DAF Form 57 Mortuary Guide PDF – Official Download

DAF Form 57 Mortuary Guide PDF – Official Download – Losing a loved one who served in the U.S. Air Force or Department of the Air Force (DAF) is profoundly difficult. The DAF Form 57, Mortuary Guide, serves as a critical tool to help installation mortuary officers, casualty affairs teams, and families navigate the complex process of dignified handling, preparation, transportation, and final disposition of remains with honor and respect.

This official Department of the Air Force form acts as a checklist and procedural guide for managing mortuary affairs cases. It ensures compliance with DAFI 34-160, Mortuary Affairs Program (certified current as of November 2025), which implements key DoD policies on mortuary affairs.

What Is DAF Form 57?

DAF Form 57 is the “Mortuary Guide” used primarily by Air Force Mortuary Affairs Officers and support staff. It helps document and track essential steps in a mortuary case for deceased active duty, reserve, guard, retirees, and other eligible personnel.

Key purposes include:

  • Guiding the preparation and completion of mortuary case files.
  • Outlining procedures for identification, embalming/preparation, casket/urn selection, transportation, and interment or cremation.
  • Ensuring families receive entitled benefits while documenting decisions made by the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD) and Primary Next of Kin (PNOK).
  • Supporting coordination between base-level personnel, the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO), and external agencies like funeral homes and government cemeteries.

The form is referenced throughout DAFI 34-160 as a required tool for case management, often used alongside the Defense Casualty Information Processing System (DCIPS) and related checklists.

Who Uses DAF Form 57 and Why It Matters?

  • Installation Mortuary Affairs Officers: They complete or reference the guide to manage cases efficiently and maintain accurate records.
  • Commanders and First Sergeants: They receive guidance on their roles during a unit death (e.g., notifications, support to families).
  • Families and Next of Kin: While not filled out by families, the guide informs briefings on entitlements, options for burial vs. cremation, military funeral honors, and reimbursable expenses.

Proper use of the form helps fulfill the nation’s commitment to treat the fallen with dignity and provide compassionate support to survivors. It covers both CONUS (continental U.S.) and OCONUS scenarios, including transportation of remains and personal effects.

Key Elements Covered in Mortuary Affairs (Guided by DAF Form 57)

Although DAF Form 57 functions as an internal procedural guide, it aligns with broader entitlements and processes detailed in DAFI 34-160 and related briefing guides:

  1. Notification and Initial Response — Casualty notification to PNOK/PADD, coordination with chaplains, and establishment of the mortuary case file.
  2. Preparation of Remains — Positive identification, embalming or other preparation, and selection of casket or urn (government-furnished options are typically available for eligible personnel).
  3. Transportation — Government-arranged shipping of remains to the final destination, with possible stopover requests for services. Eligible family members may receive travel entitlements.
  4. Disposition Options:
    • Burial in a national or installation cemetery.
    • Burial in a civilian cemetery.
    • Cremation and disposition of cremains.
    • Direct consignment to a government cemetery.
  5. Military Funeral Honors — Including honor guard, flag presentation, and (in some cases) flyovers for eligible personnel.
  6. Reimbursable and Non-Reimbursable Expenses — Primary expenses (e.g., preparation, casket, transportation) are often government-covered; secondary expenses (e.g., certain funeral home services) may qualify for reimbursement.
  7. Personal Effects and Property — Separate procedures (detailed in DAFI 34-160 Chapter 13) for handling belongings.
  8. Documentation — Completion of related forms such as DAF Form 507 (Agreement for Burial), DAF Form 593 (Interment Record), and others.

Base-level briefing guides (e.g., from Hanscom or Wright-Patterson AFB) expand on these topics, explaining options, checklists, and points of contact to help families make informed decisions.

How to Access and Download DAF Form 57?

The official DAF Form 57 Mortuary Guide PDF is available directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing system:

→ Download DAF Form 57 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf57/daf57.pdf

Important notes:

  • This is the authoritative source. Always verify you are on the official e-Publishing.af.mil domain.
  • The form is for official use; families typically receive explanations and support through their installation’s Mortuary Affairs Officer rather than filling it out themselves.
  • Related key document: DAFI 34-160 Mortuary Affairs Program (full 189-page instruction) — available on e-Publishing.af.mil.

For retirees, see DAFPAM 34-162, Mortuary Services Entitlements for Retired Department of the Air Force Members (August 2023), which helps explain benefits to next of kin.

Additional Support Resources for USAF Families

  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO): Primary oversight for policy and complex cases. Contact through your installation or the official site (mortuary.af.mil).
  • Installation Mortuary Officer: Reach out via your base Force Support Squadron (FSS) or Casualty Affairs office. Many bases provide 24/7 contact through the Command Post.
  • Military OneSource Casualty & Mortuary Affairs Resources: Helpful overviews for service members and families.
  • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): Free peer support at 800-959-TAPS or TAPS.org.
  • Survivor Continuum of Care: Guidance on long-term support for families.

Local base resources (e.g., Wright-Patterson or Hanscom AFB mortuary guides) often include quick-reference POCs, checklists, and common issue avoidance tips for commanders and families.

Final Thoughts

The DAF Form 57 Mortuary Guide is an essential part of the Department of the Air Force’s commitment to honoring its fallen Airmen and Guardians while supporting their loved ones during an incredibly challenging time. By standardizing procedures under DAFI 34-160, it helps ensure consistent, respectful, and efficient handling of every case.

If you are a family member, commander, or mortuary affairs professional seeking this form, download it directly from the official link above. For personalized assistance, contact your local installation Mortuary Affairs Officer or Casualty Services team immediately—they are trained to guide you through every step with compassion and expertise.

Official sources for this article:

  • DAFI 34-160, Mortuary Affairs Program (3 March 2022, certified current 18 November 2025).
  • Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website.
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations guidance and installation-level briefing materials.

This information is current as of 2026 and is intended for U.S.-based service members, veterans, and their families. Policies can have specific eligibility nuances—consult official channels for case-specific advice.