MCO 1770.1 - Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP)

Scope

MCO 1770.1 establishes the Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP). The CACP ensures families of fallen or missing Marines receive compassionate, dignified support from the Marine Corps following a casualty event. The order governs Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) selection, training, assignment, and execution of notification, funeral honors, and benefits assistance. Companion policy with MCO 3040.4 Marine Corps Casualty Procedural Manual. Applicability is the Marine Corps Total Force.

Audience

• Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO). The Marine assigned to a single family for the duration of CACP support. Trained on notification protocol, benefits, and funeral honors coordination.
• Casualty Assistance Section (HQMC MFPC). Owns CACO assignment, training, and oversight at the service level.
• Installation Casualty Assistance Officer. Coordinates regional CACO assignments and resources.
• Commanders of CACO-assigned Marines. Release the Marine for CACP duty and validate training currency.
• S-1 staff and adjutants. Maintain CACO rosters and training records.

Key responsibilities

• CACO notification. Deliver the official notification in person, in uniform, accompanied by a Casualty Assistance Calls Chaplain when available.
• CACO assistance. Walk the family through SGLI, VA benefits, funeral honors, DD Form 1300 Report of Casualty, dependents indemnity compensation, and survivor benefit plan enrollment.
• Funeral honors coordination. Arrange military funeral honors per MCO 5360.2C and DoDI 1300.15.
• Long-term family support. Maintain contact through the benefit enrollment period and follow-on assistance phases.

Connection to Marine Corps doctrine

• MCO 3040.4. Marine Corps Casualty Procedural Manual. Procedural parent for CACP execution.
• MCO 5360.2C. Marine Corps Military Funeral Honors Program. Companion order for funeral honors execution.
• DoDI 1300.15. Military Funeral Support. DoD policy framework.
• 10 USC 1475-1480. Casualty notification statutory authority.
• DD Form 1300. Report of Casualty.

Status

Active. Refer to the Marine Corps Publications Electronic Library (MCPEL) for the current revision and external URL.