Mortician

When a Sailor makes the ultimate sacrifice, we have an honored duty to ensure that crew member’s remains are treated with the utmost dignity and respect. For this reason, Navy Morticians have a very important role to play. You’ll be responsible for handling all parts of the process, from communicating with families and foreign governments to retrieve and deliver remains, to carefully preparing each body and conducting funeral services to honor those who have fallen. The Navy is the only branch of the military that employs its own morticians as military personnel. Our Sailors have devoted their lives to defense; it is only right that we find the best caretakers to defend their legacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As an Enlisted Mortician (HM-Mortician), you are technically part of the Hospital Corpsman program. You will handle administrative, logistical, and mortuary services for deceased Sailors and Marines. Your role requires treating those you serve with the utmost dignity, honor and respect for the sacrifice they have made. In your job, you may expect to:

• Assist in recovery, identification and inspection of remains
• Oversee the care and preparation of the remains of fallen Sailors, including embalming duties and final presentation
• Prepare for and direct the transportation of remains
• Liaison with families and foreign government officials for disposition of remains, and ensure proper documentation accompanies remains
• Conduct funeral services and direct pallbearers, clergy, mourners and flowers as needed
• Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends 

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

• Competitive salary
• Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
• Free health insurance
• Free housing
• A retirement plan
• Paid training
• College credit

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES 

• Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
• Post-9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
• Professional credentials and certifications
• College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. citizen or equivalent
• High school graduate or equivalent
• 17 years of age or older
• Must have graduated from an accredited mortuary school
• Must hold a license as a funeral director and embalmer in one of the 50 states

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Navy Morticians are shore-based and assigned to Navy Casualty. While most all Navy Mortician positions are located in the U.S., a Mortician’s responsibilities could require them to travel to distant locations around the world, and some Morticians may be assigned to overseas stations.