Change 2, 3/29/2023

Department of Defense

INSTRUCTION

NUMBER 1300.18

January 8, 2008

Incorporating Change 2, Effective March 29, 2023

USD(P&R)

SUBJECT: DoD Personnel Casualty Matters, Policies, and Procedures

References: (a) DoD Instruction 1300.18, “Military Personnel Casualty Matters, Policies, and

Fiscal Year 2006,” January 6, 2006

(e) through (ad), see Enclosure 1

1. REISSUANCE AND PURPOSE

This Instruction:

1.1. Reissues Reference (a), under a new title, under the authority of Reference (b), to assign

responsibilities and establish uniform personnel policies and procedures for reporting, recording,

notifying, and assisting the next of kin (NOK) whenever DoD casualties are sustained.

Change 2, 3/29/2023

Directive-Type Memorandum 07-017 (Reference (y)).

Directive-Type Memorandum 21-006 (Reference (aa)).

2. APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE

2.1. Applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military Departments, the Office

of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the

Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field

Activities, and all other organizational entities in the Department of Defense (hereafter

collectively referred to as the “DoD Components”). The terms “Military Services,” “military

(EAWUN), missing, ill, or injured personnel.

2.3. Establishes uniform procedures for reporting, recording, notifying, and assisting the

NOK of DoD civilian personnel, eligible contractors, and other designated or covered personnel.

(Enclosure 6.)

2.4. Establishes Record of Emergency Data (RED) or DD Form 93 preparation,

maintenance, and minimum audit requirements. (Enclosure 7.)

2.5. Specific information on casualties incurred by personnel supporting classified

3. DEFINITIONS. Terms used in this Instruction are defined in Enclosure 2 or the DoD

Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms (Reference (g)).

Change 2, 3/29/2023

4. POLICY

It is DoD policy that:

4.1. Casualty procedures will be uniform across the Military Departments except to the

extent necessary to reflect the traditional practices or customs of a particular Military

PNOK. Assistance officers will also be assigned to the parents of married Service members,

who are considered the secondary NOK, of deceased, DUSTWUN, or missing military personnel

when applicable. Each Military Service has its own title for casualty assistance officers: Army –

Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO); Marine Corps and Navy – Casualty Assistance Calls

Officer, and Air Force – Casualty Assistance Representative, Family Assistance Representative,

and Mortuary Officer. For purposes of this Instruction, the term casualty assistance officer will

be used.

4.2.1. In the case of serious illness or injury of a Service member or civilian employee in

a combat zone, consistent with the expressed desires of the member, the NOK will be notified as

4.3. DoD Components will record and report, to the extent possible, a full and accurate

accounting of deceased or missing personnel and all reportable ill or injured personnel.

4.4. No casualty information on deceased military or DoD civilian employee may be

released to the media or the general public until 24 hours after notifying the NOK regarding the

casualty status of the member consistent with Reference (c). The 24-hour clock will start over

each time the NOK are notified of a change in casualty status. Casualty information on ill or

injured Service members or DoD civilian employees may not be released without the consent of

the individual, unless section 552a of title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), “The Privacy Act of

1974” (Reference (h)), otherwise authorizes release. EXCEPTION: PNOK approval of media

Change 2, 3/29/2023

4.4.2. In cases of Service members or DoD civilian employees who have been

unaccounted for from past conflicts, public release will not occur until 24 hours after the family

has been notified of the identification of their deceased member or employee.

4.4.3. In cases where Service members or DoD civilian employees have been reported

DUSTWUN, EAWUN, or missing under potentially hostile situations, casualty information will

4.4.4. Casualty information on DoD civilian employees will only be released to the

media or the general public after notification of the NOK. Casualty information on DoD

contractor employees will only be released to the media or the general public by the NOK or by

their employer.

4.5. The PNOK, or the adult parent or guardian when the PNOK is a minor, and the parents

of the deceased Service member, who are considered secondary NOK, will be kept informed on

matters relating to DoD death investigations. At a minimum, they will be provided general

release. Upon request, the Service concerned will provide a fully qualified representative to

guardian of minor PNOK, and the parents of the Service member as appropriate, either in person

or through telephonic communication. This policy also applies to the PNOK, or adult parent or

guardian when the PNOK is a minor, of DoD civilian employee casualties.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1. The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) pursuant to

under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and

Readiness, will:

Change 2, 3/29/2023

5.2.1. Be the focal point for interfacing and coordinating casualty matters among the

Military Services, other Federal Agencies (e.g., Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security

Administration), non-profit organizations, and family support groups.

