Posthumous Graduation in the U.S. Armed Forces: Understanding DD Form 1900 and DD 214
In the U.S. Armed Forces, the concept of posthumous graduation during training is a complex and often misunderstood topic. This article provides a clear understanding of how the military document system works and what happens when a soldier dies during training.
The Role of DD Form 1900
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that if a soldier dies during training, he does not receive a posthumous graduation. The DD Form 1900, also known as the Military Death Certificate, plays a key role in documenting the circumstances of the death. This form includes a section for the coroner's signature and additional blocks for documenting the cause of death and the circumstances of the incident.
The DD Form 1900 is distinct from the DD 214, which is the document that typically lists a service member's completed training schools. The DD 214, however, can only document completed training. Therefore, even if a soldier died during a training program like Basic Airborne, the DD 214 would not include that school as it was not completed.
The DD 214 and Military Education Section
The DD 214 is a vital document for veterans. It includes a section, Box 14, specifically for listing completed training schools. Every completed training course is listed here, which can be accessed by veterans and their families for verification and future use.
For example, if a soldier died during Jump School because they got hung in the risers during tower week, their DD 214 would not include Jump School as it was not completed. Instead, the DD 214 might list their last completed school before their death, such as Infantry School - Fort Benning - Basic Airborne - 2 Weeks - N - Year of the Event.
Coroner's Report and Cause of Death
The DD 1900 also includes a section where it specifies the cause of death and the event that led to the soldier's death. If a soldier dies during a training incident, the coroner's report will detail the incident and the resulting cause of death. For instance, it might read, "Training Incident during Basic Airborne Course resulting in [Cause of Death]. "
While the coroner's report provides a detailed account of the incident, the DD 1900 is used to record the exact nature of the death.
Commander's Discretion for Posthumous Ceremonial Awards
Some commanders may choose to award ceremonial wings or tabs to the next of kin if they believe it honors the fallen service member. However, this is not a standard practice and typically does not lead to posthumous graduation. Ceremonial wings and tabs are only issued to those who complete their training and are conferred upon them at the end of the training.
Practical Example
To illustrate this concept, consider a navy recruit who died in his sleep at basic training due to a seizure. His body was returned to Toronto, where his parents, flown in from Paris, were given a full military funeral with honors. An honor guard fired blank rounds, a display that honored the fallen recruit but did not result in posthumous graduation.
While the deceased sailor was given the full ceremonial honors, his DD 1900 would have listed the cause of death as a training incident. His DD 214, however, would not include the schools he did not complete, nor would it provide a posthumous graduation ceremony.
Conclusion
In summary, a soldier who dies during training in the U.S. Armed Forces does not receive a posthumous graduation. The DD Form 1900 and DD 214 document different aspects of a service member's life and death, but the DD 214 is solely for completed training. While commanders may offer some special recognition or awards, these do not change the official status of the service member. The military honors given at the time of death are a mark of respect and are a fitting tribute to the fallen service member's dedication and service.
Understanding these processes is crucial for families, military personnel, and those involved in the military to ensure that the correct documentation is provided and that the fallen service member is remembered appropriately.
Key Points
No posthumous graduation for soldiers who die during training. DD Form 1900 documents the cause of death. DD 214 lists completed training schools. Ceremonial honors do not constitute posthumous graduation.