Author Description

Veterans and prior-service members of the American armed forces perceive a steady erosion of promised benefits; not the least of these being funeral honors. They argue that if their country is going to short-change them regarding healthcare, commissary and pay issues, that's one thing. But dignified burial rites are not one of the negotiables. Unfortunately, base realignment and closure efforts and force reduction actions have enlarged the areas of responsibilities for honor guard details. This has occurred simultaneously with a one-third decrease in active duty end-strength since 1989 and a one-fourth decrease in Selected Guard and Reserve. An increased operations tempo and a substantial increase in deaths of service veterans since 1989 - up 25 percent by the year 2000 and peaking at 2008 with another 10 percent increase, significantly exacerbates the problem. Having to do more with less may not be the only problem. DoD always seems to find the resources to do what is viewed as truly important. One might argue that an apparent cultural shift has contributed to less importance being placed on rituals such as funeral honors. In a time of competing resources and a focus on technological advances, "softer" applications of militarism often tend to fall by the wayside. This paper argues that providing honors support is essential to the health and well being of our military culture. It provides a snapshot of the current ability of DoD to perform this critical mission by examining relevant legislation and policy. Current and forecasted funeral demands are evaluated along with the possible use of National Guard, Reserve and Veteran Service Organizations to meet those demands. Finally, recommendations that include greater inter-service coordination, more efficient use of the "Total Force", proper funding, creativity and communication will all argue that the answers are within reach. America's veterans deserve nothing less.