When a loved one dies or is killed in a combat zone, it's important for you and your family members to understand how the cause of death is determined. When the unthinkable happens, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System is there to provide you with the following:
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The Armed Forces Medical Examiner System performs medicolegal examinations on American service members and civilians who are killed or die in a combat zone. The AFMES, through medicolegal examinations, determines the cause and manner of death, and scientifically confirms the identification of loved ones.
Notification of death
When the family receives notification that a service member has died, the assigned casualty assistance officer will provide the primary next of kin, or the person authorized to direct disposition of the remains, with the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System Frequently Asked Questions About Medicolegal Examinations document. The document includes information about the medicolegal examination process and time frames for when the family can expect information.
The medicolegal examination
All medical examiners working for the Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner are physicians who are either board-certified in pathology by the American Board of Pathology or work directly under the supervision of a board-certified forensic pathologist.
Medicolegal examinations typically take place within 24 hours of the decedent's arrival at Dover Air Force Base or the exam team's arrival to a local facility within the United States.
Medicolegal examinations include the following:
- Reviewing the circumstances of death
- Scientifically identifying the body using fingerprints, dental records and DNA analysis
- Performing an autopsy
- Writing a thorough report
Once identity is determined, the AFMES issues a DD Form 2064, "Certificate of Death (Overseas)," stating the cause and manner of death. The medical examiner issues a final report approximately six to eight weeks later. The goal is to provide families with the most timely and accurate information possible.
The AFMES retains custody of the decedent until positive identification is made and all paperwork is received from the person authorized to direct disposition of the remains. Dover Air Force Base Port Mortuary, other service mortuaries, the respective casualty and mortuary offices or a contracted funeral home, depending on the situation, initiates mortuary services.
A copy of the autopsy report may be requested using AFMES Form 3, "Request for Autopsy Report and Supplemental Information." The staff of the AFMES is also available to discuss their findings by phone at 302-346-8767.
NOTE: For compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and privacy regulations, you will be required to provide personal information to verify your identity or your loved one's identity.