scientific and part symbolic. Using the language of a medical examiner, they fill out forms describing and annotating every wound and marking on the remains they receive. They also "render honors" to each soldier in their care. In 2008, the Department of Defense lifted its ban on media coverage (especially photographs) of the return of the remains of fallen service members. Currently, news media may be present if the survivors of the dead give their consent. The ban had been in effect for 18 years, having been instituted in 1991, at the time of the Persian Gulf War. However, the ban was waived on a large number of occasions, to the point that its existence only became widely known in 2004. When the ban was enforced at that time, it was widely criticized as politically motivated. Health issues Studies have shown that mortuary affairs personnel have some of the highest rates of post traumatic stress disorder. "Analysis has revealed three psychological components of handling remains: "the gruesomeness," "an emotional link between the viewer and the remains," and "personal threats to the remains handler." Anecdotal evidence also suggests that those involved with the removal and disposal of war-dead often have to deal with a great amount of psychological pressure later on in their lives, as well as at the time of their duties. See also American Battle Monuments Commission Commonwealth War Graves Commission Notes References Further reading External links Joint Mortuary Affairs Center Woodrow Wilson: How Bodies of WWI Dead Are Handled Prior to Re-Burial in the U.S., Shapell Manuscript Foundation Army Quartermaster Foundation – Mortuary Affairs History Page US Air Force Mortuary Affairs Joint_POW/MIA_Accounting_Command Funeral-related industry Quartermaster units and formations of the United States Army