§ 394.3 - Responsibilities and functions.

The General Counsel, Department of Defense (GC, DoD), is the chief legal officer of the Department of Defense and, as such, shall:

(a) Provide advice to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense regarding all legal matters and services performed within, or involving, the Department of Defense.

(b) Provide legal advice to OSD organizations and, as appropriate, other DoD Components.

(c) 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.

(d) Coordinate on appeals from denials of requests under the Freedom of Information Act, as appropriate.

(e) Provide advice on standards of conduct involving personnel of OSD and, as appropriate, other DoD Components.

(f) Develop the DoD Legislative Programs and coordinate DoD positions on legislation and Executive orders.

(g) Provide for the coordination of significant legal issues, including litigation involving the Department of Defense and other matters before the Department of Justice in which the Department of Defense has an interest.

(h) Establish DoD policy on general legal issues, determine the DoD position on specific legal problems, and resolve disagreements within the Department of Defense on such matters.

(i) Perform such functions relating to the DoD security program (including surveillance over DoD personnel security programs in accordance with DoD Directive 5145.3 1 and DoD Directive 0-5205.7, 2 as the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense may assign.

(j) Act as lead counsel for the Department in all international negotiations conducted by OSD components.

(k) Maintain the central repository for all international agreements coordinated, negotiated, or concluded by DoD personnel.

(l) Serve as the Director, Defense Legal Services Agency (DLSA).

(m) Perform such other duties as the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense may prescribe.