Updates to Missing Personnel Protocol in the U.S. Army

Rapid Response Directive for Missing Soldiers

The U.S. Army has implemented a crucial new directive that mandates immediate action from commanders when a soldier goes missing. Issued by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, the new policy establishes a timeline where commanders are required to classify a service member’s status as “absent-unknown” within three hours of the initial report and to notify the soldier’s family within eight hours.

Streamlining the Reporting Process

Historically, identifying the whereabouts of missing soldiers has involved a protracted and inconsistent procedure. The aforementioned revision aims to expedite this process significantly, thereby ensuring that law enforcement agencies are engaged much earlier. Key components of the new directive include:

• Immediate Classification: Commanders must determine the status of a soldier within three hours.
• Local Law Enforcement Involvement: Officers are required to notify Army law enforcement, enter the missing person’s details into the National Crime Information Center database, and coordinate with local civilian police for assistance.

Evaluation Window

Subsequent to the initial three-hour period, commanders are afforded a 48-hour window to assess whether a soldier’s absence is voluntary or indicative of a more severe situation. During this time:

• Authorities must categorize the soldier’s status as either Absent Without Leave (AWOL) or classified as missing under the Duty Status – Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) designation.

Inclusion of Mental Health Considerations

This directive also emphasizes the importance of mental health assessments. Any soldier who exhibits signs of potential self-harm must be reported as missing if they are unaccounted for within the initial 48 hours.

Previous Protocol and Its Limitations

Prior to this directive, commanders had a 24-hour timeframe to locate a missing soldier before declaring them AWOL, except in cases where evidence suggested non-voluntary disappearance. This limitation often hampered timely action, particularly in high-profile situations that drew national scrutiny.

Lessons from Past Incidents

The revisions come as a response to stark criticism following well-publicized cases, notably the disappearance of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillén in 2020. Her case highlighted systemic issues within Army protocols and prompted an independent review, which described an environment of “benign neglect” that had developed within the organization.

The investigation revealed significant failings in the response process, underscoring the need for a more proactive approach to missing soldiers.

Reactions to the New Policy

Natalie Khawam Case, the attorney representing Guillén’s family, acknowledged the importance of the updated policy but expressed regret over its delayed implementation. She noted:

“Had this policy been in place during Vanessa’s case, the Army would have acted more swiftly to contact law enforcement and initiate a thorough search.”

While acknowledging the uncertainty of outcomes, she remarked on the potential impact that timely intervention could have had.

Conclusion

In summary, the U.S. Army’s new directive reflects an essential shift towards a more urgent, nuanced approach to missing personnel. By incorporating a rigorous framework and addressing mental health risks, the Army aims to enhance its accountability and responsiveness, ultimately fostering a culture of vigilance and support for its service members. The commitment to a expedited response not only serves the needs of soldiers but also respects the emotional stakes involved for their families and communities.