5.2.2. Appoint a chairperson to the DoD CAB. (See paragraph 6.4.)

reporting and assistance policies with respect to the Coast Guard.

5.2.5. Develop core standards for the assignment, training, and duties of casualty

assistance officers.

5.2.6. Develop a common feedback mechanism for casualty assistance officers and the

PNOK.

5.2.7. Develop and maintain a standard DoD Survivor’s Guide that will be provided to

the PNOK.

regarding media access to dignified transfers should they become a casualty while on active

duty.

5.3. The Director, DoD Human Resources Activity (DoDHRA), under the authority,

direction, and control of the USD(P&R), will:

5.3.1. Operate and maintain the official DoD repository of the names of all active duty

5.3.4. Prescribe corrective action to the DoD Components to ensure consistency of

reporting.

Change 2, 3/29/2023

5.3.5. Prepare reports of names and aggregated casualty statistics for use by the

Department of Defense, and, as required, for use by the President, Congress, other Federal

agencies, and the general public. This responsibility includes performing DoD special studies

and providing casualty information in support of military memorials.

5.3.6. During times of war or contingency operations, reconcile casualty reporting with

5.3.8. Provide recommendations to the DoD CAB for adding names, referred by the

Military Services, to the Wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. (See paragraph 6.5.)

5.3.9. Provide recommendations to the DoD CAB for adding names, referred by the

Military Services, to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall. (See paragraph 6.6.)

5.4. The Director, Defense Health Agency, under the authority, direction, and control of the

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, will:

5.4.1. Develop procedures in conjunction with the Military Departments to ensure

injured. Such information is considered essential and "need to know." (See also section 724 of

Reference (j).)

5.5. The Armed Forces Medical Examiner (AFME), pursuant to section 1471 of Reference

(l) and under the authority, direction, and control of the Director, Defense Health Agency, will,

for deaths not due to a documented medical illness, determine if the Armed Forces Medical

Examiner System (AFMES) conducts the forensic pathology investigation or if it will be

performed by local or host nation authorities.

5.6. The Heads of the DoD Components will:

transportation expenses required for executing notification and assistance visits.

Change 2, 3/29/2023

5.6.3. Provide for casualty notification and assistance to those assigned or attached DoD

civilian employees that do not fall under the authority of a Secretary of a Military Department.

5.6.4. Liaison with the designated Military Service reflected in paragraph E6.1.2.1. of

Enclosure 6 to process DoD civilian employee casualty reports when required.

5.6.7. Provide casualty assistance as required. (See Enclosure 6.)

conduct of an investigation involving a fatality of a Service member, or of a DoD civilian

employee who becomes a fatality while accompanying military personnel in the field or as a

result of military-related actions, to contain the language in Enclosure 10. Investigating

organizations will provide an update to the appropriate Military Service casualty headquarters

office at a 30-day frequency until all investigative activity is completed or the investigation is

closed. The contact information for providing the Military Service casualty headquarters with

Navy – (800) 368-3202

E-mail: MILL_SBP[email protected]

Air Force – 800-525-0102 option 1

E-mail: afpc.casualty@us.af.mil

5.7. The Director, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, under the authority, direction,

and control of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer,

Department of Defense, will:

5.7.1. Identify a single payroll office point of contact in support of each respective

responsibilities in paragraph 5.5, will:

Change 2, 3/29/2023

5.8.1. Maintain a casualty office for each Military Service as the focal point on all

casualty matters.

5.8.2. Maintain an organizational capability to provide for casualty reporting, recording,

notification, and assistance. (See also Enclosure 6 for DoD Component civilian casualty

requirements.)

5.8.5. Require Service regulations pertaining to performance evaluations be revised to

require evaluation or reporting officials to comment on a member’s assignment as a casualty

assistance officer.

