Overview
- Commanders must assign an "absent-unknown" status within three hours of discovering a soldier is missing and notify Army and local law enforcement in that same period.
- Army police must issue a BOLO and enter the case into the National Crime Information Center missing persons file to engage civilian agencies early.
- Family members must be informed of a missing soldier’s status within eight hours of the initial report.
- If the soldier is not found within 48 hours, commanders must determine by a preponderance of evidence whether to classify the case as AWOL or as DUSTWUN.
- The policy requires reporting as missing any soldier who has indicated potential self-harm and remains unlocated for 48 hours, drawing praise from advocates who still urge stronger oversight.