DAFI34-160 governs the Department of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Program, including remains and search-and-recovery operations.
View DAFI34-160 on armypubs.army.mil
It includes guidance on mortuary eligibility and entitlements, remains reporting and movement, and search-and-recovery operations. Requirements include maintaining mortuary case files, documenting supplemental death information, and supporting search teams with transportation and medical and mental-health support.
Applies to: This publication applies to all civilian employees and uniformed members of the regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard and the United States Space Force.
The MO will complete a mortuary case file for all decedents in the DCIPS. (paragraph 5)
Claims against the government can be made up to six years following the date of death. (paragraph 5)
Do not hold remains at any airfield or the port mortuary, Dover AFB, DE, due to family travel arrangements or any other circumstances. (paragraph 5)
Contact the parent service mortuary services headquarters immediately upon the death of a member of another branch of service, near or on an Air Force or Space Force installation. (paragraph 4)
Acquire team transportation to and from the S&R area (limit travel by foot). (paragraph 1-1)