text: JudgeAdvocate General’s Corps Support to Operations
  LEGAL OVERSIGHT
  3-33. The nature of the legal profession requires a strong technical chain of supervision within JAG Corps
  channels for several reasons. TJAG has a statutory obligation to direct the members of the JAG Corps in the
  performance of their duties under Section 7037, Title 10, United States Code. TJAG also has the unique
  requirement to meet professional legal responsibilities under AR 27-26. All judge advocates are attorneys
  subject to civilian rules of professional conduct, continuing education requirements, and professional
  discipline from their licensing organization, which requires enhanced technical supervision. Finally, under
  Section 806(b), Title 10, United States Code, the SJA or legal officer of any command is entitled to
  communicate directly with the SJA or legal officer of a superior or subordinate command, or with TJAG.
  3-34. SJAs are ultimately responsible for legal advice provided within their command’s jurisdiction. As the
  next senior judge advocate in the BJA’s technical chain, the SJA provides BJAs with technical guidance,
  direction, and insight on legal issues. Exercise of this function by the SJA can be based on policies and
  procedures agreed upon in advance with the BJA, or it may be event-driven, based solely on the SJA’s
  professional judgment. BJAs are presumed to be experienced enough to determine when to request technical
  guidance from the SJA. Situations that require technical guidance by the SJA may include but are not limited
  to—
  (cid:122) Soldier misconduct that will likely result in action by the GCMCA.
  (cid:122) Any complex or potentially high-profile military justice matter.
  (cid:122) Clarification of ROE and application of the law of armed conflict.
  (cid:122) Allegations of senior leader misconduct.
  (cid:122) Issues requiring specialized expertise not resident in the brigade legal section, such as government
  contracting or ethics.
  (cid:122) Situations where the BJA is contemplating issuing a legal opinion contrary to a legal opinion or
  interpretation issued by thehigher OSJA.
  TECHNICAL TRAINING
  3-35. SJAs do not normally have the formal authority to impose training requirements directly on brigade
  legal section personnel working at a brigade headquarters. Nevertheless, OSJA leaders should take every
  opportunity to teach, coach, and mentor brigade legal section personnel on legal and professional subjects
  and include the brigade legal section at appropriate events. To this end, the OSJA leaders should—
  (cid:122) Invite and encourage brigade legal section personnel to attend formal OSJA training events such
  as professional responsibility training, professional development classes, staff rides, or sergeants’
  time training.
  (cid:122) Ensure that brigade legal section personnel are informed of training opportunities made available
  to the OSJA (such as legal conferences, seminars, and continuing legal education). OSJA leaders
  should also provide justification to brigades to secure the allocation of unit funds to enable the
  attendance of brigade legal sections personnel at professional development courses.
  (cid:122) Establish procedures for regular, effective communication. Examples include routine meetings or
  information-sharing sessions where technical topics are discussed. Frequent and candid
  communication between the OSJA and brigade legal section is essential. Whenever practical, this
  communication should occur in face-to-faceinteractions.
  UNITED STATES ARMY TRIAL DEFENSE SERVICE
  3-36. The United States Army Trial Defense Service provides legal support to Soldiers regarding judicial
  and nonjudicial disciplinary matters. It also provides legal support regarding adverse administrative actions.
  OSJA—TRIAL DEFENSE SERVICE RELATIONSHIP
  3-37. TDS personnel receive administrative and logistic support from designated installations or
  organizations through the OSJA in accordance with AR 27-10 and JAG Corps policy. This support may
  include the provision of legal support personnel, as required. Effective representation of Soldiers during