5.8.6. Certify the accuracy and validity of casualty information.

5.8.7. Submit electronic casualty information to the Defense Manpower Data Center

(DMDC).

recognized estate representative for matters relating to the settlement of estates of Service

members who die on active duty or as a result of an injury or disability that resulted in retirement

from active duty. When uncertainty exists about the status of those listed in this paragraph, or

when otherwise appropriate, legal assistance will be provided to the PNOK to the same degree as

noted in this paragraph.

5.8.10. Provide representation to the CAB from each Military Service.

5.8.11. Require each Military Service to publish implementing instructions that include,

at a minimum:

according to DoD Instruction 2310.05 (Reference (m)). See paragraph 6.2. for reporting and

accounting for non-hostile missing personnel.

Change 2, 3/29/2023

5.8.11.4. The establishment of centralized short-term and long-term case-

management procedures for casualty assistance, including rapid access by eligible beneficiaries

and casualty assistance officers to expert case managers and counselors.

5.8.11.5. The information reflected in paragraph 4.5. and as required by Reference

DoD agencies conducting the investigation, and the existence of any reports by such agencies

that have been or will be issued as a result of the investigations.

5.8.11.5.2. Ensure that family members, if they so desire, are provided a copy of

any completed investigative report and any other completed fatality reports that are available at

the time family members are provided the information to the extent such reports may be

furnished consistent with sections 552 and 552a of Reference (h).

5.8.11.6. That when the remains of a deceased Service member or DoD civilian

employee are being returned home by air transport, that casualty assistance officers keep family

5.6.11.8.2. and that the accomplishment of such training has been documented.

5.8.11.8. Core standards of assignment, training, reporting, and duties for personnel

assigned casualty assistance responsibilities:

5.8.11.8.1. Assignment:

5.8.11.8.1.1. Only personnel in the grades of E6 or GS-7 or above may be

assigned.

Change 2, 3/29/2023

and incorporation within DCIPS. The baseline standards for DCAS will come from either

approved data entities in the Defense Data Dictionary System, data entities from an approved

DoD-wide system, or from other coding specifically unique to casualty processing. Standards

will be tailored to meet specific requirements of DCAS. For example, the inclusion of countries

no longer in existence with start/stop dates is required in DCAS for historical purposes but is not

part of a DoD standard.

procedures upon startup;

6.1.2.3.2. Stop date indicating when a war/conflict or operation/incident ends;

6.1.2.3.3. Date after which only case-by-case exceptions will be made to war/

conflict or operation/incident casualty reports;

6.1.2.3.4. Any military operation/incident that involves combat must account for

personnel falling within the following categories:

6.1.2.3.4.4. Died from physical injuries, other than wounds, occurring in a

defined combat zone, provided that death occurred within 120 days of the incident;

6.1.2.3.4.5. Died from a diagnosed illness while in a defined combat zone or

outside the combat zone provided that death occurred within 120 days of the diagnosis;

6.1.2.3.4.6. Died/wounded in the aftermath of a combat/combat support

mission incident.

Service determines that the case does not meet the criteria, the Service will inform the requestor

of their decision with an appropriate explanation. If the Service determines a criterion was met,

Change 2, 3/29/2023

it will process the action in the normal manner. In addition, the Service will prepare supporting

documentation for DoDHRA as described in paragraphs 6.1.2.3.6.1. through 6.1.2.3.6.5.

DoDHRA will perform, and/or facilitate, a second-level DoD review, ensuring that the

documentation supports an update to the DCAS, the primary source for DoD reporting of

Military Service casualties incurred during military operations. DoDHRA will notify the Service

that the action has been accepted for processing or is deficient in some manner. Any deficiency

6.1.2.3.6.2. Supporting documentation leading to the explanation;

6.1.2.3.6.3. Death certificate; and

6.1.2.3.6.4. DD Form 1300;

6.1.2.3.6.5. If wounding, injury, or illness was the basis for consideration, the

Service will provide a signed opinion letter from a medical authority establishing the relationship

between the initial event in a defined combat zone and the cause of death. Additionally, a signed

6.1.3. Casualty Notification

6.1.3.1. Initial Notification. During the initial notification, or as soon as practicable

thereafter, the PNOK will be provided all known circumstances surrounding the casualty

incident and, when applicable, information regarding media access for the dignified transfer of

remains at Dover Air Force Base.

