PAM 638-2 — Procedures For The Army Mortuary Affairs Program
PAM 638-2 governs the care and disposition of human remains and personal effects through Army guidance and procedures.
- Publication number: PAM 638-2
- Title: PROCEDURES FOR THE ARMY MORTUARY AFFAIRS PROGRAM
- Date: 09/30/2022
- Proponent: G-1
- Status: ACTIVE
View PAM 638-2 on armypubs.army.mil
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It covers identification, preparation, escort, transportation, burial honors, interment flags, and personal effects. It includes procedures for multiple death incidents, local debts, claims processing, and casualty information management.
Applies to: The purpose of this pamphlet is to provide practical guidance and procedures for unit commanders, Casualty Assistance Centers (CACs), Casualty Assistance Officers (CAOs), escorts and Summary CourtsMartial Officers (SCMOs) charged with the care and disposition of remains and/or disposition of personal effects (PE).
Topics covered
- Identification of human remains
- Preparation of human remains
- Escort of remains
- Transportation of personal effects
- Military burial honors
- Interment flags
- Multiple death incidents
- Disposition of personal effects
Questions and answers
What must casualty assistance centers do when another center is responsible for a disposition of remains action?
A CAC that obtains information from the PADD indicating another CAC has responsibility for a disposition of remains action must immediately advise the responsible CAC of that action. (paragraph 2-1)
What identification procedures are required for human remains?
Accordingly, the use of scientific identification procedures is required to definitively establish the identity of the remains. (paragraph 3-1)
When does the Army prepare human remains?
The Army prepares the remains only when the PADD selects one of the four Army-arranged options on DD Form 3045. (paragraph 5-4)
When does the Army not prepare human remains?
The Army does not prepare the remains when the PADD selects the Family-arranged option on the DD Form 3045 or when the PADD or other interested person has taken control or custody of the remains. (paragraph 5-4)
How is shipment of personal effects funded?
Shipment of PE is funded through the Armys transportation of personnel and HHG accounts. (paragraph 14-2)