Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD)
The individual who fills this role is usually a family member and is entitled to direct the disposition of the remains. The determination is based on order of precedence as delineated below unless member designates differently on their DD Form 93, Record of Emergency Data.

Summary Courts Officer (SCO)
A Summary Courts Officer must be a commissioned officer appointed by a General Court Martial Convening Authority to handle the personal property and effects of deceased personnel and other eligible individuals as specified in AFI 34-160.

Family Assistance Representative (FAR)
The FAR is a military volunteer, appointed by the commander of the unit of the deceased, who assists the surviving family with the array of support agencies involved in providing assistance following the death of a member. The FAR acts as the official link between the family and the Air Force until an accident investigation board is complete or the family no longer wants unsolicited contact.

Escort
When the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD) does not specifically request a military member by name to serve as the escort, the Mortuary Officer, in conjunction with the commander of the unit of the deceased, will designate a military member of equal or higher rank than the decedent to escort the remains. The PADD may request, by name, a current active duty member of the military from any branch of service to be the escort. Guard or Reserve members may be authorized if currently serving on orders. The escort accompanies the remains from the shipping facility to final destination when the two places are not located in the same locale. The PADD requests, by name, a civilian or military "special escort" or requests the Air Force appoint a military escort.

Helpful Tools and Information
For a list of helpful instructions, policies, pamphlets and tool kits, please visit the AFMAO Policy & Directives webpage.