Part 5/10:
Today, the effort to locate and identify missing service members rests on a combination of meticulous research, cutting-edge science, and collaborative teamwork. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) plays a central role, operating with an annual budget of $112 million and working alongside non-profits, government agencies, and local communities.
The process often begins with forensic analysis and historical research. Investigators scrutinize photographs, documents, and battlefield reports to generate a starting point for field operations. A crucial aspect is DNA analysis—comparing genetic material from recovered remains with family members to confirm identities with high certainty.