DAFH34-102 — Guidance To Services Contingency Planning: Mortuary Affairs Search And Recovery

DAFH34-102 covers mortuary affairs search and recovery planning and operations, including logistics, safety, and stress support.

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  • Publication number: DAFH34-102
  • Title: GUIDANCE TO SERVICES CONTINGENCY PLANNING: MORTUARY AFFAIRS SEARCH AND RECOVERY
  • Date: 2025-11-19

View DAFH34-102 on armypubs.army.mil


DAFH34-102 addresses team composition, notifications, terrain-specific searches, medical examiner coordination, investigation support, personal protective equipment, and stress management. It describes requirements for trained search and recovery teams, specialized equipment, remains documentation, and critical incident stress support.

Applies to: This publication applies to the United States Space Force, Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard.

Topics covered

  • Mortuary affairs search and recovery
  • Search and recovery team composition
  • Terrain-based search operations
  • Medical examiner coordination
  • Mishap investigation support
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Critical incident stress support

Questions and answers

How many personnel should operate on a search and recovery team?

Functions as the S&R Team Chief, maintaining a competent, trained S&R team and ensuring the team is appropriately staffed to conduct continuous S&R operations with 26 personnel operating at any given time (2 teams of 13-persons each). (paragraph 4)

What training should search and recovery team members receive?

Team members should be trained and equipped to perform S&R line searches and marking, trained in recognizing the need for and use of PPE, be trained for basic human remains recognition, be able to recover fragmented remains under supervision, and complete CISM PEP training. (paragraph 4)

What search methods are used for most buildings?

Normal search methods are not practical for most buildings. Room-byroom confined area searches are normal. (paragraph 5)

What critical incident stress support is required after search and recovery operations?

All personnel who were a part of the S&R operation, including any personnel from another unit that directly assisted with S&R (i.e., on-site photographer and surveyors) should undergo structured critical incident stress (CIS) support. (paragraph 7)

When should a CIS debriefing be held after search and recovery?

A CIS debriefing is a more formal session to be held within 24 to 72 hours of return from S&R. Both are conducted by or for the medical group by a trained critical incident stress manager. (paragraph 7)

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