6.1.3.1.1. Military Decedent. At a minimum, the spouse, children not residing

with the spouse, parents, the person authorized to direct disposition of human remains (PADD),

or other beneficiaries receiving survivor benefits or entitlements will be notified unless

paragraph 6.1.3.1.6. applies. Thereafter, the Military Service or DoD Component will facilitate

Change 2, 3/29/2023

the follow-on assistance with the appropriate civilian personnel or human resources office for

survivor benefits or entitlements.

6.1.3.1.3. DoD Contractor Decedents. When a reportable DoD contractor

casualty occurs, the respective Military Service or DoD Component will notify the appropriate

contracting agency who will be responsible for notifying the contractor’s NOK.

provided access to casualty information according to paragraph 4.4. Following the initial

notification, upon request from the person who receives the initial notification, a friend, relative

or a person from a Family Readiness Group or Care Team or other support group may be called

by the notification team to provide immediate support services.

6.1.3.1.5. Times of Notification. Personal notifications will be accomplished

within 12 hours of the Military Service headquarters receipt of the casualty report unless

circumstances beyond the Service’s control prevent such notifications. Hours of notification are

local times 0500 – 2400, except under unusual circumstances as authorized in applicable Service

regulations. The intent is to notify the NOK at a time and location that is most considerate of the

civilian personnel, official notification by the Military Service should be made.

6.1.3.1.7. DUSTWUN, EAWUN, Missing, and Deceased Cases. Within the

guidance of subparagraph 6.1.3.1.5., initial notification(s) will be made in person to the PNOK

initial notification, will be provided to the PNOK. Whenever someone other than the member's

commander or designated Service representative makes initial notification, an official

notification confirmation to the PNOK and secondary NOK will be made. For deceased

casualties, the casualty representative should advise the PNOK to defer making any decisions

until briefed on entitlements and benefits. The purpose of this contact is to establish a time to

meet with the PNOK that considers the needs of the family and honors the family's period of

mourning.

6.1.3.1.8. Illness or Injury Cases. Within the guidance of paragraph 6.1.3.1.5., in

cases involving SI or VSI casualties, initial notification(s) to the PNOK by a representative of the

Change 2, 3/29/2023

possible, initial notifications will be in person. Whenever a casualty occurs as the result of a

hostile action or terrorist activity and the casualty is classified as "not seriously injured" (NSI),

official notification to the PNOK by the DoD Component concerned will be made upon the

member’s request. The member will be encouraged to notify their PNOK.

6.1.3.2. Follow-on Notification

concerned will keep the PNOK informed of the member's or DoD civilian employee’s (if being

treated at a military medical treatment facility) medical progress within the guidance of

paragraph 6.1.3.1. in accordance with Reference (i).

6.1.3.3. Other Concerned Individuals

6.1.3.3.1. Beneficiaries. All persons reflected in the Service member’s records as

a beneficiary or recipient of death benefits or Federal program insurance proceeds will be

notified in accordance with individual Service directives.

6.1.4. Casualty Assistance

6.1.4.1. DUSTWUN, EAWUN, Missing, or Deceased Cases. In all cases involving

DUSTWUN, EAWUN, missing, or deceased casualties, the DoD Component concerned will

appoint a casualty assistance officer who will initiate contact with the PNOK within 24 hours

following initial notification. Within the guidelines established by each DoD Component, the

casualty assistance officer may be the notification officer. The casualty assistance officer, to the

extent the PNOK desires, will provide guidance and assistance for such matters as pay,

allowances and benefits, veteran benefits, social security benefits, and income tax refunds or

informed until all matters relating to the case have been answered and all entitlements and

benefits are received. The member’s commander should provide an appropriate letter of

Change 2, 3/29/2023

sympathy or condolence to the PNOK, spouse or parents as appropriate, not later than 5 days

after the initial notification, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. If the PNOK is a minor, the

letter should be addressed to the minor in care of the guardian or legal representative.

6.1.4.2. Illness or Injury Cases. In those military VSI or SI cases in which a

competent medical authority requests the presence of NOK at bedside, the casualty office of the

paragraph 033002 of The Joint Travel Regulations (Reference (p)).

6.1.4.2.1. When the Service issues Invitational Travel Authorizations, more

commonly known as Invitational Travel Orders, for family members to travel to be at the bedside

of an ill or injured Service member, the appropriate Service will offer the family arrival

assistance.

