DA Form 2773: Statement of Identification Guide (PDF)

DA Form 2773: Statement of Identification Guide (PDF) – DA Form 2773, titled Statement of Identification, is an official U.S. Army document used in the mortuary affairs process. It formally records the identification of deceased personnel for whom the Army is responsible.

The form, dated AUG 2010 (previous editions obsolete), is prescribed for use under AR 638-2 (Army Mortuary Affairs Program) and DA PAM 638-2. Identification specialists and approving officers complete it after positive identification of remains.

Download the official DA Form 2773 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/NOCASE-DA_FORM_2773-000-EFILE-0.pdf

Purpose of DA Form 2773 in Army Mortuary Affairs

The primary purpose of DA Form 2773 is to document the condition of remains and all methods used to establish positive identification. This ensures accuracy, legal compliance, and dignity in handling deceased service members, civilians, or other eligible individuals.

It serves as a key record in the Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF). The Casualty Assistance Center (CAC) completes it upon receiving identification from civil or military authorities or after military determination. All supporting documents (such as DD Forms 565, 890, etc.) attach to it.

When Is DA Form 2773 Used?

  • Following recovery of remains from an incident scene (accident, combat, or other circumstances).
  • After processing for identification at mortuary facilities, including DNA, dental, fingerprint, or other comparisons.
  • When civil authorities or the Armed Forces Medical Examiner (AFME) provide identification.
  • In cases involving incomplete, commingled, decomposed, or mutilated remains.
  • For current death operations, concurrent return, or temporary interment scenarios.

It applies to eligible decedents under Army responsibility, including active duty Soldiers, certain Reserves, retirees, dependents, and others per AR 638-2.

Key Sections of DA Form 2773

The form includes:

  • Deceased Information: Name (Last, First, MI), grade, branch of service, organization and base, place of death/incident, and date of incident.
  • Condition of Remains: Checkboxes for Not Recognizable, Decomposed, Burned, Mutilated, Skeletal, Commingled, Semi-Skeletal, etc.
  • Means of Identification: Options like Visual Recognition, Fingerprint Comparison, Dental Comparison, DNA/Anatomical, Identification Tags, Personal Effects, DD Forms (565, 893, etc.), X-rays, and others. Narrative explanations are required.
  • Narrative and Summary: Detailed description of identification process, supporting data, and any additional information.
  • Enclosures: List of attached documents (e.g., DD Form 565, dental records, photos).
  • Recommendations, Signatures, and Approvals: Identification specialist details, approving officer (name, grade, title, signature, date), and statements of correctness.

The form continues on the reverse side or additional sheets as needed.

How to Fill Out and Process DA Form 2773?

  1. Completion — Identification specialists document the condition and all identification methods used.
  2. Narrative — Provide a clear, factual summary including names and details of authorities involved.
  3. Attachments — Include all supporting identification evidence.
  4. Approval — An approving officer reviews and signs.
  5. Distribution — The original and related documents forward to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) for the official IDPF.

Note: Only authorized personnel in the casualty and mortuary affairs chain handle this form. Families typically interact through Casualty Assistance Officers rather than completing it directly.

  • AR 638-2: Army Mortuary Affairs Program (primary regulation).
  • DA PAM 638-2: Provides detailed procedures.
  • Related forms: DD Form 565 (Statement of Recognition of Deceased), DD Form 890, DD Forms 891–894, and others for fingerprints, dental records, etc.

Importance for Service Members and Families

Accurate identification via DA Form 2773 ensures the right remains return to families, supports benefits and honors, and maintains the Army’s commitment to dignity and respect. Families receive support through Casualty Assistance Centers for notifications, disposition options, and benefits.

For the most current guidance, refer to official Army publications on armypubs.army.mil or contact your servicing Casualty Assistance Center.

This article is for informational purposes and based on publicly available U.S. Army resources. Always consult official channels or legal advisors for specific cases.