Why is it important for service members to update their SGLI and vRED?

  • Published
  • By Caualty Services Program
  • 319th Force Support Squadron
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Editor's note: The warm summer months provide many Airmen and their families with the weather conditions to travel more and take part in various activities.  Some of those travels and activities may increase the risk of injury and even death. With that in mind the following Q & A article has been provided by the 319th Force Support Squadron Casualty Services Program on the importance of updating the Service members Group Life Insurance (SGLI) document and the Record of Emergency Data (vRED).

Why is it important or service members to update their SGLI and vRED?

The vRED and SGLI form are two of the most critical documents a service member is responsible for maintaining throughout a military career.

The vRED is used to contact the next-of-kin in the case of a debilitating injury or death. It is also used to designate a beneficiary to receive certain military benefits, as well as identifying the person authorized to make decisions regarding funeral arrangements and the final resting place of the service member upon their death.

The SGLI form is the only document recognized to identify the legal beneficiary for the member's Service members Group Life Insurance payment should a death occur.

Commanders, Casualty Assistance personnel and Mortuary Affairs personnel rely heavily on these two documents as a vital source of information when a crisis occurs resulting in serious injury or death of the service member.


What types of problems occur when a service member does not update their information and an unfortunate incident occurs?

The primary goal of the Air Force Casualty Program is to provide prompt casualty reporting, humane notification and compassionate assistance to the next-of-kin when a casualty occurs. Outdated or missing information on the vRED and/or the SGLI form can significantly impact this process, leading to undesirable results for the surviving family members. Injury or death notifications can be delayed if the name and location of the next-of-kin cannot be determined due to incomplete or inaccurate information. Just as importantly, it may be impossible to carry out the final wishes of a service member regarding military benefits, who can make decisions regarding the funeral, etc., if those wishes are not documented on the vRED and SGLI. Additionally, failure to maintain this critical information can lead to delays in determining rightful beneficiaries.


How important are the SGLI and vRED documents to family members and spouses in the case of a death?

The availability and accuracy of information on these two documents play a huge role in how the spouse and family members cope with the loss of their loved one. When everything is in order, and the member upholds their personal responsibility to take care of their family, it allows the next-of-kin to focus on getting through the immediate crisis in a healthy manner. The last question a grieving spouse should be asking is, "Why didn't my loved one ensure I was taken care of?"