US supports Vietnam in accelerating identification of martyrs’ remains
WVR - A delegation from the National Steering Committee for the Search, Collection and Identification of Martyrs’ Remains, led by Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Van Gau, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Standing Deputy Head of the Committee, held a working session with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) under the US Department of War on August 14, 2026.
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| Vietnamese and U.S. delegates pose for a group photo. (Source: Ministry of National Defence) |
Continuing activities within the framework of the working visit to the United States, the delegation from the National Steering Committee for the Search, Collection, and Identification of Martyrs' Remains held a meeting with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).
DPAA currently manages large-scale forensic and osteoanthropology laboratories in Hawaii and Nebraska, employing synchronized methods such as field archaeology, dental analysis, forensic anthropology, and next-generation DNA sequencing to reconstruct identities from small or severely damaged remains.
During the meeting, the delegation leaders and DPAA representatives reviewed the results of the cooperation in searching for soldiers missing in action (MIA) after the war between the two countries. The cooperation in searching for U.S. soldiers missing in action during the war is one of the earliest humanitarian activities, spanning decades with hundreds of joint field operations.
Vietnam's responsible, goodwill, and unconditional cooperation spirit has facilitated the repatriation of hundreds of U.S. soldiers' remains, creating a crucial political foundation to foster the development of bilateral relations.
At the meeting, the National Steering Committee delegation requested that U.S. authorities expedite the declassification and comprehensive transfer of relevant documents and actively encourage U.S. veterans to provide additional information about the burial sites of Vietnamese soldiers.
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| Overview of the meeting. (Source: Ministry of National Defence) |
The delegation also requested that DPAA enhance the sharing of technical processes, transfer comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, modern solutions for extracting and sequencing next-generation DNA such as SNPs, optimize mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA testing methods, forensic osteoanthropology procedures, and new methods like Isotope stable analysis. They also sought support in equipment, testing reagents, and the opening of advanced training programs for Vietnam's specialized teams.
With modern equipment, high-level personnel, and advanced processes, the average time for accurate identity results currently conducted by DPAA is about two years. Given the enormous workload Vietnam faces, DPAA leadership considers this a significant challenge.
The U.S. side affirmed that supporting Vietnam in the search, collection, and identification of fallen soldiers is a moral responsibility and a significant priority. U.S. authorities will strive to support Vietnam to the greatest extent possible, especially in areas where the United States has strengths and Vietnam has urgent needs.
The meeting achieved significant consensus, opening up new areas of cooperation in addressing war aftermaths. This collaboration will promote the search, collection, and identification of martyrs' remains, contributing to alleviating the pains of war. It will also continue to strengthen strategic trust between Vietnam and the United States.
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