RECOVERY OF NON-DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
PERSONNEL AND REMAINS

     To provide DoD directive on determining whether DoD assets can be utilized in the recovery of remains of US citizens other than DoD.

     One of Department of Defense’s highest priorities is the recovery of DoD missing persons or their remains and their repatriation to U.S. sovereign soil. As the American public has learned more of DoD successes in the recovery and identification of remains in Southeast Asia, North Korea, Russia, and other parts of the world, other government agencies have come under increasing public and congressional pressure to account for non-DoD personnel, some of whom were lost in service to our nation.

     The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Affairs Office (DPMO) is the activity responsible for policy, control and oversight within DoD of the entire process for investigation, recovery, and identification related to missing persons. In addition, DPMO coordinates with other departments and agencies on all matters concerning missing persons. Requests for recovery of the remains of U.S. citizens which are outside the parameters of DPMO’s normal mission will be referred to the Director, DPMO, who will evaluate each request on a case by case basis. When evaluating such requests, the Director, DPMO, will consider the following factors:

* Nationality of person(s) and circumstance of loss. The individual(s) should be a citizen of the United States at the time of loss and acting in direct support of U.S. interests.
* Foreign policy considerations. Recovery operations, conducted in concert with the host country, should be consistent with U.S. foreign policy objectives.
* Interagency equities, including considerations unique to the agency making the request.
* Credibility of remains location information. Location data on remains must be evaluated against known information to ensure optimum use of recovery assets. Geographic coordinates of the location will be required, unless other defining data are available.
* Impact on DoD personnel recoveries. Recovery operations involving non- DoD personnel must not negatively impact ongoing DoD recovery operations. The U.S. Army as the executive agent will provide an impact statement to DPMO on requested recoveries.
* Safety of operation. DoD will make a threat evaluation based on terrorist activity, proximity of hostilities, unexploded ordnance, hazardous terrain features and other relevant factors. The host country must agree to protect recovery personnel.
* Availability of other means of recovery and identification. A determination should be made on the availability of other recovery assets and means for identification, including privately owned services, and whether these alternative means are reasonably available.
* Availability of assets and level of participation required (i.e., full team or technical expertise). The U.S. Army Casualty and Mortuary Operations Center will recommend level of participation required and the availability of recovery team personnel.
* Availability of funding. Prior to agreement to conduct recovery operations, DoD requires a funding commitment by requester and final approval by the executive agent unless specifically waived by the Secretary of Defense.


     As recovery of remains of U.S. citizens other than DoD personnel is not a DoD mission, DoD may not provide requested support of a recovery mission on a non- reimbursable basis. DoD support will normally be provided under the Economy Act, which permits DoD to support another USG agency on a reimbursable basis.

     Unusual or exigent circumstances may be encountered which require exceptions to this policy. The Director, DPMO will make a determination in such cases. Appeals may be resubmitted to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy for further consideration if criteria are met subsequently or extenuating circumstances were not considered.