Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is a United States government agency responsible for accounting for American prisoners of war and missing in action from past conflicts. The agency was established to provide answers to the families of US military personnel who have not been accounted for. With a focus on scientific analysis and investigation, the agency works to recover and identify remains. The US Department of Defense oversees the agency's operations.

History and establishment

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency was established on January 20, 2015, under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015. The agency consolidated various US military commands and organizations responsible for POW/MIA accounting, including the Defense POW/MIA Central Office and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. Congress mandated the creation of a single agency to oversee POW/MIA accounting efforts. The agency is headquartered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter played a key role in the agency's establishment.

Mission and functions

The primary mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is to account for all US military personnel who are prisoners of war, missing in action, or killed in action and whose remains have not been recovered or identified. The agency conducts investigations, excavations, and forensic analysis to recover and identify remains. The agency also works with US veterans' organizations, such as the Disabled American Veterans and the USO, to support its mission. The agency's work involves coordination with various US government agencies, including the US Department of State and the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Organizational structure

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is led by a Director, who is appointed by the US Secretary of Defense. The agency has several departments, including Forensic Science, Investigations, and Operations. The agency also has a Laboratory that conducts DNA analysis and other forensic testing. The agency's Forensic Science Department works closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Justice. The agency has a workforce of approximately 600 personnel, including military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors.

Accounting processes and methods

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency uses various methods to account for US military personnel, including investigations, excavations, and forensic analysis. The agency works with local authorities, veterans' organizations, and US military units to gather information and conduct investigations. The agency's forensic scientists use DNA analysis, odontology, and other techniques to identify remains. The agency also uses historical research and archival records to support its accounting efforts. The agency has developed a DNA database to aid in the identification of remains.

Notable recoveries and identifications

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has made several notable recoveries and identifications, including the remains of US servicemen from the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In 2018, the agency identified the remains of US Army Private First Class Remington E. Hyatt, who was missing in action from the Korean War. The agency has also recovered and identified remains from World War II, including the remains of US Army Air Forces Lieutenant Colonel William E. Doverspike. The agency's work has been recognized by the US Congress and various veterans' organizations.

Partnerships and collaborations

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency partners with various organizations to support its mission, including US veterans' organizations, such as the VFW and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The agency also collaborates with foreign governments, including South Korea, North Korea, and Vietnam, to recover and identify remains. The agency works closely with the US Department of State to coordinate its international efforts. The agency's partnerships have been critical to its success in accounting for US military personnel. US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel R. Russel has supported the agency's efforts in Vietnam.