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Casualty Assistance

The CACO program provides strategic direction and oversight to the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) Program to enhance support to Navy families, the Regions, and CACOs.

CACO Assistance

The Navy Casualty Office, PERS-OOC, issues policy guidance for the CACO program, and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Headquarters is responsible for managing the program’s execution.  CNIC provides strategic direction and program oversight to the Navy Regions while Regional Program Directors/Coordinators maintain management control for their respective area of responsibility (AOR).

Additionally, CNIC manages the administration of the standardized CACO Training curriculum, standardizes business processes across the Regions, and establishes metrics to assess the program’s performance. CNIC is also responsible for ensuring that Mass Casualty Plans are developed by each region.

The vision for this organization, which is to provide exemplary and standardized casualty assistance services through the Regions and CACOs to the Fleet and families of a Navy casualty and to deliver unwavering care and support through efficient and innovative resources, remains a central part of the daily operations at CNIC and the Regions.

Notification Visit

In the event a military member becomes a casualty, it is the Department of Defense (DOD) policy that the Next of Kin (NOK) shall be notified as promptly as possible in a dignified, humane, professional, and understanding manner.

As a CACO completing a Casualty Notification Visit, you have the honor and duty to assist the family of someone who has paid the highest price in defense of our Nation.

As such, you represent the Secretary of the Navy, and the Navy itself. The Navy has a covenant with those fallen Sailors and their families, and takes great pride in keeping faith with that covenant.

Keep in mind that your performance during the Notification Visit is likely to shape the family’s lasting impression of the Navy as an institution that cares for its own. This duty is among the most profound responsibilities you can take on as a Sailor.

The CACO Notification Checklist helps you to collect and organize information prior to and during the Notification Visit. The checklist lists, required forms, offices and agencies involved in the CACO process and their phone numbers. The checklist lists required forms, offices and agencies involved in the CACO process and their phone numbers.  The checklist includes places for you to document points of contact and other relevant information. It will be one of your primary organizational tools.

Follow the below links to obtain the forms and information you will need to complete the Notification Visit:

Funeral Arrangements Visit

The purpose of the CACO's funeral arrangements visit is to counsel and assist the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD) with the funeral arrangements.  During this visit the PADD will complete the Statement of Disposition of Remains.  The name of a receiving funeral home or national cemetery should also be obtained.

Additionally, the procedures generally followed for the return of remains should be explained to the PADD. 
 

The CACO Funeral Arrangements Visit Checklist helps you to collect and organize information prior to and during the Notification Visit. The checklist lists required forms, offices and agencies involved in the CACO process and their phone numbers.  The checklist includes places for you to document points of contact and other relevant information. It will be one of your primary organizational tools.


Follow the directions below to obtain the forms and information you will need to complete the Funeral Arrangements Visit:

  • Statement of Disposition of Remains (DD Form 3045) - Request a copy of this form from Navy Casualty / Mortuary Affairs

  • Disposition of Remains Election Statement, Initial Notification of Identified Partial Remains (DD Form 3046) - Request a copy of this form from Navy Casualty / Mortuary Affairs

  • ​Disposition of Remains Election Statement, Notification of Subsequently Identified Partial Remains (DD Form 3047) - Request a copy of this form from Navy Casualty / Mortuary Affairs

  • Election for Air Transportation of Remains from a Theater of Combat Operations (DD Form 3050) - Request a copy of this form from Navy Casualty / Mortuary Affairs

  • Disposition of Organs Retained for Extended Examination (DD Form 3048) - Request a copy of this form from Navy Casualty / Mortuary Affairs

  • Burial at Sea Request Form - Request a copy of this form from Navy Casualty / Mortuary Affairs

  • Hardwood Flag Case Request Form - Request a copy of this form from Navy Casualty / Mortuary Affairs

  • Claim for Government Headstone or Marker (VA form 40-1330)

  • Funeral Travel (MILPERSMAN 1770-270)

  • Memorial Service Travel (MILPERSMAN 1770-271)

  • Next of Kin Travel Request (OPNAV 1770/2)

  • Request for Payment of Funeral and/or Interment Expenses (DD form 1375)

  • Travel Voucher of Subvoucher - Request a copy of this form from Navy Casualty / Mortuary Affairs

 
Please visit our Funeral Honors Webpage for criteria and information about funeral honors eligibility. 
Benefits Visit

The purpose of the CACO’s benefit and subsequent visits is to assist the NOK in the completion of survivor benefits claims.

The CACO Benefits Visit Checklist helps you to collect and organize information prior to and during the Benefits Visit. The checklist lists required forms, offices and agencies involved in the CACO process and their phone numbers.  The checklist includes places for you to document points of contact and other relevant information. It will be one of your primary organizational tools.

The links below provide informational resources and forms to obtain to claim benefits.

Guides:

Forms:

Sample Form Letters:

 

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