CASUALTY SUPPORT

Reporting the death of an Army Reserve Soldier

 

 

 

MY SOLDIER WAS IN
A NON-ACTIVE-DUTY STATUS

 

 

This page is to report the death of an Army Reserve Troop Program Unit (TPU) Soldier who is not on active duty orders, nor enroute to/from inactive duty training.

Critical Actions:

Contact the United States Army Reserve Operations Center at (910) 570-9750 or usarmy.usarc.usarc-hq.mbx.ar-ops-center@army.mil

Compassionate Actions:

  • Letters of Sympathy and Condolence:
    • Timelines:
      • Letters of Sympathy: Sent by commander in every case of self-inflicted fatalities, within 7 days of death.
      • Letters of Condolence: Sent by Commanders at echelon after notified, within 7 days of death. 
    • Resources: Examples are available in DA PAM 638-8, specifically in figures 8-1 and 8-2.
  • Unit Memorial Service:
    • Location: Conduct a memorial service at the home station.
    • Invitations: Invite family members to attend.
  • Leadership Attendance at Funeral:
    • Recommendation: Leadership from the unit should attend the funeral to honor the fallen Soldier.
  • Handoff to Army Survivor Outreach Services (SOS):
    • Coordination: Commanders (in coordination with unit representative) should facilitate a smooth transition of the family to the Army SOS coordinator.
    • If the Command requires assistance with the handoff, please, contact the USARC Casualty Affairs Team at 910-570-8462 or 910-570-8160. In emergency cases, the After Hours contact number is 910-987-6340.
  • Posthumous Awards:
    • Certificate: All posthumous award are processed through the unit. 
    • Presentation: The awards are presented to the Primary Next of Kin (PNOK) at the unit memorial service.
    • Note: These awards are processed external to IPPS-A.

 

 

 

MY SOLDIER WAS IN
AN ACTIVE-DUTY STATUS

 

 

 

 

Critical Actions:

  • Prevent Early Disclosure:
    • Guideline: Refrain from disclosing the Soldier’s death before the CNO makes official notification.
  • Secure the Scene (as applicable):
    • Actions:
      • Secure the scene until the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and a safety representative arrive.
      • Ensure the site and evidence remain undisturbed.
      • Notify the MSC Safety Manager immediately and the USARC Safety within 24 hours, following AR 385-10 guidelines.
  • Contact the Casualty Assistance Center (CAC):
    • Timeframe: Must be within 12 hours of death but should be done ASAP.
    • Process:
      • Locate the nearest CAC based on the county. The CAC list is available on the HRC website.
      • CMAOD is responsible for all deaths in a duty status.
      • CMAOD Operations Center has a 24/7 line at 1-800-626-3317.
      • The CAC will assign a Casualty Notification Officer (CNO) and a Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) to notify and assist the family.
      • Commander's should maintain regular contact with the CAO through the CAC. 
  • Submit the SIR CCIR:
  • Appoint Summary Court Martial Officer (SCMO):
    • Responsibility: Appointed to handle the deceased Soldier’s personal effects.
    • Collaboration: Work with the CAC and CAO to ensure that personal effects are returned to the NOK.
  • Initiate Formal AR 15-6 Investigation:
    • Action: Appoint an investigating officer.
    • Purpose: To investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
  • Initiate Line of Duty (LOD) Investigation:
    • Requirement: If necessary, conduct an LOD investigation.
    • Reference: Refer to AR 600-8-4 to determine whether a formal or informal LOD is appropriate.
  • Updates on Investigation Status:
    • Responsibility: Commanders.
    • Frequency: Provide updates to the CMAOD through the CAC every 30 days.
    • The final investigation out brief is presented by the Brigade Commander (O-6) to the Family.

Compassionate Actions:

  • Telephonic Contact with Next of Kin (NOK):
    • Timeline: Within 72 hours of completing all notifications (as outlined in AR 638-8, Para 1-33 e).
    • Responsibility: The Battalion Commander coordinated through the CAO. If the CAO is unknown to the command, contact the CMAOD Operations Center 24/7 at 1-800-626-3317.
    • Process: Make telephonic contact with the Soldier’s NOK.
  • Letters of Sympathy and Condolence:
    • Timelines:
      • Letter of Sympathy: Prepared and sent by the Battalion Commander.
      • Letters of Condolence: Sent by Commanders at echelon after notification to NOK is complete, within 7 days of death.
    • Resources: Examples are available in DA PAM 638-8, specifically in figures 8-1 and 8-2.
  • Unit Memorial Service:
    • Location: Conduct a memorial service at the home station.
    • Invitations: Invite family members to attend.
    • Assistance: Assist the family with eligible government-funded transportation and allowances as outlined in DA PAM 638-8, Para 7-2.
    • Travel Authorization: Families are authorized to travel to one memorial service within 2 years of the Soldier’s death.
  • Leadership Attendance at Funeral:
    • Recommendation: Leadership from the unit should attend the funeral to honor the fallen Soldier.
  • Handoff to Army Survivor Outreach Services (SOS):
    • Coordination: Commanders (in coordination with the CAO, if assigned) should facilitate a smooth transition of the family to the Army SOS coordinator.
    • If the Command requires assistance with the handoff, please, contact the USARC Casualty Affairs Team at 910-570-8462 or 910-570-8160. In emergency cases, the After Hours contact number is 910-987-6340.
  • Posthumous Awards:
    • Certificate: All posthumous award are processed through the unit. 
    • Presentation: The awards are presented to the Primary Next of Kin (PNOK).
    • Note: These awards are processed external to IPPS-A.

HRC Links

Casualty Operations SharePoint Site

Please email the Casualty Operations Team at 
usarmy.usarc.usarc-hq.mbx.casualty-army-reserve-usarc@army.mil
to provide feedback.