Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory facts for kids
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Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory logo
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Dover, Delaware |
| Parent department | United States Department of Defense |
| Footnotes | |
| The laboratory is part of the Department of Defense DNA Operations | |
The Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) is a special laboratory that uses DNA to help identify people. It was started in 1991 by the U.S. Military. You can find it at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Since 1992, AFDIL has also run a "Family Outreach Program." This program helps families by providing information and support. The lab follows very high quality standards. These standards are set by important groups like the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and the FBI.
AFDIL is part of a bigger group called the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES). This system works under the Department of Defense (DOD). They often call their work "DOD DNA Operations."
How AFDIL Helps
AFDIL keeps DNA samples from everyone currently serving in the military. These samples are stored safely in refrigerators. This helps if someone needs to be identified later.
Most of the time, military personnel are identified using their fingerprints. These fingerprints are taken when they get their military ID card. If fingerprints cannot be used, then DNA and dental records become very important. These records help confirm who someone is.
