In the military, the "Dod 93" (officially DD Form 93 ) is often described as the most important document a soldier will ever sign.
: It is the official "Record of Emergency Data." If a service member is wounded, goes missing, or is killed, the military uses this form to know exactly who to call and how to handle the situation.
Alternatively, "Dod 93" may refer to archival video (mp4) of the , which took place in October 1993.
: U.S. forces launched a mission to capture top lieutenants of Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.
: What was meant to be a one-hour mission turned into a 15-hour overnight standoff after two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were shot down.
: Soldiers are encouraged to update this form annually or after major life events, such as marriage or the birth of a child, to ensure no delays occur in notifying loved ones. The Battle of Mogadishu (1993)
: The battle resulted in the deaths of 18 American soldiers and inspired the famous book and film Black Hawk Down . It remains one of the most intense urban firefights in U.S. military history since the Vietnam War. DD Form 93 Completion & Updates - Military OneSource
: It also identifies beneficiaries for the Death Gratuity , a $100,000 payment intended to help families with immediate costs like travel and housing during a crisis.