What is a common reaction CACOs should be prepared to handle from families shortly after a casualty?

Families of service members experiencing a casualty often find themselves in an intense emotional state characterized by shock, grief, and confusion. Hostility and suspicion can arise as they grapple with the devastating news and may fear the implications of what has happened. This reaction can stem from various factors, including a lack of understanding about the circumstances surrounding the casualty or concerns about the conveyance of information and the support they will receive moving forward.

CACOs are specifically trained to handle these types of emotions with empathy and professionalism. It's crucial for a CACO to navigate the family’s reactions by acknowledging their feelings, providing reassurance, and ensuring that clear and accurate information is communicated. This helps to build trust and a rapport, allowing the family to feel supported during a profoundly difficult time.

While curiosity and inquiry can certainly occur as family members seek information about what happened, the prevailing emotional responses often include intensity such as hostility and suspicion, reflecting the complexity of their grief and the stress they are under at that moment.