Wright-Patt Casualty Team offers guidance, training on notifications

The duty of the casualty notification officer is to notify the next of kin with information of the incident and to show that the Air Force is genuinely concerned about its members and their families. Each notification is unique due to the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Contributed photo)

The duty of the casualty notification officer is to notify the next of kin with information of the incident and to show that the Air Force is genuinely concerned about its members and their families. Each notification is unique due to the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Contributed photo)

All field grade officers should be aware that they potentially could be assigned the duty of a casualty notification officer.

The Air Force Casualty Services Program, in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-3002, is tasked to provide “prompt, accurate reporting, dignified and humane notification, and efficient, thorough, and compassionate assistance to the next of kin and/or those designated to receive benefits and entitlements.” In accordance with the 2014 NDAA, as codified by Public Law 113-66, Sec. 633 and AFI 36-3002 (Casualty Services), para 1.11.5 all field grade officers will be trained to perform casualty notification.

The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Casualty Team achieves this requirement by selecting and training field grade officers in accordance with the NDAA and the AFI. The duty of the casualty notification officer is to notify the next of kin with information of the incident and to show that the Air Force is genuinely concerned about its members and their families. Each notification is unique due to the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The casualty notification team consists of a field grade officer, chaplain and a medical officer or technician. All commanders and first sergeants should be prepared as well to provide notification of any individuals assigned to their unit. The Wright-Patterson Casualty Team reaches out to each unit on a quarterly basis to select and train field grade officers for this mission essential duty.

The Casualty Team is available upon request to brief on services provided at commander’s calls, director’s calls or any other appropriate forum. For any questions, concerns or to schedule a visit, call the team at 257-6405.

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