AFDIL:
Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory in Rockville, Maryland supports the CILHI in mtDNA analysis.

AFIRB:
The Armed Forces Identification Review Board is a three-person board convened to scrutinize CILHI identifications. It consists of one member from the Army, Navy (or Marine Corps), and Air Force. This board is the final approval authority for an identification recommendation.

AIR:
Additional Information Report A report format used by field teams to report information obtained on a case not in their investigation plan.

Arrival Ceremony:
A ceremony hosted by U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) to render honors to remains returning to U. S. soil. Normally conducted at Hickam AFB; follows the formal turn-over of remains (repatriation ceremony) in Southeast Asia (SEA).

ART:
Archival Research Team A small team that operates in Laos independent of Joint Field Activities (JFAs) and is charged with researching Lao archives (e.g., libraries, museums, film storage facilities, etc.).

ATL:
Assistant Team Leader The team member designated to assist the team leader and act as team leader in his absence.

CAPMI:
Computer Assisted Post Mortem Identification is a CILHI computerized list of ante-mortem dental records of all American servicemen unaccounted for from the war in Southeast Asia. By cross-referencing this data with the remains dental information, CAPMI generates a list of likely candidates.

CDO:
Central Documentation Office is tasked with declassification of DoD documents relating to Southeast Asia Prisoner of Was/Missing Personnel. In 1993, the CDO and its mission were incorporated into the DPMO.

Channel Flight:
A regularly scheduled U.S. Air Force flight flown to provide support to U.S. missions abroad.

CILHI:
Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii is located at Hickam AFB in Hawaii, this United States Army organization is responsible for conducting search and recovery operations worldwide for unaccounted-for American servicemen from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. CILHI also performs all forensic identifications of remains.

CINCPAC:
Commander-In-Chief Pacific is located at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii; the CINCPAC is the operational commander of all military forces in the Pacific region. JTF-FA is under the control of CINCPAC.

Comprehensive Review:
A semi-annual meeting during which DPMO and JTF-FA analysts review all existing leads for validity and assignment of responsibility.

Consultative Talks:
Regularly scheduled formal bilateral meetings conducted in Laos to discuss issues relevant to the issue of unaccounted-for Americans. These talks are functionally identical to Technical Talks; however, the term "consultative" was initially preferred by the Lao government.

Coordination Conference:
An ongoing review process, involving JTF-FA, DPMO, and CILHI analysts, to analyze the results of investigation, excavation and research activities including host country unilateral actions relating to specific cases, determine changes to case categories and define next steps for achieving the fullest possible accounting.

Deferred:
A term used to categorize cases based on the comprehensive review. Defines cases where the investigation process has exhausted all leads with no avenues of pursuit identified. Additional information is required to develop new leads.

Dentition:
"The type, number, and arrangement of teeth, esp. in animals." In the context of JTF-FA/CILHI reports, this normally refers to teeth in the generic sense and is typically used only to indicate their presence or absence when discussing remains.

DIA:
Defense Intelligence Agency An intelligence collection agency of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The POW-MIA section of this agency formed the basis for the present DPMO, which is directly subordinate to DOD.

DIA-SB:Defense Intelligence Agency-Stony Beach

DNA:
Deoxyribonucleic Acid is the molecular material foundin cells containing the genetic "blueprints" of life. There are two kinds of DNA in cells, Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) found in the mitochandria and chromosomal DNA found in the nucleus.

DPMO:
Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office was established in 1993 and is located in Crystal City, VA. This organization is directly subordinate to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and responsible for all-source analysis of information concerning unaccounted-for Americans. This organization was formed with assets which were previously subordinate to the Defense Intelligence Agency.

DRE:
Detailed Report of Excavation The report, prepared in message format, which documents in detail the excavation of a specific case and relates the information obtained during that process.

DRI:
Detailed Report of Investigation The report, prepared in message format, which documents in detail the investigation or re-investigation of a particular incident or case and relates the information obtained during that process.

