1. DA FORM 1156 Quick Reference
(1 of 2) 2 1 3 5 4 6
WHEN: (At 1330 on 1 Feb 2010), WHO: (SGT Doe) WHY (was in the lead vehicle, an M998 HMMWV w/ added armor kit on a mounted patrol/convoy) WHERE: (in the vicinity of LF ) WHAT: (when an IED detonated. SM was MEDEVAC to 10th CSH and pronounced deceased by Dr. Smith, and identified by his PL, LT Dan by visual recognition and ID cards. SM was wearing PPE.
Data fields marked by an asterisk are minimum requirements for sending a casualty report forward. They are highlighted here.
Official casualty status is determined by medical personnel.
2. Initial reports often contain WRONG information. Verify info against the database of record.
3. DTG Format: DD MMM YYYY HH:MM. Place of incident should be a place that can be found on a map. Grid coordinate is something that can follow.
4. List the name of the person that identified the Soldier and the method used, ID Card, ID Tags, personnel interview, etc.
5. List the time and place that death is declared by a medical authority. This will normally be different then place of incident.
6. Report all known facts. If circumstantial evidence exists that can’t be confirmed, include it but clearly show where fact ends and supposition begins. Provide as much information as possible addressing the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, and why). Don’t delay initial reports to gather more
details, but continue to submit additional reports as circumstances become clear and complete. If the SM contacts his PNOK that should be annotated on the form.

2. DA FORM 1156
(2 of 2) 7
7. DA requires that the PPE travels with the remains.