What is the primary focus of a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO)?

The primary focus of a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) is indeed to provide emotional support for families of service members who have become casualties. CACOs are specially trained to address the unique needs and challenges faced by these families during a profoundly difficult time. They serve as a liaison between the family and the military, ensuring that the family receives necessary information, assistance, and support as they navigate their loss.

Emotional support involves active listening, compassion, and providing reassurance to help family members cope with their grief. CACOs are also equipped to guide families through the administrative processes that follow a casualty event, making sure they understand their entitlements and the resources available to them.

In contrast, while financial planning, medical assistance, and legal advice can be relevant in specific circumstances, they do not encapsulate the core mission of the CACO role. CACOs primarily aim to foster emotional resilience and connection during a time of profound emotional upheaval, making their role centered around providing much-needed emotional support to grieving families.