DSB:
Defense Science Board consists of a group of individuals outside of DoD, recognized as experts in a particular field, asked to address scientific or technological issues faced by the DoD.

EOD:
Explosive Ordnance Disposal The career field (all four services) that provides specialists in detecting, marking, and disposing of unexploded ordnance (mines, ammunition, bombs, bomblets, missiles, etc.). EOD technicians can augment both investigative and recovery elements.

Excavation:
The proper and precise term for the physical act of digging a site using archaeological methodology. Often used interchangeably with Recovery, this term is preferred in written reports.

FIR:
Field Investigation Report A term previously used interchangeably with Detailed Report of Investigation (DRI). This term is no longer used.

Firsthand:
An adjective indicating actual individual participation or presence. A "firsthand account" is a description of an event provided by someone who personally witnessed it.

Grid:
In excavations, the matrix of square or rectangular divisions constructed over a site to map it and divide it into sections. This term can also be used to refer to an individual section of such a matrix.

HF:
High Frequency That band of radio waves (2 - 30 MHz) that allow transmission of both ground and air waves. HF communications via AN/PRC-132 and HF-100 are the primary means of passing information between field teams and the detachment headquarters in Vietnam, and the back-up means for both Cambodia and Laos.

Hearsay:
Information which is obtained from the accounts of others rather than by personal observation.

IE:
Investigation Element A team with the primary mission of investigating cases involving unaccounted-for personnel.

IRDB:Investigation/Recovery Decision Brief The final meeting chaired by CJTF-FA prior to each JFA, during which team leaders, CILHI S3 and J3 brief their plan for execution of the JFA. Normally held 30 days prior to each JFA and results in production of the operations order.

IRT:
Investigation And Recovery Team The term used to describe the entire group of personnel, including members of investigation elements and recovery elements, deployed during a particular field activity.

Identification Media:
A collective term used when referring to the various types of personal identification that might be associated with an unaccounted-for personnel. This includes, but is not limited to, dog tags, military identification cards, Geneva convention cards, driver's licenses, credit cards, and organizational membership cards.

Interview:
The act of questioning an individual to obtain specific information.

Investigate, Investigation:
"To observe or inquire into in detail. To make a systematic inquiry or examination." In the context of JTF-FA operations, an investigation is the initial process of gathering information concerning an incident involving unaccounted-for personnel. This process includes interviewing witnesses, visiting pertinent locations, conducting site surveys, and searching for/examining material and biological evidence.

JCRC:
Joint Casualty Resolution Center was formed in January 1973 to resolve the fates of the unaccounted-for American servicemen from the war in Southeast Asia. The JCRC was replaced by the JTF-FA in 1992.

JCS:
Joint Chiefs of Staff is a collective body of chiefs of the four military services headed by a chairman who serves to advise the President, National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff is the principal military advisor to the President.

JCSD:
Joint Commission Support Directorate is the directorate within the DPMO responsible for assisting the USRJC.

JFA:
Joint Field Activity is a planned field operation staffed by two or more U.S. military services. These operations may include other nation's services and include such activities as the investigation and serveys of suspected grave or crash sites, subsequent excavation of the grave or crashsite and the interviewing of witnesses.

JTF-FA:
Joint Task Force-Full Accounting is located at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, with detachments in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, the JTF-FA is the successor of the JCRC and is the DoD agency responsible for conducting field operations to account for Americans from the war in Southeast Asia.

KPA:
Korean People's Army of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

Lead:
The investigative requirement, joint or unilateral, to obtain information for achieving the fullest possible accounting of unaccounted for personnel. One case may have multiple leads.

LKA:
Last Known Alive are cases in which the United States has information that the individual survived the loss incident and fell into enemy hands. In the case of the air incidents, this includes cases in which the crewmembers are believed to have successfully exited their aircraft and to have been alive on the ground. In the case of ground incidents, this includes cases in which the individuals were last known alive, were not gravely wounded, and were in proximity to enemy forces.

