CMAOC Training Implementation Date 6 April 2009 Media Access to Dignified Transfers at Dover Air Force Base 18 May 2009

2 Introduction “After receiving input from a number of sources, including all of the military services and organizations representing military Families, I have decided that the decision regarding media coverage of the Dignified Transfer process at Dover should be made by those most directly affected: on an individual basis by the Families of the fallen. We ought not presume to make that decision in their place.” Dr. Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense Excerpts from 18 March 09 Press conference

3 Training Outline  The Policy  CNO Preparation  Issues for CNO to Understand  PNOK Script Regarding Media Access  Travel Considerations  SNOK Scripts  Family Arrangements at Dover

4 The Policy  Since January 1991, news media have not been allowed to cover the arrival of fallen heroes at Dover AFB  As of April 6, 2009, media access is allowed with the Primary Next of Kin’s (PNOK) explicit permission  Families of the fallen service members remain the top priority  Wishes of the PNOK come first in the decision whether to allow media access to the Dignified Transfer process  Privacy and desires of the immediate Family of the fallen will receive the highest consideration at all times

5 Implementing the Policy  The PNOK decides if there will be media coverage  Media access will not be granted if the notification team cannot obtain the clear, unambiguous desires of the PNOK  Media will have access to record the Dignified Transfer only  Approval for media access does not equate to approval to interview Family members present

6 Implementing the Policy (cont.)  When media access to the Family is requested by the PNOK, access will be provided outside the immediate area of the Dignified Transfer  The CNO will use a set script to obtain the PNOK’s decision  The CNO will annotate the PNOK’s decision, sign the form, and the chaplain (or second Soldier) will sign as a witness

7 CNO Preparation CNOs must:  Understand additional role regarding Media Access Call CMAOC Travel & Transportation Section (T&TS) just prior to entering the house for notification, so they have a “heads up” on expected call back for coordination Be prepared to immediately depart for Dover AFB Assume CAO duties when time is critical Have ACUs available for travel and as uniform for Dignified Transfer

8 CNO Preparation (cont.) Two scripts for the notification Initial notification script informs PNOK of the death of their Soldier -Internalize this script, do not read word for word, do not take script into home Second script will be read verbatim and provides specific information regarding the Dignified Transfer

9 Issues for CNO to Understand  If the PNOK is a minor, the guardian will make the decision on media coverage and Family travel on behalf of the minor  Permission for media coverage of Dignified Transfer waives the 24-hour delay of the release of the Soldier’s name, rank and unit Could be a factor when SNOK has yet to be notified - however, this may be an unavoidable consequence Information on circumstances of death will not be released until all next of kin have been notified

10 Issues for CNO to Understand (cont.)  Based on location, some Families may not be able to travel to Dover AFB in time for the Dignified Transfer  This is a Dignified Transfer and should never be referred to as a ceremony as that could disrupt other potential benefits to the Family later on  The option for travel is only for Families of Soldiers returning from theater through Dover AFB

11 PNOK Script Regarding Media Coverage Script regarding media coverage for PNOK Prior to reading the second script, CNO must allow Family time to deal with shock of notification Confer with the Chaplain to help determine when Family is ready to discuss After reading script verbatim, try to obtain decisions and authorizations as soon as possible

12 PNOK Script Regarding Media Coverage (cont.) Two questions must be answered: 1)Does the Primary next-of-kin consent to media coverage of the Dignified Transfer? 2)Does the PNOK desire to travel to observe the Dignified Transfer of Remains? If Question 2 is YES:  Place the PNOK in direct contact with CMAOC TT&S Section for travel arrangements If Question 2 is NO:  Does PNOK want to designate anyone else to travel to observe the Dignified Transfer?

13 Travel Considerations  Questions regarding travel should be directed to T&TS at CMAOC Call T&TS as soon as possible after gaining a Media Access decision as there are several options if the PNOK does or does not want to travel PNOK may travel with 2 additional Family members CAC will publish TDY orders for the CAO and provide to CMAOC to ensure reservations and travel for the CAO coincides with the PNOK’s CMAOC will reserve a seat for the CAO on the same flight as the PNOK, but cannot confirm the reservation without orders It is imperative that the CAO be on the same flight with the PNOK

14 Travel Considerations (cont.)  Advise Family on expectations at Dover AFB for Dignified Transfer Suggest packing requirements for minimal stay at Dover, no more than 2 days Recommend car seats and specialty items as needed Transportation for the disabled may not be available with wheelchair accessible vehicles Understand that a non-medical attendant is an option for traveling with some children or disabled Family members – T&TS will help you determine eligibility. Explain that Dignified Transfer is not a ceremony, but a process of paying respect to our fallen Soldiers as they are transported from the aircraft to the Mortuary at Dover AFB. Explain that there will be no viewing or access of their loved one at Dover AFB Be sure to study the next slide to get a clear understanding of the Dignified Transfer process so you can answer questions that the Family may have

15 Key Events Family transported to DT from Chapel (1.5 miles) Carry Team/DT Officer march from pax terminal’s Carry Team Lounge to aircraft (0.1 mile) Media transported to DT from 3 AS briefing room (0.1 mile) Key Events Family transported to DT from Chapel (1.5 miles) Carry Team/DT Officer march from pax terminal’s Carry Team Lounge to aircraft (0.1 mile) Media transported to DT from 3 AS briefing room (0.1 mile)

16 Additional Considerations  Consent to media access is also consent to release of believed-to-be name of the specific fallen Soldier  Aircraft arrivals will not be delayed or altered to accommodate media coverage  DoD photographers will photograph all Family-approved media access to Dignified Transfers and provide the PNOK with photographs of the event

17 Additional Considerations (cont.)  Media will be positioned so that Family Members are not in direct line of sight of the media  Media will be sequestered, to the maximum extent possible, to preclude the recording of transfer cases not approved by the PNOK Transfer cases not approved for media coverage will be removed before media is escorted to the flight line

18 SNOK Scripts Regarding Media Coverage To the maximum extent possible, the SNOK CNO should know the PNOK’s election prior to notification  SNOK Script if PNOK Elects Media Coverage Ensure SNOK knows Soldier’s name will be released to public because of media coverage Offer PAO assistance if necessary PNOK may travel with 2 additional Family members

19 SNOK Scripts Regarding Media Coverage (cont.)  SNOK Script if PNOK Does NOT Elect Media Coverage Name of loved one will not be released to the public until 24 hours after all Family members have been notified Explain that there will be no recording of the Dignified Transfer PNOK may travel with 2 additional Family members

20 Family Arrangements at Dover AFB  Family members living within a safe driving distance to Dover AFB will be afforded ground transportation  Family members flying to the Dover AFB area will arrive at: Philadelphia International Washington Dulles International Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Ronald Reagan Washington National

21 Family Arrangements at Dover AFB (cont.)  Family members will be provided dedicated ground transportation to either their hotel or Dover AFB, depending on scheduled arrival time of their loved one  Lodging accommodations will be coordinated by CMAOC and provided to the CAO  Items covered by the TDY include all travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals