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

transport remains for which they are responsible. The Army will provide the transfer case regardless of the Service to
which the deceased belonged if the remains are prepared in an Army mortuary.
a. Use of transfer case. Transfer cases will be used when adult-size remains of eligible deceased (including adult
reimbursable cases) covered by this regulation are prepared in an Army mortuary outside of the United States and
shipped to a port mortuary in the United States. (This does not preclude use of a locally produced casket for shipment
of remains to the United States when this procedure is advantageous to the U.S. Government.) A transfer case may be
used to ship remains of an eligible dependent infant or child to the port mortuary in the United States; this is provided
if a suitable casket (infant- or child-type) is not available. The transfer case will not be used to ship remains beyond the
port mortuary in the United States.
b. Supply of transfer case. The transfer case is available to commands outside the United States by requisition
through appropriate supply channels. The required number of transfer cases will be issued by the logistical support
agency through appropriate supply channels to the command mortuary officer or Army mortuary. The logistical support
agency will maintain remote accountability for transfer cases issued.
c. Control of transfer case. Administrative and operational control will be the responsibility of the command to
which the item is assigned. The command mortuary officer will establish procedures to ensure proper regulatory
control and use of the case.
(1) Each case will be permanently marked with an alphabetical designator and number to identify the shipping
activity.
(2) The shipping message will state the transfer case number. The command mortuary officer will take follow-up
action to determine disposition of cases not returned.
d. Maintenance of transfer case.
(1) General maintenance will be a command responsibility. Constant surveillance is necessary for top performance.
Before and after each use and shipment the case will be thoroughly inspected for evidence of the following:
(a) Corrosion or rust on any metal surface.
(b) Damage or malfunction of the gasket and pressure relief valves.
(c) Detachment or damage of clamps, handles, runners, and so forth.
(d) Structural defects.
(2) Repair parts will be obtained through normal supply channels. Repairs will be made within Army capabilities
when possible or on a contract basis.
e. Sanitation of transfer case. The port mortuary officer in the United States will thoroughly clean and disinfect the
case.
6–6. Viewing remains outside the United States
Funeral services with remains present will not be held unless the PADD specifically requests them. When a viewing or
funeral service with remains present is desired, the PADD must contact the Director of Mortuary Affairs to arrange an
appropriate time for the viewing or service. Viewing will not be permitted when the event will delay the preparation
and transportation of other remains.
6–7. Preparation of remains in Army mortuaries
Close coordination will be maintained with medical authorities to arrange for early release of remains for processing.
Remains will be prepared by a licensed mortician under standards set forth in the armed services specifications for
mortuary services (para 5–6f), prescribed health laws, and instructions discussed below.
a. Surveillance of preservation. All remains will be given necessary post-embalming surveillance. The remains will
not be wrapped or placed in the transfer case or casket until this surveillance period has been completed. Additional
preservative measures will be applied as necessary. Remains will be kept covered at all times except when the actual
examination or preparation is being accomplished.
b. Cosmetics.
(1) Cosmetics will not be applied by the preparing mortuary outside the United States if remains are to be shipped
to another armed service mortuary outside the United States mortuary or to a port mortuary in the United States.
(2) Cosmetics will be applied by the preparing mortuary when—
(a) Remains are to be released to the PADD for local burial or viewing before shipment.
(b) Remains are to be shipped directly to a consignee designated by the PADD.
(c) Viewing will be held before shipment of remains.
(3) Cosmetics will be removed before shipment of remains to a port mortuary in the United States or to another
armed service mortuary outside the United States.
c. Prevention of dehydration. To prevent dehydration of remains, a layer of massage cream will be applied to the
face and hands. Particular attention will be given to the application of cream to lips and eyelids. The face and hands
also will be covered with dry absorbent cotton.
d. Clothing or wrapping remains. Remains will be completely dressed by the preparing mortuary outside the United
36 AR 638–2 22 December 2000