LPDR:
Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic

LSEL:
Life Science Equipment Laboratory is located at Kelly AFB in Santonio, Texas.

LSI:
Live Sighting Investigation/Investigator An investigation of incidents or information concerning unaccounted-for personnel who are believed to have survived their initial loss incidents and remained alive, either in captivity or living freely; the individual, normally a representative of the Defense Intelligence Agency, responsible for conducting such investigations.

LST:
Life Support Technician The career field (USAF and USN) that specializes in ejection seats, parachutes, and pilot life support. LSTs can augment both investigative and recovery elements and provide on-site analysis of aircraft wreckage.

MEDCAP:
Medical Civic Action Program A program in which U.S. medical personnel provide medical treatment to the citizens of another country.

MFA:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs The host nation equivalent of the U.S. State Department.

MND:
Ministry of National Defense The host nation equivalent of the U.S. Department of Defense.

MOI:
Ministry of Interior The host nation government organization responsible for internal security. It oversees all police forces in the host country and all intelligence collection activities.

Material Evidence:
A term used to refer to the various types of physical evidence obtained or observed during the process of an investigation or excavation. This typically includes aircraft wreckage, personal effects and equipment, identification media, and remains.

NLF:
National League of Families An organization comprised of family members of service members and civilians who are unaccounted-for as a result of the war in SEA.

NOK:
Next of Kin The closest living relation of an unaccounted-for individual.

No Further Pursuit:
A term used to categorize cases based on the comprehensive review. Defines cases where the individuals perished and regardless of any future effort by the US Government and the governments of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia their cases cannot be resolved through the repatriation of remains.

Off the Scope:
A term used to refer to aircraft losses in Southeast Asia, primarily in Laos, where the aircraft loss occurred outside of radar coverage and the location is unknown. A team of DPMO analysts has been assigned to specifically research these difficult cases.

OHP:
Oral History Program A program in which U.S. personnel conduct detailed interviews of Southeast Asian personnel who held key positions during the Vietnam War or in the years following. The objective of this program is to elicit information concerning the fate and disposition of unaccounted-for U.S. personnel and related collateral information.

Operations Order:
The formal order that follows the Investigation/Recovery Decision Brief used to task supporting commands that defines: task organization, situation, mission, execution, administration and logistics, and command and signal plans. The Operations Order describes the plan and assigns responsibilities for each JFA. Normally issued 30 days prior to each JFA.

Operations Plan:
The annual plan issued by JTF-FA to all supporting and supported commands that describes the plan and assigns responsibilities for execution of JTF-FA operations for each Fiscal Year (FY). Normally issued in the third quarter (APR - JUN) of each year.

PAG:
Public Affairs Guidance Written guidance prepared by the Public Affairs Officer for use during media interviews. This guidance provides pertinent statistics and suggested responses to the most commonly asked questions.

PAO:
Public Affairs Officer The individual responsible for representing an organization during liaison with media correspondents, for preparing press releases detailing significant events, and for preparing Public Affairs Guidance for use by personnel in the organization.

PCIT:
Priority Case Investigation Teams Formerly a special team which operated independent of Joint Field Activities to investigate priority cases.

PCR:
The Polymerase Chain Reaction was discovered in 1985 and has revolutionized the DNA typing methods used in forensic casework. PCR is like a biological photocopy machine. The DNA (genetic code) in each cell is 3 billion letters long. MtDNA analysis looks at approximately 600 of these letters. However, the number of copies of the 600 letter-long "sequence" is too low to analyze when extracted from the skeletal remains. Therefore, the sequence of letter is replicated, or "photocopied." The original 600-letter sequence is placed in the photocopy machine making two copies total. The two copies are then placed back in the photocopy machine and now four copies are available. After 38 rounds of replication or "photocopying," there will be more than 1 million copies of the 600-letter sequence available for analysis.

Pending:
Formerly one of the formal categories in which a particular case may be placed, pending indicates that no active efforts pertaining to this case are scheduled. Further efforts may be conducted if additional information becomes available that would prompt such action. Pending should not be interpreted as resolved or inactive.

