No coverage allowed for war dead return

There will be no media coverage when the bodies of 31 soldiers, killed in the helicopter crash in Afghanistan over the weekend, are returned to Dover Air Force Base.

For the Pentagon, which made the announcement this afternoon, it’s a return to the policy of the Bush administration, which forbid photographs of the coffins of dead soldiers.

“Because the remains are unidentified at this point, next-of-kin are not in a position to grant approval for media access to the dignified transfer,” Capt. Jane Campbell said. “Therefore, in accordance with DoD policy, no media coverage of the arrival and dignified transfer is permitted. ”

The Pentagon Press Associated is protesting the decision.