Mortuary Affairs

The Joint Mortuary Affairs Program is a broadly based military program providing for the care and disposition of missing and deceased personnel, including personal effects (PE). Based on the guidance and direction of the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Joint Mortuary Affairs Program provides guidance to the combatant commands and Services. Policy as stated in Department of Defense Directive (DODD) 1300.22, Mortuary Affairs Policy, is that the human remains of all members of the Armed Forces of the United States will be returned for permanent disposition in accordance with the decedent's will or the laws of the state (territory, possession, or country) of the decedent's legal residence as directed by theperson authorized to direct disposition of humanremains (PADD).