Casualty Assistance Program (CAP and CACO)

Start Here If You Are New to CAP and CACO

CASUALTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP) is the Marine Corps program for supporting families of wounded, injured, ill, missing, and deceased Marines. The HQMC CASUALTY SECTION conducts NOTIFICATION using information from the PERSONNEL CASUALTY REPORT (PCR). For wounded, injured, and ill Marines, telephonic notification to next of kin (NOK) is typically completed WITHIN 4 HOURS of PCR receipt. For DECEASED, DUSTWUN (Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown), and MISSING Marines, a CASUALTY ASSISTANCE CALLS OFFICER (CACO) is assigned. CACO conducts IN-PERSON notification, accompanied by a CHAPLAIN when possible. CACO assists with burial arrangements, benefits applications, contact with benevolent organizations, and investigation reports. INVITATIONAL TRAVEL ORDERS (ITO) for family bedside travel when warranted. 800-847-1597 24/7 hotline. Per MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4 and MCO 1770.1MCO 1770.1.

This page walks you through the Casualty Assistance Program from your seat as a Marine, leader, or family member. By the end you will know.

• The CAP framework and HQMC Casualty Section
• Personnel Casualty Report (PCR) basics
• Notification timelines (4-hour standard for wounded/injured/ill)
• CACO assignment for deceased, DUSTWUN, and missing
• In-person notification protocol
• Chaplain accompaniment
• Invitational Travel Orders (ITO) for bedside travel
• CACO duties post-notification
• Coordination with LTAP and other MF programs

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4, MCO 1770.1MCO 1770.1, JAGMAN Part E, DoDI 1300.18DoDI 1300.18, and HQMC Casualty Section published guidance.

What CAP Is

The Casualty Assistance Program is the Marine Corps' commitment to families of fallen and injured Marines. It is rooted in the institutional understanding that families expect to be informed of the cause and circumstances surrounding the loss of their loved one as soon as it is known. The program is committed to ensuring families are always treated with the utmost compassion, dignity, and honor.

CAP Owners

• HQMC Casualty Section. Conducts notifications and oversees the program at the headquarters level.
• Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO). Assigned to specific cases for direct family support.
• Long Term Assistance Program (LTAP). Provides indefinite assistance post-CACO. See Survivor Benefits and Long Term Assistance Program (LTAP).
• Investigation Tracking. Tracks command investigations. See Casualty Investigation Tracking.
• Repatriation Program. For Marines unaccounted for from previous conflicts. See Military Funeral Honors and Repatriation.

Personnel Casualty Report (PCR)

The PCR is the official record initiating casualty notification.

What PCR Contains

• Marine identifying information (name, DoD ID, rank, unit).
• Casualty type (KIA, WIA, ill, injured, missing, DUSTWUN).
• Date, time, and location of incident.
• Initial known circumstances.
• Next of kin information.

Who Generates PCR

• Unit commanding officer or designated representative.
• Coordinated with chain of command and HQMC Casualty Section.
• Submitted via Defense Casualty Information Processing System (DCIPS).

How PCR Triggers Notification

• HQMC Casualty Section receives PCR.
• Verifies information.
• Initiates notification process per casualty type.

Notification Timelines

Wounded, Injured, and Ill (4-Hour Standard)

For wounded, injured, and ill Marines, HQMC Casualty Section conducts TELEPHONIC notification to next of kin typically WITHIN 4 HOURS of PCR receipt.

• Conducted by HQMC Casualty Section staff.
• Telephonic, not in-person.
• Provides initial known information and ongoing communication channel.
• Updates as situation develops.

Deceased, DUSTWUN, and Missing (CACO Assignment)

For deceased, DUSTWUN, and missing Marines, a CACO is ASSIGNED.

• CACO assignment occurs as soon as possible after PCR.
• CACO is a uniformed Marine officer or SNCO trained per MCO 1770.1MCO 1770.1.
• CACO makes IN-PERSON notification at the next of kin's residence.

CACO Assignment Process

Who Becomes A CACO

• Marine officer or SNCO.
• Completes formal CACO training per MCO 1770.1MCO 1770.1.
• Assigned by district or installation upon notification need.
• Rank typically equal to or senior to the Marine being notified.

CACO Selection Criteria

• Geographic proximity to next of kin.
• Available qualified personnel.
• Match with Marine's rank and circumstances when possible.

CACO Workload

• One Marine family per CACO at a time during the immediate post-notification period.
• CACO duties may extend weeks or months depending on family needs.

In-Person Notification Protocol

How Notification Happens

• CACO travels to the next of kin's residence.
• A chaplain accompanies the CACO when possible.
• Notification is conducted at the door, in person, in dress uniform.
• Specific phrasing follows MCO 1770.1MCO 1770.1 protocol.

Why In-Person

• The Marine Corps believes families deserve direct, in-person notification of catastrophic news.
• Telephonic or written notification is reserved for less severe cases (wounded, ill).
• Maintains the institutional relationship between the Marine Corps and the family.

Chaplain Role

• Chaplain provides immediate spiritual and emotional support.
• Chaplain stays with the family for as long as needed.
• Chaplain coordinates with installation chaplain corps for ongoing support.

Family Notification Sequence

CACO notifies the PRIMARY NEXT OF KIN first (typically spouse, then parents). Secondary notifications follow per family wishes.

