AR 638-34 — Army Fatal Incident Family Brief Program
AR 638-34 governs Army Fatal Incident Family briefs covering releasable investigation findings for specified Soldier deaths and suicides.
- Publication number: AR 638-34
- Title: ARMY FATAL INCIDENT FAMILY BRIEF PROGRAM
- Date: 04/26/2023
- Proponent: G-1
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 638-34 on armypubs.army.mil
AR 638-34 defines eligible fatal and suicide incidents, assigns duties to Army organizations, and establishes presentation teams and scheduling processes. It also addresses investigation coordination, redacted report release, public affairs, congressional notification, and travel funding.
Applies to: The policy and guidance provided in this regulation is for Army personnel.
Topics covered
- Fatal Incident Family briefs
- Suicide Incident Family Brief Program
- AR 15-6 death investigations
- Friendly fire investigations
- Investigation report redaction
- Public release of investigation results
- Presentation team composition
- Next-of-kin briefings
Questions and answers
Who pays for travel by the presentation team?
Travel expenses for military personnel and DA civilians comprising a presentation team will be provided by each participants current unit or organization of assignment. (paragraph 5-2)
Can the Army pay for PNOK or SNOK travel to a Family brief?
The DA is not authorized to pay for travel expenses incurred by PNOK, SNOK, or other Family members invited by the PNOK. (paragraph 5-4)
What must the briefer do before presenting a suicide incident Family brief?
The briefer will request a legal review of the final version of the brief from the servicing SJA before the presentation date to make sure the brief contains no information that pertains to national security, would jeopardize unit operations, or would violate any provision of federal law. (paragraph 6-1)
What is the required response when an investigation is still ongoing?
Generally, the correct response is to confirm, We are aware of the reports. A thorough investigation of the accident/suicide is in progress, but has not been completed. We will not speculate about possible causes or factors in advance of completion of the investigation. (paragraph 4-2)