6.1.4.2.2. Upon request from the family, the Service will ensure that the family is

met at their point of arrival (e.g., airport, train, or bus station) in the geographical area where the

member is hospitalized, and escorted or provided directions to the hospital or military treatment

be made to declassify information. If the PNOK is a minor, all information will be provided to

the guardian or legal representative.

6.2. DUSTWUN or EAWUN Designation

6.2.1. In those circumstances when the reason for a member’s absence is uncertain and it

is possible that the member is a casualty whose absence is involuntary, but there is not sufficient

evidence to determine immediately that the member is missing or deceased, the member should

be designated DUSTWUN or EAWUN. This procedure is particularly useful when hostilities

prevent the immediate determination of a member’s actual status, or when search and rescue

casualty deceased.

Change 2, 3/29/2023

6.2.2.1. If it is determined that a member is not absent involuntarily, but rather is

absent voluntarily, the commander should designate the member as having been absent-without-

leave/unauthorized absence (AWOL/UA) during the time period in which the Service member

was previously listed as DUSTWUN or EAWUN.

6.2.2.2. If it is determined that a member has died, the commander should designate

6.2.2.3. If it is determined that a member is involuntarily absent not as a result of

hostile action, the commander should designate or recommend the member as having been in a

missing status during the DUSTWUN or EAWUN period according to individual Service

regulations.

6.2.2.4. If it is determined that a member is absent as a result of hostile action, and

that Reference (m) applies, the commander may only recommend a missing status and the

Secretary concerned or their designee must make the determination of actual status.

and are dependent upon the member’s actual status during that period.

6.3. Application of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Policy Guidance

Concerning Release of Information

6.3.1. FOIA Requests. Under the provisions of the FOIA (section 552 of Reference (h)),

any person may request records by writing to the FOIA Office of the DoD Component owning

the records. FOIA requests for casualty records should be submitted to the FOIA Office of the

respective Military Service or DoD Component. While a FOIA request from the PNOK is not

necessary, other requesters, to include immediate family members, must submit a request.

and/or family members of the deceased. Use Reference (r) for guidance.

Change 2, 3/29/2023

6.3.2. Releasable Information in DUSTWUN, EAWUN or Missing Cases. The amount

of information releasable to the general public on these members is limited to basic biographical

information such as name, date of loss, country of loss, and current status. Exceptions include a

legal guardian appointed by a court who has given written consent for release of information to a

third party and FOIA requests where disclosure of the records concerned does not constitute a

clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

others. It also includes information pertaining to the deceased if disclosure would result in an

invasion of the family’s privacy. Examples of items of a personal nature about family members

or others that should be protected include residential addresses and telephone numbers, social

security numbers, age and date of birth. Examples of items about a deceased person that should

be protected are autopsy reports containing detailed descriptions of the procedures and vivid

descriptions, photographs, or videotapes of human remains. The PNOK and/or family members

may obtain their deceased Service member's records. Requests for records of deceased civilian

employees will be submitted to the appropriate civilian personnel office for appropriate action.

However, all requests will be processed in accordance with References (h) and (r) to protect the

privacy of other living person(s).

families, and to ensure accurate reporting and accounting for the status of military members and

applicable civilian personnel. The Board will recommend policy during joint operations to

ensure uniform and equitable treatment of all military members and their families and to ensure

uniform procedures are used. Mortuary affairs issues are under the purview of the Central Joint

Mortuary Affairs Board covered in DoD Directive 1300.22 (Reference (s)).

6.4.2. The CAB will be composed of two members representing each of the Military

Services as appointed by the Assistant Secretary, or their designee, of the Military Department

responsible for military personnel policy. A copy of the member appointment letters will be

forwarded to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family

the Chairperson of the CAB. The DASD (MC&FP), or that official’s designee, will be a

member.

Change 2, 3/29/2023

6.4.3. The Board will perform the following functions regarding casualty matters:

6.4.3.1. Recommend policy changes to be coordinated within the Military Services

and approved by the USD(P&R).

6.4.3.4. Recommend and review policies regarding the release of casualty

information and statistics to the media and the general public.

6.4.3.5. Review major disaster and contingency responses to casualty incidents to

ensure adequacy of existing policies and procedures.

