags (paragraph 5-5h and appendix C refer).

i. Cremation - Includes the following when required (appendix J. part I. clause 8.1 refers):

(1) Transportation.

(2) Urn.

(3) Engraving of urn.

(4) Outer container.

j. Interment - Either in a national. other Federal Government.

or civilian cemetery. as authorized.

2-1

2-1k 2-2a(7)

k. Provision of Government furnished grave marker.

1. Payment of DAP expenses in amounts authorized.

m. For nonrecovered remains of naval personnel (paragraph 11-2 c(2) refers):

(1) Payment for or reimbursement of memorial service expenses.

(2) Memorial flag. plot. and marker.

n. Al though not a part of the Current Death Program. round trip transportation to the burial site may be authorized for family members of deceased active duty members under a program adminis tered by the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) and COMNAVMILPERS COM as outlined in paragraph 16-6b.

2-2. Responsibilities

a. The Commander. Naval Medical Command. In conjunction with the Commandant of the Marine Corps when appropriate. the Commander.

Naval Medical Command. under the command of the Chief of Naval Operations. is responsible for:

(1) Formulation and promulgation of directives on policies.

standards. and procedures.

(2) Budgeting for and providing funds necessary to defray authorized Decedent Affairs Program expenses. monitoring such expenditures through examination of paid vouchers. and adjudication of contested claims.

(3) Coordination of arrangements with other agencies of the Government.

(4) Liaison with the civilian mortuary profession and industry.

(5) Coordination required in the recruitment and selec tion of morticians (NEC-8496) for mortuaries under naval cogni zance.

(6) Ensuring compliance with DAP policies and procedures.

(7) Visits to u.s. POEs and u.s. and overseas activities with DAP responsibilities. Providing appropriate help and support to these activities in the proper disposition of remains and related functions.

2-2

2--2a(8) 2-2b(1)

(8) Providing:

(a) Instructions to the appropriate office of medical affairs/naval hospital (OMA/NH) (appendix F') concerning adjudica tion of DAP claims and accumulation of data necessary for sUbmis sion of a report to COMNAVMEDCOM. per paragraph 2-2c(3)(q).

concerning adequacy of interment allowances.

(b) The Department of the Army with a biennial report (Symbol DD-M(AR)894) concerning the Navy I s recommendation on the adequacy of interment allowances (DOD Directive 1344.8 of 25 Sep 1978 (NOTAL) refers).

(9) Coordinating with commanding officers in the estab lishment. disestablishment. or consolidation of overseas Navy mor tuaries as required.

(10) Representing the Navy in the development of uniform annual contracts for the procurement of mortuary services.

(11) Supervi s ion of DAP func t ions performed in nava 1 med ical facilities.

(12) Training in decedent affairs procedures.

(13) Evaluation of the effectiveness of the DAP.

(14) Development of and approval of changes in mortuary equipment and supplies.

(15) Serving as the Navy representative on the Armed Ser vices Graves Registration Office (ASGRO). Aiding the Chief. ASGRO in resolution of problem situations and maintenance of appropriate records of missing and deceased personnel.

(16) Maintenance and disposition of records message. letter. and telephone concerning deceased Corps. and other personnel entitled to DAP benefits.

document the care. transportation. cost. disposition and special requests of the PNOK and other interested recei ved by Navy. Mar ine

These records instructions.

parties.

b. The Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC). In conjunction with the Commander. Naval Medical Command. the CMC is responsible for:

(1) Formulation and promulgation of directives on poli cies. standards. and procedures involving Marine Corps personnel.

2-3

2-2b(2) 2-2c(3)(a)

(2) Coordination of arrangements with other agencies of the Government on matters involving Marine corps personnel.

(3) Supervision, through designated commanders, of the DAP functions performed in Marine Corps activities.

(4) Contributing information for consideration in the eval uation of the current-death phase of the DAP.

(5) Administration of the Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP), encompassing, casualty reporting, casualty notification, and administration of the program that provides for travel of Marine Corps family members to burial sites (paragraph 16--6b) .

c. Coordination

(1) Chief of Nava 1 Operations. CNO has concur red in the delegation of responsibility for continued coordination in accom plishment of functions concerning one-time contracts: at sea dispo sition of eligible decedents, using naval vessels or naval air craft: and necessary arrangements through the CAC/FHS program for personal notifications (paragraph 1-3e refers).

(2) Commander, Naval Military Personnel Command. The COM NAVMILPERSCOM has responsibility for administration of the Navy Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP) as published in NAVMILPERS COMINST 1770.1. That program encompasses casualty reporting, casu alty notification, and administration of the program that provides for travel of Navy family members to burial sites.

