text: Chapter 4
  4-51. An important function of the rear detachment is serving as a vital communications link between the
  deployed unit and family members. The rear detachment’s mission works in tandem with that of the deployed
  commander and provides support to Soldiers and families at the lowest level.
  4-52. Rear detachments should be established at two levels (brigade and battalion) to perform the functions
  listed below. Human resources roles and responsibilities for rear detachments are—
  * Publish the rear detachment assumption of command order.
  * Establish and maintain two-way communication with forward deployed units to facilitate the flow
  of timely and accurate HR support and information, and to resolve HR issues that cannot be solved
  by the rear detachment.
  * Provide HR support to brigade, battalion, and/or company rear detachments.
  * Maintain PASR of non-deployed Soldiers and closely track casualties, family issues, and
  wounded-warrior care.
  * Execute, coordinate, or synchronize HR operations and HR support for rear detachment personnel.
  * Maintain connectivity to HR systems and input/update rear detachment changes as needed.
  * Provide custodian verification of emergency data (DD Form 93 and Servicemembers’ Group Life
  Insurance Certificate of Coverage) as casualties occur.
  * Coordinate installation support for rear detachment personnel and families of deployed personnel
  (for example, CAC and ID cards, housing, and vehicle registration).
  * Coordinate with the deployed S-1 and S-3 for call forward of personnel.
  * Develop and maintain rating schemes for rear detachment personnel.
  * Ensure adherence to customer service hours of operation, procedures for accountability, and
  receipt of mail.
  * Provide HR support to Soldiers temporarily returned from deployment.
  * Support planning for reception of unit personnel upon redeployment.
  * Serve as coordinator between deployed HR elements, home station, and higher echelon HR
  support organizations.
  * Maintain a family readiness group leader on appointment orders.
  * Conduct or support casualty notification as defined in the unit SOP and IAW the installation
  casualty assistance center.
  * Coordinate with the ARC regarding emergency information on Soldiers and family members. This
  includes logging, tracking, and processing Red Cross emergency messages and notifying the
  forward unit of impending ARC messages.
  * Maintain a roster of Soldiers trained and certified for appointment as casualty notification officer
  and casualty assistance officer when a casualty occurs; monitor the performance of those Soldiers
  assigned as casualty notification and assistance officers.
  * Ensure trained Soldiers are available for appointment as summary court martial officers and LOD
  investigating officers as needed.
  4-53. To ensure continuity of HR operations during deployments, it is crucial that rear detachments be
  established and operational as far in advance of the deployment as possible. This not only ensures rear
  detachment HR operations are properly functioning before deployment, but enables deploying S-1 personnel
  to participate in unit pre-deployment training.
  4-54. When considering which HR professionals should be part of the rear detachment, brigade and battalion
  S-1s must ensure selected personnel are familiar with HR operations. Human resources professionals
  designated to be members of the rear detachment should fully understand the HR relationships with family
  readiness group, installation HR support, and community resource activities. As HR professionals will likely
  be involved in HR support to casualty operations, it is recommended the command select a senior NCO who
  demonstrates the professional characteristics of competence, character, and commitment as well as maturity
  and compassion. Human resources rear detachment professionals also deal with family members, and as such,
  should have good leadership and communication skills and have some experience in dealing with family
  support issues.