6.4.3.6. Be the focal point with other Federal Agencies, Veterans Service

Organizations, and non-profits to improve the support and assistance to surviving family

members.

6.4.4.1. Notify the CAB membership no later than 60-days prior to a scheduled

meeting.

6.4.4.2. Designate the Service who hosts the CAB meeting to provide a recorder and

prepare CAB minutes in specified format.

6.4.4.3. Prepare CAB minutes within 30 working-days following a meeting and

forward a copy such minutes to the Assistant Secretaries of the Military Departments and their

designees, the Director of the Joint Staff, ATSD(PA), ASD(M&RA), and other leadership as

appropriate.

Change 2, 3/29/2023

6.4.5. CAB meetings will be held tri-annually or as directed by the Chairperson. The

respective Military Services will fund travel and per diem expenses associated with board

meetings. A quorum exists only if each Military Service has a representative present.

made.

6.5.2. Each request will be endorsed with a Service recommendation (a) to add the

member’s name on the Wall or (b) that the name not be added because the deceased veteran does

not meet the established criteria. In order for a Service member to have their name added to the

Wall, one of the following criteria must be satisfied: A Service member must have:

6.5.2.1. Died in Vietnam between November 1, 1955, and December 31, 1960; or

6.5.2.2. Died in the defined combat zone on or after January 1, 1961; or

6.5.2.5. Died from physical injuries, other than wounds, occurring in a defined

combat zone, provided that death occurred within 120 days from departing the defined combat

zone and that death occurred within 120 days of the incident; or

6.5.2.6. Died from a diagnosed illness while in a defined combat zone or outside the

combat zone provided that death occurred within 120 days from departing the defined combat

zone and that death occurred within 120 days of the diagnosis.

6.5.3. For clarification purposes on the above criteria, there is no requirement that the

have already been declared as official casualties of the Korean War are eligible for inclusion on

the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance.

Change 2, 3/29/2023

6.6.2. All requests to add names to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of

Remembrance will be forwarded to the Director, DoDHRA for recommendation. The Director,

DoDHRA will provide recommendations to the DoD Casualty Advisory Board, which will

provide recommendations to the USD(P&R). USD (P&R) will provide to the Secretary of the

Interior a final list of names of members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in the Korean War

member’s name on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance or that the name

not be added because the deceased veteran does not meet the established criteria. In order for a

Service member to have their name added to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of

Remembrance, one of the following criteria must be satisfied. A Service member must have:

6.6.3.1. Died within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately

adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea, participating in actual combat operations or in

support of combat operations. Geographical boundaries thus include in addition to the Korean

peninsula, the Yellow Sea, Sea of Japan, Korean Straight, and the Korean Bay between June 25,

1950 to July 27, 1953; or

6.6.3.4. Died while participating in, or providing direct support to, a combat

mission immediately en route to or returning from a target within the defined combat zone; or

6.6.3.5. Killed or died from wounds resulting from combat or hostile related

action by an enemy of the United States within the territorial limits of Korea before June 25,

1950 or after July 27, 1954; or

6.6.3.6. Died from physical injuries, other than wounds, occurring in a defined

combat zone, provided that death occurred within 120 days of the incident; or

Service member was killed in action or that the cause of death was combat related.

Change 2, 3/29/2023 ENCLOSURE 2

E2.15.2. Sea Casualty. A casualty occurring in water areas in conjunction with the operation

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

casualties aboard seagoing vessels while in port that result in death aboard ship, and ground crew

aboard ship that are killed in an aircraft crash.

E2.15.3. Ground Casualty. A casualty other than an air or sea casualty.

E2.18. Date of Casualty Incident. The date the Service member enters a casualty status. For

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

declared DUSTWUN or missing. For members declared missing who were initially declared

DUSTWUN, the date of casualty is the date declared DUSTWUN unless there is evidence to

indicate a more current date. For persons reported VSI, SI, or NSI, the date of casualty is the

date the illness or injury occurred, if known, or the date the person is so classified as ill or

injured by competent medical authority.

E2.19. Date of Death. The date a person died based upon actual knowledge of when the death

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

evidence is the date determined by competent medical authority or by the Military Department

Secretary or their appointed designee. The date of death based upon a presumptive finding of

death is the date the Military Department Secretary or their appointed designee signs the change

in casualty status from missing to deceased.