(3) Offices of Medical Affairs/Naval Hospitals with OMA Responsibilities. The appropriate OMA/NH delineated in appendix F is responsible for administration and coordination of DAP functions within its respective area of responsibility. However, when a dea th occurs at or wi thin 40 mi les of a nava 1 med ica 1 treatment facility, or at a Marine Corps activity normally commanded by a general officer and at which an annual care of deceased contract is not in effect, that activity has the responsibility for coordi nation and awarding a one-time contract for preparation of the remains. The appropriate OMA/NH delineated in appendix F retains responsibility for actual administration and other functions. In connection with program responsibilities in this instruction, each OMA/NH listed in appendix F is responsible for:

(a) Formulation and promu 19a t ion of necessary d i rec-tives.

2-4

2-2c(3)(b) 2-2c(3)(m)

(b) Coordination of arrangements with other agencies of the Government and civil authorities.

(c) Liaison with the mortuary profession and industry.

(d) Administration of the procurement of annual con tracts for care of deceased personnel (see paragraph 5-2a).

(e) Initiation and supervision of special operations necessary to recover and identify remains (see chapter 4).

(f) Determination of actions relative to DAP matters.

responsibility for necessary

(g) Arrangements for the performance of appropriate decedent affairs functions when remains are not in the custody of a naval activity with an annual contract for care of deceased personnel.

(h) Provid ing a id to other act i vi ties in perf ormance of assigned duties.

(i) Providing requested aid to other OMAs/NHs.

(j) Assuring that actions taken are in conformity with legal requirements of the State or local jurisdiction.

(k) Development of emergency plans for use in event of a disaster.

(1) Adjudication and payment of certain DAP expenses.

This includes only:

1. Primary expenses when a one-time contract is used. (See paragraph 2-2d(2)(I) concerning adjudication of primary expenses incurred through use of annual contracts.)

is made

OMA/NH.

£. Secondary (burial) within the geographical area allowances when interment of responsibility of the

}. Memorial allowance claims of PNOKs residing within the geographical area of responsibility of the OMA/NH.

!. Necessary transportation expenses for remains.

(m) Inspections and investigations as required.

2-5

2--2c(3) (n) 2-2d(2)(b)

(n) DAP coordination with other nonnaval medical com mand activities within the activity's geographical area of respon sibility.

(0) Reviewing reports addressed to COMNAVMEDCOM or CMC to evaluate the program and provide proper program supervision.

(p) Coordination of at sea dispositions (chapter 8 refers).

(q) Compiling data. preparing. and submitting MED 5360--10. Interment Allowance Review Data. to COMNAVMEDCOM (MEDCOM- 332). COMNAVMEDCOM requires this report by 30 October each year.

~. Compile data from funeral bills that are volun tar i ly attached to the DD 1375. Reques t for Payment of }:o'unera I and/or Interment Expenses. submitted by persons who have directed disposition of remains.

~. Prepare a letter report in the format of appen dix V citing as many funeral bills as have been voluntarily submit ted during the preceding year. Complete each applicable column of appendix V for bills received that show a separate cost for the items listed.

2. Negative reports are required.

d. Naval Activities With Annual Care of the Dead Contracts

(1) Activities Included. Included in this category are naval medical facilities. all other naval activities with annual contracts for care of deceased personnel. and activities authorized by COMNAVMEDCOM. through OMAs/NHs. to use annual contracts of the Army or Air Force.

(2) Specific Responsibilities

(a) Procurement of annual contracts for care of deceased personnel. Obtain per existing procurement instructions.

provided the anticipated workload (based on past experience and knowledge of future operations) jus t i f ies the time and expense of contracting.

(b) Appointment of a decedent affairs officer (DAO).

The DAO is usually a member of the Medical Service Corps or. at those facilities using an enlisted member as the patient admini stration officer. the leading chief petty officer. The assignment

2-6

NAVM~DCOMINST 5360.1

2-2d(2)(b)1 2-2d(2) (h) is collateral duty at smaller activities; however if there is a need. the assignment may be as primary duty. In either situation.

the appointment must be made by letter. a copy of which must be provided to COMNAVMEDCOM (MEDCOM-332) and kept up-to-date as changes occur. At activities that have an appointed DAO. the DAO is personally responsible for:

1. Initial notification to the Commander. Naval Military Personnel Command (COMNAVMILPERSCOM) or Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) of death of individuals under the cognizance of the DAO'S command. The headquarters command is thus in a position to appoint casualty assistance calls officers (CACO) to effect the earliest possible PNOK and SNOK notification.

~. Notifications to the CACO for the PNOK of changes in the scheduled transportation of remains. The CACO is the only individual authorized to interact with the PNOK on trans po r tat ion rna t t e r s (p a rag rap h 9 --2 b ( 1 ) ref e r s ) .

