The Forensic Pathology Investigations is the center of medicoegal investigations for the organization, and is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death for all active duty members who die within federal jurisdiction, as well as for identifying the decedent.

Medicolegal Investigations 

Working closely with investigative arms of each military branch; forensic investigation of crime scenes are conducted upon request. The organization also has memorandums of understanding/agreement to support a variety of additional federal agencies. Operational deployment can be accomplished worldwide in when necessary and without notice, depending on location. Board certified forensic pathologists, forensic anthropologists, medicolegal death investigators, photographers, and histotechnicians all support this key function.

Aerospace Pathology & Air Mishap Investigations

In addition, the organization is the acknowledged expert in the area of military aircraft mishaps. A team consisting of a forensic pathologist, forensic anthropologist, medicolegal death investigator, and photographer can deploy to the mishap site for recovery, identification, re-association and return of remains to the families of the deceased.

Medical Mortality Surveillance 

Personnel conduct mortality surveillance on all active duty U.S. service members and provide information to improve warfighter survivability. They also present and publish relevant findings related to service member mortality.