Care and Disposition of Remains - Army Publishing Directorate ...

Appendix G
Armed Services Specification for Crematory and Cremation Procedures
The paragraph numbers in parentheses generally show the original paragraph numbers of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation armed services specification. This specification was adapted, in part, courtesy of the Cremation Association
of North America.
G–1. (1) Scope
This specification establishes crematory and cremation procedures for remains of members of the armed services. This
specification was adapted in part, courtesy of the Cremation Association of North America.
G–2. (2) Terminology definitions
a. (2.1) Authorizing agent(s). Mortuary officer of the military installation caring for the remains.
b. (2.2) Hardwood casket. The container in which the human remains shall be delivered to the crematory to be
placed in the cremation chamber for cremation. The casket shall meet or exceed the hardwood casket specifications.
c. (2.3) Cremated remains. The remaining bone fragments after the cremation process is completed.
d. (2.4) Cremation. The technical heating process that reduces human remains to bone fragments. The reduction
takes place through combustion and evaporation.
e. (2.5) Cremation chamber. The enclosed space within which the cremation process takes place. Cremation
chambers covered by these procedures shall be used exclusively for the cremation of human remains.
f. (2.6) Crematory authority. The legal entity or the authorized representative of the legal entity who conducts the
cremation.
g. (2.7) Crematory or crematorium. The building that houses the cremation chamber.
h. (2.8) Holding facility. An area designated for the retention of human remains prior to cremation within the
crematory facilities that shall—
(1) Comply with any applicable public health laws;
(2) Preserve the dignity of the human remains;
(3) Recognize the personal integrity and health of the crematory authority personnel operating the cremation
chamber.
i. (2.9) Human remains. The dead human body or portions thereof prior to cremation.
j. (2.10) Processed remains. The end result of pulverization, where the residual from the cremation process is
cleaned leaving only bone fragments reduced to unidentifiable dimensions.
k. (2.11) Sealable container. Any container in which processed remains can be placed and sealed so as to prevent
leakage of processed remains or the entrance of foreign materials.
G–3. (3) Receipt and identification of remains at the crematory
a. (3.1) Cremation accomplishment. Casketed (prepared, dressed, and cosmetized) remains shall be received from
the Government’s contract funeral service establishment on the same day the cremation shall be accomplished.
b. (3.1.2) Identification. Identification of the casketed remains shall be verified at the crematory by the crematory
authority upon receipt as follows. A tag affixed to the casket handle at the head end of the casket shall bear the
decedent’s name, rank, social security number, and date of death. Additionally, this information shall be verified with
the information contained on the documentation accompanying the remains. This verification shall constitute adequate
identification of the remains by the crematory authority. In the event the information exhibited on the tag is not in
agreement with the documentation accompanying the remains, no cremation shall be accomplished until the identification
discrepancy is resolved with the authorizing agent.
c. (3.2) Holding human remains for cremation. See the following paragraphs.
d. (3.2.1) Holding facility. When the crematory authority is unable to cremate the human remains immediately upon
taking custody thereof, the crematory authority shall place the remains in the holding facility.
e. (3.2.2) Non-acceptance for holding. A crematory authority shall not accept for holding a casketed remains from
which there is any evidence of leakage of fluids through the clothing or military blanket or mattress and any other
interior aspect of the casket from the human remains therein.
f. (3.2.3) Secure holding facilities. Holding facilities shall be secure from access by anyone other than crematory
authority personnel.
g. (3.3) Cremation of human remains. See the following paragraphs.
AR 638–2 • 22 December 2000
109