1. Inspection of all remains processed under the DAO'S cognizance. The DAO will personally accomplish this function without redelegation. Delegating subordinates to accomplish this function has resulted in less than optimal results. When morti cians are assigned to the staff. their technical assistance may be used by the DAO in assessing the contract mortician ' s successful accomplishment of the requirements of this function. DD 2062 and DD 2063 contain a checklist of inspection items. Forward a leg ible. signed copy to COMNAVMEDCOM (MEDCOM-332) as soon as practical after completion of an inspection. This enables headquarters to adequately monitor and identify inspection discrepancies and contract mortuary service problems. and to ini tiate changes when required.

(c) Search for. recovery. and identification of remains.

(d) COMNAVMEDCOM notification of death when required as a decedent affairs matter.

(e) Collection and temporary retention of personal effects to collaborate in scientific identification of remains.

(f) Preparation and casketing remains.

(g) Cremation.

(h) Transportation of remains.

2--7

2-2d(2)(i) 2-2e(3) (c)

(i) In coordination with the appropriate Pay/Personnel Administrative Support System (PASS) office or responsible Marine Corps unit. arrangements for and instruction of escorts.

(j) Provision of u.S. flag(s).

(k) Interment.

(1) Adjudication of decedent affairs expense claims for services rendered in connection with the annual contract for care of deceased personnel.

e. All Other Naval Commands

(1) General. The commanding officers of all other naval activities are expected to take. such action as is appropriate for the preservation of remains. pending receipt of instructions from the appropriate OMA/NH delineated in appendix r'.

(2) Decedent Affairs Officer. The commanding officer (CO) will appoint a DAO per paragraph 2-2d(2)(b) to be personally responsible for functions listed in paragraphs 2·-2d(2)(b)! through

1. An additional function of the DAO is to ensure proper prepara tion. casketing. and disposition of remains in areas not provided care under a contract. This involves negotiation of a one-time contract (paragraph 5·-3 refers) for embalming. dressing. casket (must be 18 gauge Silvertone metal sealer. paragraph 6-9 refers).

shipping container. and transportation of remains.

(3) Specific Responsibilities. Items (a) through (g) may be accomplished without further specific approval of higher author ity. However in each instance. items (h) through (m) require high er authority approval. normally the OMA/NH servicing the respective geographical area.

(a) Search for. recovery. and identification of remains.

(b) Temporary preservation and protection of remains pending receipt of disposition instructions from the OMA/NH or the activity designated by the OMA/NH if no contract facility is avail able.

(c) COMNAVMEDCOM notification of death when required as a decedent affairs matter.

2-8

2--2e(3) (d) 2-2f(2)(b) decedent fication command.

a CACO to refers).

(d) PNOK/SNOK notification of death when required as a affairs matter. Accomplish this function through noti to COMNAVMILPERSCOM or CMC for each death in the DAO's The headquarters command provides for the appointment of accomplish the actual notification (paragraph 2-2d(2)(b)1

(e) Collection and temporary retention of personal effects necessary for proper identification of remains.

(f) Transfer of remains to an Armed F'orces contract funeral director, if practicable.

(g) Maintenance of an adequate supply of mortuary supplies and materials, as appropriate.

(h) Preparation, casketing, and providing clothing as required.

(i) Cremation.

(j) Transportation of remains.

(k) In coord ina t ion wi th the appropr ia te PASS of f ice or responsible Marine Corps unit, arrangements for and instruction of escorts.

(1) Provision of U.S. flag(s).

(m) Interment.

f. Commanders of Naval Components of Unified Commands

(1) General. Commanders of each naval component of a uni f ied command are respons i ble, through subordina te commanders.

for the administration and coordination of DAP functions within the prescribed geographical area. Normally, the staff medical officer is assigned these responsibilities.

(2) Specific Responsibilities

(a) F'ormulation and promulgation of necessary direc-tives.

(b) Coordination and arrangements with representa tives of U.S. and foreign governments.

2-9

NAVMEDCOMINST5360.1

2-2f(2)(c) 2-3a

(c) Liaison with the mortuary profession and industry.

(d) Liaison with Armed Forces mortuaries in overseas locations.

(e) Administering the procurement of annual contracts or one-time contracts for care of deceased personnel.

(f) Initiation and supervision of special operations necessary to recover and identify remains.

(g) Determination of actions relative to DAP matters.

responsibility for necessary

(h) Helping activities in performance of assigned functions.

(i) Helping authorities from other major commands.

(j) Assuring that actions taken are in conformity with laws of the area or local jurisdiction and follow Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) in overseas areas.

(k) Development of emergency plans for use in event of a disaster.

(1) supervising payment of decedent affairs expenses including secondary allowances when authorized.

(m) Inspections and investigations as required.

2-3. Services and Supplies. This paragraph identifies authorized services and supplies and the categories of individuals for whom these may be furnished at the expense of the Government or on a reimbursable basis. The responsibility for determinations of eligibility and entitlement to services and supplies rests with the command exercising initial jurisdiction. Questions on eligi bility or entitlement should be referred to the supervising or coordinating command delineated in paragraphs 2-2c through 2-2f.

a.…