Invitational Travel Orders (ITO) for Bedside Travel

When warranted, family members may travel to the bedside of a wounded or ill Marine via Invitational Travel Orders (ITO).

What ITOs Cover

• Government-funded travel for designated family members.
• Per diem and lodging at the location of treatment.
• Coordinated with HQMC Casualty Section and the medical facility.

When ITOs Are Issued

• Marine is critically ill, injured, or wounded.
• Medical authorities recommend family presence.
• Family member designated by next of kin.

How To Request ITO

• HQMC Casualty Section processes and facilitates ITO travel.
• Family contact through CACO or 800-847-1597 hotline.

CACO Duties Post-Notification

After initial notification, CACO assists with.

Burial Arrangements

• Coordination with funeral home.
• Military funeral honors arrangement (see Military Funeral Honors and Repatriation).
• Government-furnished casket or urn coordination.
• Burial at VA national cemetery or private cemetery options.

Benefits and Entitlements

• Death gratuity ($100,000) processing.
• SGLI claim processing.
• DIC application support.
• SBP coordination.
• Survivor pay continuation per regulations.
• Coordination with LTAP for sustained assistance.

Benevolent and Philanthropic Organizations

• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) referrals.
• Military OneSource referrals.
• Other private military family support organizations.

Investigation Reports

• Coordination with command investigations and Investigation Tracking.
• Delivery of redacted reports to next of kin upon completion.
• See Casualty Investigation Tracking.

Other Pertinent Issues

• Personal effects coordination.
• Removal from DEERS and other administrative actions.
• Post-incident family logistics.

Coordination with LTAP

After CACO duties wind down, the family transitions to Long Term Assistance Program (LTAP) for indefinite ongoing support.

• LTAP is permanent. Families have access for as long as needed.
• LTAP coordinates with Magellan Federal for benefits printout.
• LTAP helps with investigation report access.
• LTAP at 866-210-3421 ext 2 or LTAP@usmc.mil.

See Survivor Benefits and Long Term Assistance Program (LTAP).

How To Reach The Casualty Section

24/7 Hotline

• 800-847-1597. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

For Survivors of Retired Marines

• Casualty Affairs assists families of retired Marines via the same hotline.

For Active Cases (CACO Already Assigned)

• Contact your assigned CACO directly.
• CACO can route you to specialized resources.

For Investigation Questions

• Investigation Tracking at 800-847-1597 or usmc-investigations@usmc.mil.

For Survivor Issues After CACO

• LTAP at 866-210-3421 ext 2.
• Gold Star and Surviving Family Member Representative at 866-210-3421 ext 2.

Coordination with Other MF Programs

Behavioral Health and CREDO

For surviving family members and unit personnel processing trauma.

• Installation Behavioral Health
• CREDO retreats and resilience programs

Family Readiness Services (UPFRP)

For ongoing family integration with the unit and Marine Corps community.

• Family Readiness Officer engagement
• IR&R for relocation if family chooses to move

Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP)

For financial decisions following death gratuity, SGLI, and survivor benefits.

• Installation PFMP financial counselor

Common Failure Points (For Units and Commanders)

Inaccurate Next of Kin Information

If Marine's emergency contact data is outdated, CACO may notify the wrong family member or be unable to locate primary NOK.

Fix. Maintain current Record of Emergency Data (NAVMC 10922NAVMC 10922) for every Marine.

Delayed PCR Submission

PCR delays delay notification. Family may learn through unofficial channels (social media, news).

Fix. Train commanders and SARC personnel on PCR procedures.

Communication Gaps During Investigation

Families experience information vacuum during investigation period.

Fix. CACO maintains regular contact and coordinates with Investigation Tracking for updates.

Post-CACO Transition

Family loses primary point of contact when CACO closes case.

Fix. Warm handoff to LTAP and Gold Star Representative.

Cross References

• For investigation process detail, see Casualty Investigation Tracking
• For sustained survivor support, see Survivor Benefits and Long Term Assistance Program (LTAP)
• For funeral honors ceremony detail, see Military Funeral Honors and Repatriation
• For MF Branch overview, see Marine and Family Programs Overview and Authorities
• For NAVMC 10922NAVMC 10922 emergency data, see Life Events Overview and Authorities
• For death gratuity and survivor financial benefits at the pay level, see Death Payments (when published)
• For SGLI specifics, see SGLI and VGLI

Quick Reference

• Authority. MCO 3040.4MCO 3040.4 and MCO 1770.1MCO 1770.1.
• Hotline. 800-847-1597 (24/7).
• Notification. 4 hours for wounded/injured/ill. CACO for deceased/DUSTWUN/missing.
• CACO. Uniformed officer or SNCO, in-person notification with chaplain when possible.
• ITO. Invitational Travel Orders for bedside travel.
• Post-CACO. Transitions to LTAP for indefinite assistance.

Records To Keep (For Family Members)

• CACO contact information (name, phone, email)
• Death certificate and burial documentation
• Death gratuity and SGLI claim confirmations
• Investigation report receipts and updates
• LTAP and Gold Star Representative contact information
• Benefits applications and confirmations

If you have a question about CACO support or casualty notification, contact the HQMC Casualty Section at 800-847-1597 (24/7) or your assigned CACO. For policy and program questions, contact MF Branch through HQMC.