DAFPAM34-161 governs military escort duties for deceased active duty Department of the Air Force personnel.
View DAFPAM34-161 on armypubs.army.mil
DAFPAM34-161 covers essential contact information, escort roles, transportation of remains, family grief responses, and interment flag procedures. It requires respectful conduct, prescribed attire, travel documentation, briefings, and safeguards for remains.
Applies to: This publication applies to military members of the Regular Air Force, United States Space Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.
Further, it is not your responsibility to offer or volunteer information relating to the circumstances of the death, the recovery and/or identification of the remains, antemortem or postmortem diagnostic findings, the professional preparations of the remains for viewing and/or burial or information on benefits. (paragraph 3)
Before departure to destination, secure travel orders and all appropriate documentation, as needed to accomplish your duties. (paragraph 4)
Make sure the remains are safeguarded, out of public view, and under cover. (paragraph 2)
As the escort, you need to realize that grief responses expressed by the bereaved, such as withdrawal, rejection, anger, or hostility are normal reactions to death and are not being directed toward specific individuals. (paragraph 2)
Position the flag so the union (blue/star field) is at the head and over left shoulder of the deceased (see Figure 5.). (paragraph 6)