E2.20. Deceased. A casualty status applicable to a person who is either known to have died,

determined to have died on the basis of conclusive evidence, or declared to be dead on the basis

of a presumptive finding of death. The recovery of remains is not a prerequisite to determining

or declaring a person deceased.

approved by the DCIPS CCB.

Change 2, 3/29/2023 ENCLOSURE 2

E2.22. Department of Defense Casualty. Any person reflected in the personnel categories under

paragraph 6.1.1. or meeting the definition of casualty.

E2.23. Designated Person or Previously Designated Person. A person or persons, if any, other

than that person’s PNOK or immediate family, to whom information on the whereabouts and

status of the member will be provided if such whereabouts are investigated under chapter 76,

E2.25. Dignified Transfer. Defined in DoD Instruction 1300.29 (Reference (ad)).

E2.26. Documented Medical Illness. An ongoing illness being treated in a medical treatment

facility or hospice recorded in medical records.

Reference (l), or sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505 of title 32, U.S.C. (Reference (v)) at the

time the member becomes a casualty. Duty status is used as a basis for determining eligibility

for survivor benefits and entitlements.

applicable only to civilian personnel, that is used when the responsible commander suspects the

employee may be a casualty, whose absence is involuntary, but does not feel sufficient evidence

currently exists to make a determination of missing or deceased.

in action or wounded in action mistakenly or accidentally by friendly forces actively engaged

with the enemy, who are directing fire at a hostile force or what is thought to be a hostile force.

performed by a member of the Army National Guard of the United States or Air National Guard

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

with the concept of "domicile" at the time when it is initially recorded, and yet unlike "domicile,"

Change 2, 3/29/2023 ENCLOSURE 2

it does not have the flexibility of change during the continuation of an uninterrupted tour of

military service. The place recorded as the home of the individual when commissioned,

reinstated, appointed, reappointed, enlisted, reenlisted, inducted, or ordered into the relevant tour

of duty.

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

force while the individual is in an AWOL, deserter, or dropped-from-rolls status or is voluntarily

absent without authority from a place of duty.

Component not on AD or ADT and consisting of regularly scheduled training period, additional

training periods, periods of appropriate duty or equivalent training, and any special additional

duties authorized for Reserve Component personnel by the Secretary concerned, and performed

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

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

injuries before reaching damage control surgical capability.

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

flood, earthquake, or armed attack that exceeds local logistical support capabilities.

concerning missing members of the Military Services. Excluded are personnel who are in an

E2.38.2. Besieged. The casualty is a member of an organized element that has been

surrounded by a hostile force, compelling it to surrender.

Change 2, 3/29/2023 ENCLOSURE 2

E2.38.3. Captured. The casualty has been seized as the result of action of an unfriendly

military or paramilitary force in a foreign country. See also Prisoner of War (POW).

E2.38.4. Detained. The casualty is prevented from proceeding or is restrained in custody for

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

E2.38.6. Missing. The casualty is not present at their duty location due to apparent

involuntary reasons and whose location is unknown.

E2.38.7. Missing in Action (MIA). The casualty is a hostile casualty, other than the victim

of a terrorist activity, who is not present at their duty location due to apparent involuntary

reasons and whose location is unknown.

directly attributable to hostile action or terrorist activity. Casualties due to the elements, self-

inflicted wounds, and combat fatigue are non-hostile casualties.

by Presidential or Congressional authority.

at Enclosure 7.)

however, this promotion is not for pay purposes.

E2.44. Presumptive Finding of Death. A declaration by the Military Department Secretary or

from the decedent (at any time). See also paragraph E2.43. Other NOK and interested parties

are recognized in the following order:

Change 2, 3/29/2023 ENCLOSURE 2

E2.45.1. Natural and adopted children in order of seniority (age). The age of majority is 18

years. Their surviving parent or legal guardian will exercise the rights of minor children.

E2.45.2. Parents in order of seniority (age), unless legal exclusive (sole) custody was granted

to a person by reason of a court decree or statutory provision.

E2.45.5. Grandparents in order of seniority (age).

E2.45.6. Other relatives of legal age in order of relationship to the individual according to

civil laws. Seniority (age) controls when persons are of equal degree of relationship.

