Program. This program provides for the search, recovery, and evacuation of remains to a processing point; identification and preparation of remains in a mortuary; and shipment, for permanent disposition, to a final destination designated by the PNOK. The Concurrent Return Program normally becomes operational when large numbers of military personnel are committed to a strategic area. Remains buried in temporary cemeteries (under the GR program or in emergencies) will normally be disinterred and evacuated under the Concurrent Return Program if conditions and capabilities permit. RETURN OF REMAINS PROGRAM The Return of Remains Program provides for permanent disposition of remains of persons buried in temporary cemeteries who could not be evacuated under the Concurrent Return Program. The Return of Remains Program is activated only upon the enactment of special legislation. This special legislation may authorize the establishment of one or more permanent American cemeteries in the overseas area and may give PNOK the option of having the remains buried therein or shipped to another place of their choosing. When the Return of Remains Program becomes activated, the Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), is responsible for advising field activities of its activation. CASUALTY ASSISTANCE CALLS PROGRAM The Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP) is administered by the Commander, Naval Military Personnel Command (COMNAVMILPERSCOM), and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC). Although integrally related, the CACP is not part of the Decedent Affairs Program. The CACP details a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO), usually a commissioned officer (although senior enlisted personnel may be used), to personally contact the PNOK. The CACO helps the PNOK and SNOK (secondary next of kin—children over 18, brother, etc.) with problems surrounding the death, and provides information on such matters as  disposition of remains,  death gratuity and unpaid pay and allowances,  personal effects of the deceased,  settlement of the decedent’s estate (wills, bank accounts, property, savings bonds, commercial insurance, etc.),  Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI), and  travel of dependents to grave site and to permanent residence. The Navy and Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Programs are operated differently. The individual service instructions noted below should be consulted for specifics.  NAVPERS 15560, Naval Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN)  BUPERSINST 1770.3, The Navy Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP) Manual  MCO P3040.4, Marine Corps Casualty Procedures Manual (MARCORCASPROC- MAN) ELIGIBILITY FOR DECEDENT AFFAIRS LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify individuals who are eligible for decedent affairs benefits. Navy and Marine Corps members who expire while serving on active duty or active and inactive duty for training are entitled to Decedent Affairs Program benefits. Generally, the following persons under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Navy are entitled to some decedent affair benefits: dependents, retirees, a n d c i v i l i a n e m p l o y e e s . F o r d e t a i l s , s e e NAVMEDCOMINST 5360.1, Decedent Affairs Manual. NOTIFICATION OF DEATH LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify forms used to report casualties, deaths, and personnel missing or missing in action. As soon as possible after it is determined that a casualty has occurred, submit a casualty report in accordance with MILPERSMAN 4210100. When death occurs, complete the “Personnel Casualty Report (Death), Report Symbol NMPC 1770-4 16-2