Tom Ricks's Inbox

Tom Ricks's Inbox

Here, courtesy of Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists, is an excerpt from the Army's newly revised manual on how to inform family members that their soldier is dead, wounded or missing.

A CAC is a casualty assistance center.

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5--9. NOTIFICATION SCRIPTS

The CACs will provide the casualty notification team with individualized scripts tailored to the specific incident, based on items 31-44 of the casualty report, and to the family members being notified, using the following templates --

a. Death cases."The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your (relationship; son, John or husband, Edward; and so forth) (died/was killed in action) in (country/state) on (date). (State the circumstances.) The Secretary extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family in your tragic loss."

b. Suspected friendly fire death cases."The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your (relationship) (died/was killed in action) in (country) on (date). (State the circumstances). His/her death is a result of suspected friendly fire. A formal investigation is being conducted. You will be further advised as additional information is received. The Secretary extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family in your tragic loss."

c. Suspected friendly fire death cases-- suspected after initial notification of death."The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that information has come to light that indicates your (relationship) may have died as a result of suspected friendly fire. A formal investigation is being conducted. You will be further advised as additional information is received. The Secretary extends his sincerest condolences to you and your family in your tragic loss."

d. Casualties not involving death."The Secretary of the Army has asked me to inform you that your (relationship; son, John or daughter, Janet; and so forth) has been reported duty status -- whereabouts unknown in (country/state) since (date). (State the circumstances.) When we receive more information, you will be promptly notified. The Secretary extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family during this trying period."

e. Death, identification not complete."The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your (relationship of deceased to NOK -- son/daughter/husband/wife) is believed to (have died) or (been killed in action) on (date of death). Preliminary investigations revealed that (state circumstances surrounding the death). (Whenever the Soldier's name or relationship is mentioned it must be preceded by "BELIEVED TO BE.") The investigation surrounding this incident is ongoing. You will be further advised as additional information is received. The Secretary extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family during this trying period."

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Tom Ricks is The Post's military correspondent. This feature aims to give readers a snapshot of the conversations about Iraq, Afghanistan and other matters that play out in Ricks's e-mail inbox. Have an interesting document? Send it to TheInbox@washpost.com .