DA Form 7406: Summary Court-Martial Officer Checklist – U.S. Army service members, commanders, and Casualty Assistance personnel often need clear guidance on handling the sensitive responsibilities following the death of a Soldier. DA Form 7406, officially titled the Summary Court-Martial Officer Checklist, is a key tool in the Army’s Mortuary Affairs Program. It ensures Summary Court-Martial Officers (SCMOs) receive proper briefing and understand their critical duties regarding personal effects (PE) of deceased personnel.
What Is DA Form 7406?
DA Form 7406 is a one-page checklist used to document the briefing provided to a newly appointed Summary Court-Martial Officer. It confirms that the SCMO has been informed of their appointment, responsibilities, required forms, reports, timelines, and reference materials under Army regulations.
- Latest Version: June 2015 (DA FORM 7406, JUN 2015).
- Proponent: DCS, G-1 (Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1).
- For Use With: DA PAM 638-2 (Procedures for the Army Mortuary Affairs Program) and AR 638-2 (Army Mortuary Affairs Program).
Download the Official Form Here: DA Form 7406 PDF (Direct from Army Publishing Directorate – armypubs.army.mil). Always use the official source for the most current version.
Purpose and Role in Army Mortuary Affairs
The Army appoints SCMOs (typically officers) to safeguard, inventory, document, package, and properly dispose of or transfer a deceased Soldier’s personal effects. This role supports the dignified handling of remains and effects while providing support to grieving families.
Key responsibilities of an SCMO include:
- Inventorying and securing personal effects.
- Preparing required documentation.
- Coordinating with Casualty Assistance Centers (CACs).
- Ensuring timely submission of reports and transfer of effects to the Joint Personal Effects Depot (JPED) or designated recipients.
DA Form 7406 serves as a quality control and accountability tool. The briefer (often from the CAC or unit) initials each item, and both the SCMO and briefer sign and date the form.
What the DA Form 7406 Checklist Covers?
The form is organized into clear sections that the briefer must cover:
1. Information
- SCMO appointment order.
- Review of authority, jurisdiction, and limitations.
- SCMO duties per AR 638-2.
- Submission requirements for documents and reports.
- Points of contact at the CAC and Disposition Branch.
2. Forms
- DA Form 54 (Record of Personal Effects).
- DA Form 4160 (Patient’s Personal Effects and Clothing Record, if applicable).
- DD Form 1076 (Military Operations Record of Personal Effects of Deceased Personnel).
3. Reports and 4. Other – Timeline for submissions and additional references.
References Provided:
- AR 638-2 (relevant chapters).
- DA PAM 638-2 (Chapters 11–16 or equivalent).
This structured checklist helps prevent errors in a high-stakes, time-sensitive process.
Who Needs This Form?
- Commanders appointing SCMOs.
- Casualty Assistance Centers (CACs) and Casualty Assistance Officers (CAOs).
- Summary Court-Martial Officers themselves.
- S-1/G-1 personnel and rear detachment teams during deployments.
Proper use of DA Form 7406 supports compliance with Army standards and helps ensure families receive their loved one’s personal effects promptly and respectfully.
Related Regulations and Resources (Current as of 2025-2026)
- AR 638-2 (Army Mortuary Affairs Program, updated March 2023) – Primary policy.
- DA PAM 638-2 (Procedures for the Army Mortuary Affairs Program, September 2022) – Detailed guidance.
- Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for official forms and pubs.
- Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center (CMAOC) via HRC.
For training or questions, contact your local Casualty Assistance Center. CAC locations and contacts are available through HRC or installation Directorate of Human Resources.
Why This Matters?
Handling a Soldier’s death is one of the most solemn duties in the Army. DA Form 7406 helps standardize the process, reduce administrative burdens on officers, and ensure dignity and accountability. Using the official checklist supports mission success and honors those who served.
Need the form right now?
Download DA Form 7406 PDF
This article is for informational purposes and is based on official U.S. Army publications. Always consult the latest versions on armypubs.army.mil and your chain of command or CAC for case-specific guidance.