AF Form 146 Death Tag: Official Air Force Download & Guide

AF Form 146 Death Tag: Official Air Force Download & Guide – AF Form 146, officially known as the Death Tag, serves as a critical document in U.S. Air Force mortuary affairs and medical administration procedures. It provides essential identification and information for remains in the event of a death occurring on a military installation or in a medical treatment facility (MTF). This form helps ensure proper handling, tracking, and processing of deceased personnel according to Department of the Air Force (DAF) policies.

Military personnel, medical administrators, and mortuary affairs specialists in the USAF frequently reference AF Form 146 as part of standardized fatality response protocols.

What Is AF Form 146 (Death Tag)?

The Death Tag is a prescribed form listed in DAFMAN 41-210 (Medical Administrative Management or related guidance on patient administration and fatality processing). It accompanies other key documents in fatality response packages maintained by inpatient Military Treatment Facilities.

Key components typically included on the Death Tag (based on standard Air Force medical and mortuary practices):

  • Deceased individual’s full name, rank/grade, service number, and unit.
  • Date, time, and location of death.
  • Cause of death (preliminary or as determined).
  • Identifying physical characteristics or medical details.
  • Signature of the attending medical officer or authorized personnel.
  • Instructions for disposition or attachment to remains.

The tag is physically attached to the remains (often to the right great toe or another standard location, consistent with historical military identification practices) to maintain positive identification throughout transport, autopsy, preparation, and final disposition. This prevents mix-ups and supports chain-of-custody requirements in mortuary affairs.

When and Why Is AF Form 146 Used?

AF Form 146 is used whenever the Air Force MTF is required or authorized to process a death on a military installation. This includes:

  • Deaths occurring inside the MTF.
  • Deaths elsewhere on the installation where the MTF handles official response.
  • Support for mortuary affairs under DAFI 34-160 (Mortuary Affairs Program), which governs remains disposition, identification, and related procedures for active duty, retirees, and eligible personnel.

Inpatient MTFs must maintain a minimum of ten pre-assembled fatality packages in accessible locations (e.g., TRICARE Operations, Admissions and Dispositions Office, or Emergency Department). Each package includes:

  • SF 503 (Medical Record – Autopsy Protocol)
  • SF 523 (Authorization for Autopsy)
  • SF 523A (Disposition of the Body)
  • AF Form 146, Death Tag
  • AF Form 570 (Notification of Patient’s Medical Status)
  • Other supporting forms like DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data)

The form supports compliance with broader DoD and Air Force policies on casualty reporting, positive identification of remains, and dignified handling of the deceased.

Note: Procedures align with current DAF guidance (as of 2026 references in DAFMAN 41-210). Always verify the latest version through official channels, as forms and instructions can update.

How to Access and Download AF Form 146?

Official versions of Air Force forms, including AF Form 146, are available through the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil). Authorized users can download fillable or printable PDFs.

Direct download links provided:

These links point to the current physical format of the form as hosted on the official e-Publishing platform. Personnel should access them via .mil domains or authenticated accounts where required for security and compliance.

For the most up-to-date instructions or supplements, search the product index on e-Publishing or consult your local Medical Treatment Facility administrator, Mortuary Affairs Officer, or Force Support Squadron.

  • DAFMAN 41-210: Outlines medical administrative processes, including fatality package requirements and use of AF Form 146.
  • DAFI 34-160 (Mortuary Affairs Program): Covers overall remains disposition, identification, military funeral honors, and coordination for active duty, reserve, National Guard, retirees, and other eligible individuals. It emphasizes positive identification and dignified transfer.
  • Casualty Services (AFI 36-3002 and related): Handles notification to next of kin (NOK), Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD), and survivor benefits.
  • Line-of-Duty (LOD) determinations may also intersect when death occurs, using forms like AF Form 146 alongside medical records.

In deployed or contingency settings, similar documentation supports aeromedical evacuation or theater mortuary operations (e.g., references in AFTTP 3-42 series).

Best Practices for Handling AF Form 146

  1. Accuracy: Complete all fields legibly and accurately. Errors can complicate identification or legal processes.
  2. Chain of Custody: Ensure the tag remains securely attached and documented throughout transfer.
  3. Privacy and Security: Handle personally identifiable information (PII) in accordance with Privacy Act requirements and DoD/DAF policies.
  4. Training: Medical, personnel, and mortuary staff should receive training on fatality packages and forms through their MTF or installation programs.
  5. Coordination: Work closely with Casualty Assistance Representatives (CARs), Mortuary Officers, and legal personnel.

Important: This article provides general information based on publicly referenced DAF publications. It is not a substitute for official guidance. For operational use, consult the latest versions on e-Publishing.af.mil, your local OPR (Office of Primary Responsibility), or chain of command. Policies may include tiered compliance (T-0, T-1, etc.) and waiver processes.

Why Proper Use of the Death Tag Matters?

Accurate and timely use of AF Form 146 supports the Air Force’s commitment to honoring its fallen with dignity, providing closure to families, and maintaining operational readiness in casualty response. It forms a small but vital part of the larger Mortuary Affairs and Casualty Services ecosystem that serves Airmen, Guardians, families, and veterans.

For USAF members and families seeking more on survivor benefits, funeral honors, or related support, contact your installation Airman and Family Readiness Center or visit official resources like AFPC (Air Force Personnel Center).

Keywords for further reading: AF Form 146 PDF, Air Force Death Tag, DAF mortuary affairs, military death procedures, DAFMAN 41-210, DAFI 34-160.

Last updated reference context: Based on DAF publications current as of 2025–2026. Always cross-check official sources for any changes.