In most cases, the search for a missing person will involve outside researchers, the national archives, and record depositories maintained by the U.S. and foreign governments. Veterans, outside historians, private citizens, families of missing Americans, and amateur researchers also routinely provide information about cases. DPAA experts put all of this information together in what is called a 'loss incident case file' for each unaccounted-for person.

In most cases, the search for a missing person will involve outside researchers, the national archives, and record depositories maintained by the U.S. and foreign governments. Veterans, outside historians, private citizens, families of missing Americans, and amateur researchers also routinely provide information about cases. DPAA experts put all of this information together in what is called a 'loss incident case file' for each unaccounted-for person.