Who is authorized to make official death declarations within the military?

The correct choice regarding who is authorized to make official death declarations within the military is the Medical Examiner (ME). A Medical Examiner is specifically trained and designated to determine the cause of death and to certify death in accordance with legal standards and procedures. This role is vital in ensuring that the death is properly documented, which can include performing autopsies, investigating circumstances surrounding the death, and completing the necessary legal documentation.

While a Medical Officer can provide medical care and may report on the state of a service member's health, they do not hold the same authority or responsibilities as a Medical Examiner in relation to official death declarations. The Commanding Officer has various responsibilities related to the organization and operation of their unit, but they are not typically involved in the medical determination of death, and while the Armed Forces Chief has overarching authority in military matters, the specific responsibility for declaring death falls to the Medical Examiner.