Personal Effects:
Non-biological artifacts that can be exclusively correlated to a given individual. Examples include: ID card, ID tags, Blood Chit, credit cards, jewelry, etc.

Prosthesis:
An artificial replacement of a limb, tooth, or other part of the body. CILHI reports often use the term Dental Prosthesis when referring to a partial denture, bridge, or other artificial dental device.

PMKOR:
Personnel Missing in Korea is a DPMO database containing basic information on personnel unaccounted-for from the Korean War.

PRC:
Peoples Republic of China

PMSEA:
Personnel Missing in Southeast Asia is a DPMO database containing basic information on personnel unaccounted-for from the war in Southeast Asia.

RE:
Recovery Element A team with the primary mission of conducting excavation operations.

REFNO:
Acronym for "reference number", this term refers to the number assigned to each individual incident involving unaccounted-for personnel. It was previously used interchangeably with the term "case;" however, "case" is now the preferred term.

REFNO Folder:
The master folder maintained by JTF-FA/J2 containing all information and documentation pertaining to a particular incident involving unaccounted-for personnel. A Refno Folder is maintained for each unaccounted-for individual.

REPAT:
Call sign for JTF-FA mission support aircraft. Strategic airlifters (C-141, C-17) use the fiscal year for a suffix (I.E., "REPAT 98") while tactical aircraft (C-130) are numbered in sequence (i.e., "REPAT 39").

RIT:
Research and Investigation Team is a JTF-FA Hanoi-based team that focuses on four areas:

1. Priority Discrepancy Cases
2. Special Remains Cases
3. Archival Research
4. Oral History Interviews.

The RIT travels extensively throughout Vietnam pursuing leads to specific cases, investigating general information, and, in some cases, conducting limited excavations of alleged loss locations.

Receive:
To obtain something by having it given to you by another party. This should be differentiated from Recover in JTF-FA reports to avoid confusion concerning the method of acquisition of an item.

Recommendation:
A formal suggestion concerning the status of a particular case. Use this term sparingly to avoid confusion; best applied only in the Recommendation paragraph of investigation reports. Currently an Investigation Element team leader can make one of three recommendations:

Excavate, Continue to Investigate, or None.

Recover:
Used in the context of JTF-FA reports, this means to discover something during a Search and retain it for further examination. This differs from Receive.

Recovery:
A general term often used interchangeably with Excavation. Excavation is the proper and precise term for the physical act of digging a site using archaeological methodology and is preferred in written reports.

Re-investigation:
An investigation effort conducted after an initial investigation. A re-investigation can be a complete effort or confined to satisfying specific objectives. The re-survey of a site already recommended for excavation is a re-investigation.

Remains:
Usually, this refers to skeletal remains, the pieces of bone and teeth left after a human being or other vertebrate has decomposed.

Repatriation Ceremony:
Formal ceremony for turn-over of remains from SEA governments to U. S. custody.

Research and Investigation Team:
A special team (Vietnam only) that is charged with investigating Last Known Alive (LKA) cases and conducting OHP interviews.

Restored:
When referring to teeth, a tooth which has had a filling, cap, or other type of repair performed on it. Also commonly referred to as a Restoration.

SAR:
Search and Rescue is a generic term for forces (aircraft, ships, and supporting troops) that attempt to locate and rescue downed aircrews.

SATCOM:
SATellite COMmunications, a communications system that uses satellites to relay signals.

SB:
Stony Beach An organization headquartered in the U.S. Embassy, Bangkok which is subordinate to the Defense Intelligence Agency. Its function is to investigate information indicating that U.S. personnel remained alive in Southeast Asia after 1975 and to debrief Southeast Asian refugees who claim to possess information concerning unaccounted-for Americans.

SCRUB:
Informal term for JTF-FA/DPMO Coordination Conference.

SEA:
Acronym for "Southeast Asia"

Search:
The physical act of looking for a particular item or items at a specific location.

