DA Form 2122-1: Compliance, Custody & Interment Checklist

DA Form 2122-1: Compliance, Custody & Interment Checklist – This official document ensures full regulatory compliance, documents the secure transfer of custody of remains, and serves as a comprehensive checklist for interment procedures. It supports the Army’s commitment to honoring fallen heroes with precision and respect.

What Is DA Form 2122-1?

DA Form 2122-1, titled Statement of Compliance, Transfer of Custody, and Interment Checklist, is an active U.S. Army form published on April 1, 2022 (replacing earlier versions). It is prescribed by DA PAM 290-5 (Administration, Operation, and Maintenance of Army Cemeteries).

The form is primarily used by mortuary affairs personnel, commanders, cemetery officials, and authorized representatives involved in the preparation, transfer, and final interment or inurnment of eligible deceased individuals in Army cemeteries, including national cemeteries like Arlington.

It combines three essential functions into one document:

  • Statement of Compliance — Affirms adherence to all applicable Army regulations and policies.
  • Transfer of Custody — Documents the formal handover of remains between responsible parties.
  • Interment Checklist — Ensures all required steps are completed before burial or inurnment.

Purpose and Importance of the Form

Military interments demand the highest standards of dignity, accountability, and regulatory adherence. DA Form 2122-1 plays a vital role by:

  • Verifying that all legal, medical, and administrative requirements are met.
  • Maintaining an unbroken chain of custody for the deceased.
  • Preventing oversights that could delay or compromise funeral honors.
  • Providing official documentation for Army records and family reassurance.

For families of fallen service members, veterans, and eligible dependents, this form helps ensure the interment process proceeds smoothly and respectfully, aligning with Army traditions and federal guidelines for national cemeteries.

Key Sections of DA Form 2122-1

Statement of Compliance

This section requires authorized personnel to certify that all actions comply with current Army policies, including those in DA PAM 290-5 and related regulations. It typically involves signatures confirming eligibility verification, proper documentation (such as death certificates and DD Form 214), and adherence to interment protocols.

Transfer of Custody

This documents the formal transfer of remains from one entity (e.g., mortuary, transport service, or previous custodian) to another (e.g., cemetery officials). It includes details like dates, times, locations, and signatures to create a clear, auditable chain of custody.

Interment Checklist

A step-by-step verification list covering:

  • Verification of eligibility and authorization.
  • Completion of required supporting documents.
  • Coordination with funeral honors, chaplain services, and next of kin.
  • Final preparations at the gravesite or columbarium.
  • Post-interment administrative closures.

Who Uses DA Form 2122-1?

  • Army Mortuary Affairs Teams
  • Cemetery Administrators (e.g., Arlington National Cemetery and other Army cemeteries)
  • Unit Commanders and Casualty Assistance Officers
  • Authorized Representatives of the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD) or Primary Next of Kin (PNOK)
  • Contracted Funeral Directors supporting military funerals

The form supports processes for active duty deaths, retired veterans, and eligible family members.

How to Obtain and Complete DA Form 2122-1?

Official Download:
Download DA Form 2122-1 PDF from the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil).

Tips for Completion:

  1. Use the most current version (April 2022 or later).
  2. Fill out all fields accurately with supporting documentation attached.
  3. Ensure required signatures from authorized officials.
  4. Retain copies as part of official interment records.
  5. Consult DA PAM 290-5 for detailed guidance.

Note: No standalone public “how-to” instructions exist beyond the prescribing pamphlet; completion is typically handled by trained military or cemetery professionals. Families should work through their Casualty Assistance Representative.

  • DA Form 2122 — Record of Interment/Inurnment (companion form).
  • AR 290-5 — Army Cemeteries regulation.
  • DA PAM 290-5 — Detailed procedures for Army cemetery operations.
  • Arlington National Cemetery required documents (death certificate, DD214, etc.).

For veterans and families seeking burial benefits, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs or the nearest Army Casualty Assistance Office.

Conclusion: Honoring Service with Precision

DA Form 2122-1 is more than paperwork—it is a solemn commitment to excellence in military funeral rites. By standardizing compliance, custody transfer, and interment procedures, it helps ensure every eligible service member receives the honors they earned.

If you are a family member, veteran, or professional involved in military interment, always use the latest official form from armypubs.army.mil and consult current Army guidance or your Casualty Assistance team for support.

This article is for informational purposes. Official guidance should come directly from U.S. Army sources and DA PAM 290-5.