POW/MIA Affairs: Issues Related to the Identification of Human Remains From the Vietnam Conflict

According to DOD, the charter and procedures for the Armed Forces Identification Review Board have been revised and are currently being staffed for approval. The changes will equate Korean War and World War II identifications with those for the Vietnam Conflict. That will standardize identification procedures for all cases requiring board action. Approval of the revised procedures is expected by December 1994.

DOD, in its comments, stated that a standing operating procedure for contract scientific consultants was developed and was finalized on May 11, 1993. The document specifies consultants' responsibilities regarding case file review, documentation, biannual visits to the U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii (CILHI), and other relevant matters. The DOD objective is to allow maximum academic freedom to the professional consultants with respect to their offered opinions.

According to DOD, the laboratory director, as well as all members of the CILHI scientific staff, have been made aware of the presence of other forensic expertise in the scientific community, to include the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Smithsonian Institution. Additionally, state-of-the-art technology is fully supported by the Command. A video crania-facial superimposition system has been acquired, and procurement of other new applications is under way.

The Army has taken the steps necessary to include all pertinent documentation leading to a recommended identification in the files given to the external consultants.

DOD's response indicated that in November 1992, a "Protocol for Independent Consultants Concerning the Care of Remains Provided by the U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii, for Examination," was developed, which provides specific guidance on control of remains.

According to DOD, Army Regulation 638-40 will be superseded by a new Army Regulation 638-2, "Care and Disposition of Remains and Disposition of Personal Effects." Paragraph 8-15 of the new regulation, entitled, "Destruction of Remains from Vietnam Conflict," prohibits destruction of unidentified portions of remains from the Vietnam Conflict, including those designated "Central Identification Laboratory Portions."

DOD stated that a Standing Operating Procedure for the scientific laboratory was completed in October 1992, which details the methods, procedures, documentation, and processing of the receipt of remains and other physical/circumstantial material received at CILHI. All laboratory personnel have been directed to comply with those procedures.

DOD stated in its comments that all laboratory personnel have been directed to follow established procedures that enable them to: (1) readily locate all case files and remains; (2) determine the contents of case files; and (3) track the progress of all cases. Additionally, an internal database was established in July 1993 to locate remains and files.

DOD stated that a database system was established in July 1993, that: (1) fully documents requests for antemortem medical dental records and the extent of the responses received; and (2) follows up on all non-responses to requests in a timely manner.