What documents should the family have readily available in case a Soldier becomes a casualty?
The documents that families should have readily available are: • Adoption and custody documents • Birth certificates for all family members • Copies of deeds, abstracts, mortgages, rental contracts, and similar documents • Death certificates (The casualty assistance officer (CAO) will provide the DD Form 1300 for the deceased Soldier) • Documents for bank accounts (checking, savings), loans, securities, stocks, bonds, and similar items • Immigration and naturalization documents • Income tax records (last 3 years recommended) • Information about outstanding debts • Information about safe-deposit boxes • Insurance policies (for example, life, home, vehicle) • Marriage certificates and divorce papers • Separation documents from military service (for example, DD Form 214) • Social security numbers for all family members • Titles and registrations for weapons and automobiles • Wills and deeds of trust