Transition in Military Death Notifications: Past and Present

Finally, the Department of Defense, with support and encouragement from Congress and the American public, has focused more on today’s military member and family as a unit, instead of the individual soldier, as was the case with the Vietnam veteran. Although a soldier, and sometimes a taxi driver at the height of the Vietnam War, would hand deliver a Western Union telegram notifying spouses and family members of their loved one’s death, it was still perceived by survivors as cold and lacking compassion (Hanna). According to the military, this was considered notification in person, which many family members found insulting (Hanna). In contrast, death notifications for today’s military forces are dealt with sensitively and respectfully, notified in person by a special Casualty Assistance Officer, and followed up with a chaplain if the family

Families are no longer left to stare at an impersonal telegram and figure out where to go from there. During the Vietnam War, very few programs existed for the benefit or transition of the military spouse or children. Today, there are numerous programs specifically targeted for military families. One such program is an educational program called MyCAA geared towards military spouses (Webber). There are also career resources and job fairs for military spouses, as well as recent legislation called the Spouse Preference Program (Michel). Another program to help special needs military family members is the Exceptional Family Member Program. Additionally, the Department of Defense has provided over 800 child development centers as well as created Ombudsman positions to serve as communication links between family members and the military (Michel). While similarities between the Vietnam and Afghanistan Wars exist, such as both wars being highly publicized, both suffering from scandals, and both having no clear front line or easily defined enemy, there are several differences. Whereas Vietnam veterans had few benefits and an