AR 190-55 — U.s. Army Corrections System: Procedures For Military Executions
AR 190-55 governs policies and procedures for carrying out death sentences imposed by military courts-martial or military tribunals and approved by the President.
- Publication number: AR 190-55
- Title: U.S. ARMY CORRECTIONS SYSTEM: PROCEDURES FOR MILITARY EXECUTIONS
- Date: 10/30/2023
- Proponent: PMG
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 190-55 on armypubs.army.mil
AR 190-55 addresses execution notification and coordination, disposition of personal property and remains, public affairs, witnesses, professional support, training, execution procedures, and forensic pathology investigations. It requires written notification, sets execution scheduling requirements, and establishes post-execution reporting and investigation requirements.
Topics covered
- Execution notification and coordination
- Disposition of personal property
- Disposition of remains
- Public affairs
- Execution witnesses
- Professional service support
- Execution procedures
- Forensic pathology investigations
Questions and answers
Who can approve and order the execution of a death sentence?
Only the President of the United States can approve and order the execution of a death sentence, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 71(a), Rules for Courts-Martial (RCM) 1207. (paragraph 1-4)
When can the Army release information about an execution?
There will be no media release until the prisoner has been notified of the Presidents decision. All media releases will be coordinated and managed by the OCPA. (paragraph 2-1)
How soon must the execution date and location be announced?
Within 7 days of the date of the execution order, a news release announcing the date and location of the execution will be published (see app D). (paragraph 2-4)
When is the after-action report due?
The CMDT, USDB, will prepare and send an after-action report to the PMG through the ACC, Deputy Commander not later than 72 hours after the declaration of death of the condemned prisoner. (paragraph 4-1)
Can AFMES medical personnel participate in the execution?
Under no circumstances will AFMES medical personnel participate in any pre-execution or execution procedure. (paragraph 4-2)