Although death and dying are a part of mortality, the loss of a loved one while serving in the military is sudden and painful. Even with a knowledge and testimony of the plan of salvation and the atoning sacrifice of the Savior, family members will experience sadness and loneliness as they face life without their loved one. These and other feelings are part of the grief process.

If a deployed service member is killed in action (KIA) or dies from other causes, a military Survivor/Casualty Assistance Officer (SAO/CAO) will notify the family before the information is released publicly. The SAO/CAO will assist the family with processing military and life insurance death benefit claims, since military pay stops at the death of the service member. The officer will work closely with the family to ensure that proper military honors, memorial or funeral services, and burial of the deceased service member are provided for the family. The family should contact their bishop or branch president as soon as possible so he can coordinate with the family, the mortuary directors, and military officials to ensure that funeral services are planned appropriately and serve as a source of comfort to the spouse, children, parents, and other relatives of the deceased. Depending on the nature of the deceased member's injuries, it may not be appropriate to have an open casket viewing before the funeral services. Since it is customary for military members to be buried in their military uniform, it is important to coordinate with the mortuary director to ensure endowed members are buried in their temple clothing. If it is not possible to clothe the deceased member’s body in his or her temple clothes, the temple clothes should be laid inside the casket for burial.

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