GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE DOD (GC, DOD)
Under the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, the GC, DoD, serves as chief legal officer of the Department of Defense. The GC, DoD, is responsible for the following functional areas:
l Provide advice to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense regarding all legal matters and services performed within, or involving, the Department of Defense.
l Provide legal advice to OSD organizations and, as appropriate, other DoD Components.
l Oversee, as appropriate, legal services performed within the Department of Defense, including determining the adherence by attorneys in the Department of Defense to appropriate professional standards.
l Coordinate on appeals from denials of requests under the Freedom of Information Act, as appropriate.
l Provide advice on standards of conduct involving personnel of OSD and, as appropriate, other DoD Components.
l Develop the DoD Legislative Program and coordinate DoD positions on legislation and Executive Orders.
l Provide for the coordination of significant legal issues, including litigation involving the DoD and other matters before the Department of Justice in which the DoD has an interest.
l Establish DoD policy on general legal issues, determine the DoD position on specific legal problems, and resolve disagreements within the DoD on such matters.
l Perform such functions relating to the DoD security program (including surveillance over DoD personnel security programs) as the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense may assign.
l Act as lead counsel for the Department in all international negotiations conducted by OSD organizations.
l Maintain the central repository for all international agreements coordinated, negotiated, or concluded by DoD personnel.
In addition, the General Counsel serves as Director, Defense Legal Services Agency (DLSA) (DoDD 5145.4).