Set (of remains):
An incorrect term that should not be used in JTF-FA reports or in reference to human remains. A "set" implies that all the remains represented are from the same individual or that a complete skeletal remains is represented. Both of these are determinations that can only be made through detailed forensic analysis. JTF-FA reports should refer to remains generically only. If more than one individual is believed to be represented, phrasing to the effect of "...remains believed to be associated with ## individuals..." should be used.

Site:
A physical location, normally one where a significant event such as an aircraft crash or burial occurred.

Site Survey:
In the context of JTF-FA operations, a survey is the process of evaluating and recording the pertinent details of a Site. A survey is an integral part of the investigation process and does not constitute an independent activity. All surveys, whether initial or a re-visit, are considered to be part of an investigation (or re-investigation) and are reported in that context. Due to the confusion caused by this term, report writers should be as explicit as possible in describing the reasons for re-visiting a site that has already been surveyed. Report writers are encouraged to use alternate terms, such as examine, assess, or inspect when practical.

Skirmish Search:
A type of Search conducted by arranging team members on line and maintaining this formation while searching a specific area. If terrain and vegetation allow, this is normally the most thorough method of searching an area.

SRT:
Special Remains Team Formerly a special team that operated independently of Joint Field Activities to investigate information which relates specifically to remains believed to be associated with unaccounted-for U.S. personnel.

SR:
Summary Report The initial report released after the completion of a Joint Field Activity. It provides an overview of the results of the activity, including a statistical summary of the cases addressed and a narrative assessment of host nation cooperation and other significant subjects.

SRV:
Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the communist state formed in 1975 by the forced takeover of South Vietnam by North Vietnam.

Surface Search:
A type of Search that is restricted to an examination of the surface of the ground only. It does not include any sub-surface probing and is not necessarily conducted in an on-line formation like a Skirmish Search.

Survey:
See Site Survey.

TACSAT:
Acronym for TACtical SATellite communication, a communication system that uses satellites to relay signals.

Technical Talks:
Regularly scheduled formal bilateral meetings conducted in the countries of Southeast Asia to discuss issues relevant to the issue of unaccounted-for Americans. CJTF represents U.S. interests in these talks.

Test Pit:
A sample excavation dug by an investigation element to fulfill one of two requirements: to gather additional evidence for an excavation recommendation, or to provide a detailed soil description to facilitate planning for an excavation. Test pits used to gather evidence are dug on-site, while those used to provide details on soil composition are dug adjacent to the site.

Transfer Cases:
Aluminum cases the size of standard caskets which are used for the transport of remains. These cases are utilized during formal repatriation ceremonies.

Trilateral Investigation:
An investigation that draws on witnesses from a third nation (e.g., a Vietnamese witness for a lead in Laos). Trilateral investigations require significant coordination between detachments and the headquarters to facilitate escort, interviews, border crossings, etc.

UNCMAC:
United Nations Command Military Armistice Committee represents the 16 nations that joined the South Koreans in the Korean War, and continues to press for the repatriation of the remains of unaccounted-for Untied Nation servicemen.

Unilateral Investigation:
An investigation conducted solely by one of the SEA governments to meet the requirements of a lead.

USRJC:
United States-Russia Joint Commission on Prisoners of War/Missing In Action

UXO:
Unexploded ordnance, a term used to describe all hazardous ordnance (ammunition, mines, bombs, bomblets, missiles).

VNOSMP:
Vietnamese Office For Seeking Missing Persons The Socialist Republic of Vietnam's counterpart organization of JTF-FA.

Witness:
Literally, an individual who actually observed a particular event. This term is often applied to any person interviewed during an investigation. Care should be taken in its use, since persons providing purely hearsay information or circumstantial information not directly related to an incident might be mistakenly thought of as actually having been present when the incident occurred.

Click the button above to view the POW/MIA Freedom Fighters Index

You are visitor since October 22, 2000
Counter by WebCounter