E2.45.7. Persons standing in loco parentis to the decedent. Seniority in age will control

when the persons are of equal relationship.

E2.45.8. The remarried surviving spouse. The term remarried surviving spouse does not

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

under the Third Geneva Convention, “Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners

of War.” The international status of POW is automatic when personnel “have fallen into the

power of the enemy.” There is no action required by any country in the conflict to have that

status applied to their personnel and for their personnel to be entitled to the humanitarian

protections of the Geneva Convention.

E2.47. Record of Emergency Data (RED) (DD Form 93). A form used to designate

beneficiaries for certain benefits and designate the PADD in the event of the Service member’s

death. It is a guide for the disposition of that member’s pay and allowances if captured, missing,

or interred. It also shows names and addresses of the person(s) the Service member desires to be

Service members who died while in an active status and are considered to be a reportable

casualty. See paragraphs 5.1.9. and 5.7.16.

Change 2, 3/29/2023 ENCLOSURE 2

DUSTWUN or missing has been changed due to the person's return or recovery by U.S. military

authority.

inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals

that are generally political, religious, or ideological.

whose person or remains are not recovered or otherwise accounted for following hostile action.

Commonly used when referring to personnel who are killed in action and whose bodies are not

recovered (KIA/BNR).

there is a piercing of the body, as in a penetration or perforated wound, or none, as in the

contused wound. These include fractures, burns, blast concussions, all effects of biological and

chemical warfare agents, and the effects of exposure to ionizing radiation or any other

destructive weapon or agent. The hostile casualty’s status may be categorized as SI, VSI, or

NSI.

Change 2, 3/29/2023 ENCLOSURE 4

SAMPLE REPORT OF CASUALTY (DD FORM 1300)

Change 2, 3/29/2023 ENCLOSURE 4

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE REPORT OF CASUALTY (DD FORM 1300)

Complete all applicable items. For uniformity, the instructions should be correlated with the

definitions contained in this Instruction.

3a NAME Enter last name, first and middle names, and suffix, if

any.

EXAMPLE: Smith, Joseph Doe, Jr.

3b SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER Self-explanatory. EXAMPLE: 221-26-6657.

3d PAY GRADE Self-explanatory. If section 1302(d) of Reference (w)

applies, enter the pay grade at the time of the casualty.

Enter a comment in item 7 with the remark, Item 3d

continued: Section 1302(d) of title 38 U.S.C. (Reference

(w) applies, followed by the higher pay grade. Pursuant

to section 1302(d) of Reference (w), dependency and

indemnity compensation is based on the highest grade

held satisfactorily for 6 or more months.

with elements of the Department of Defense.

Change 2, 3/29/2023 ENCLOSURE 4

3g BRANCH Enter the abbreviation for the branch of Military Service

as one of the following:

a. USAF - United States Air Force

b. USA - United States Army

3h ORGANIZATION Enter unit of assignment and location.

EXAMPLE: 644th Tactical Fighter Squadron,

Cannon AFB, NM.

Use the chart below when completing blocks 4a (TYPE), 4b (STATUS), and 4c (CATEGORY).

Only these combinations are authorized. Definitions are contained in Enclosure 2. The word

Pending can only be used on Initial or Interim reports.

Change 2, 3/29/2023 ENCLOSURE 4

4d DATE OF CASUALTY Enter as day, month, and year. EXAMPLE: 15 Feb

1999.

4e PLACE OF CASUALTY The place of casualty approximates where the casualty

was either pronounced dead on arrival, dead at the scene,

or declared missing based on the casualty's last known

location. Enter the name of city or town followed by the

State, District of Columbia, or Territory, if the United

States, or the country, if not the United States. For

casualties that occur over, on, or beneath a body of water,

enter the name of the body of water. Include with the

name of the body of water the geographic coordinates or

the approximate location relative to the nearest landmass.

struck by an oncoming vehicle." Layman terms are

generally used.

The words "Determination Pending" may be used on an

initial or interim report where insufficient information is

known to be able to provide circumstance information. It

may also be prefaced with what circumstances are not in

dispute such as "Gunshot wound to the head" or

“Remains found at the bottom of a 70 foot cliff after

hiking." Any speculation should be avoided.