Transporting Marine Remains: Vehicles and Responsibilities during the Iraq War

The Iraq War, a series of military conflicts in Iraq that lasted from 2003 to 2011, saw the loss of numerous U.S. military personnel. To ensure the proper respect and handling of fallen service members, specific procedures and vehicles were utilized for their transportation and recovery. This article discusses the methods and personnel responsible for transporting and securing the remains of Marines during the Iraq War.

Vehicles Used for Transporting Remains

The primary vehicles used for transporting the remains of fallen Marines were ground vehicles such as High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Land Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs). These vehicles provided necessary mobility and protection in a battlefield environment.

During the Iraq War, the use of HMMWVs was prevalent due to their versatility and ruggedness suitable for various terrains. HMMWVs, with their four-wheel drive capabilities, could navigate through different landscapes and provide support to the medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) teams. On the other hand, MRAP LMTVs were increasingly used for their enhanced protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other ground threats, making them a preferred choice for securing remains over extended distances.

Despite the availability of these ground vehicles, transporting remains via MEDEVAC was limited. MEDEVAC, or Medevac, was a critical resource reserved for the transport of living casualties to medical facilities. Therefore, the decision to use ground vehicles over air transportation was made to ensure that MEDEVAC resources were conserved for those who still had a chance to survive.

Responsibilities of Units in Recovering and Transporting Remains

The responsibility for recovering and transporting the remains of fallen Marines typically fell on their unit. In most instances, a unit would be tasked with the immediate recovery and secured transport of their fallen comrades. This responsibility was typically handled by a rear element of the unit, which would ensure the remains were properly handled and transported to the forward operating base (FOB) or another designated location.

However, instances where another unit was required to secure remains were rare. Depending on the circumstances, a unit would either transport the remains via ground vehicle or air, with air transport being the preferred method. In some cases, if the incident occurred in a remote location or if the unit was unable to handle the task, a higher command might coordinate air transport, usually utilizing a MEDEVAC helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft.

Handling and Preparations at the FOB

Upon arrival at the FOB, the remains would be handed over to Mortuary Affairs personnel. These specialized teams were responsible for the final preparations of the remains before they were transferred for the Ramp Ceremony. Mortuary Affairs teams would ensure that the remains were cleaned, dressed in appropriate military attire, and prepared for the sending off to Germany or other locations for burial.

The process usually included:

Initial identification and documentation of the remains. Cleaning and preservation of the remains. Preparation for the Ramp Ceremony, including dressing in appropriate attire. Arrangement of the remains for transportation to a suitable location.

From there, the remains would be transported to a fixed-wing aircraft and flown to Germany before being transferred to Dover Air Force Base (AFB) in the United States. At Dover AFB, the remains would undergo final preparations and be prepared for the funeral and burial services.

Conclusion

The transportation and handling of remains during the Iraq War required a well-coordinated effort among various military units and specialized teams. The use of ground vehicles such as HMMWVs and MRAP LMTVs, as well as the responsible units tasked with transporting the remains, played a crucial role in ensuring the proper and respectful disposition of fallen Marines. This article highlights the methods and personnel involved in this essential and solemn task.