APPENDIX 6 (PROCESSING US PERSONNEL) TO ANNEX S (PERSONNEL) TO XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS FIELD SOP

1. Purpose. This appendix summarizes current policies relative to the processing of returned personnel. 2. Definitions. Returned Personnel is a collective term referring to formerly captured, missing, or detained US or allied military personnel who are returned to US government control whether by escape, evasion, release, repatriation, rescue, or other means. 3. General Policies.

a. The processing of returned personnel is a sensitive matter requiring close coordination and uniformity of treatment by all agencies. They are not to be treated as, or mixed with, captured personnel (EPW, detainee, or defectors) by the unit making initial contact. It is imperative that the unit making initial contact with returned personnel immediately notify personnel channels. Weapons/dangerous articles will be tagged and evacuated with escapee/returnee (carried by the escort accompanying the returnee). Divulge no classified or sensitive information to returned personnel. b. The health, welfare, and morale of returned personnel is of paramount importance. All reasonable efforts will be made to provide for their personal, psychological, and spiritual needs. c. Processing time of returned personnel will be kept to a minimum. 4. Processing of Returned US Personnel.

a. Returned personnel of all services will be reported through casualty channels using existing formats. b. This headquarters will announce policies and procedures for the coordination and technical direction of the debriefing program for returned personnel. Because of the perishability of information, an intelligence and counterintelligence debriefing is essential and normally will be initiated at an in-theater processing center.

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APPENDIX 6 (PROCESSING US PERSONNEL) TO ANNEX S (PERSONNEL) TO XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS FIELD SOP

c. Identification Procedures. personnel by:

Identify returned

(1) Having the parent unit send a representative to verify individual's identity. (2) d. Identification card/tags.

Evacuation Procedures.

(1) Individuals will be placed in medical channels immediately for evaluation, processing, and possible evacuation. (2) Based on recommendations from a surgeon, a psychiatrist, chaplain, an S2/G2 representative, and if applicable, the individual's unit commander, a decision will be made to evacuate the individual(s) or return the individual(s) to their assigned unit in the AO. Returned personnel will be escorted (group escort is acceptable). Weapons and dangerous articles will be tagged and evacuated with the escort. 5. Intelligence Debriefing.

a. Intelligence debriefs will be conducted so as to afford full protection of the rights of the individual. To provide the proper environment and to maximize the intelligence obtained, a returnee will be given the warning specified in Article 31 of the UCMJ and advised of his right to counsel only when the individual has been charged with having committed an offense punishable under the UCMJ, or when previously acquired reliable information clearly indicates that he has committed such an offense, or when his responses lead the debriefer to reasonably believe that he has committed such an offense and that an investigation of his conduct should be made. Conditions permitting the debriefing will be concurrent with medical treatment. Debriefers should consult with SJA personnel prior to conducting intelligence debriefs. b. Services will debrief their own personnel. Evidence of misconduct will be referred to the service concerned.

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APPENDIX 6 (PROCESSING US PERSONNEL) TO ANNEX S (PERSONNEL) TO XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS FIELD SOP

6. Public Affairs Guidance. Information concerning returned US personnel will be coordinated through the Public Affairs Officer.

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