ORGANIZATION AND PERSONNEL
U.S. Army Trial Defense Service (USATDS) - USATDS is a multi-component organization with approximately 485 Active Component (AC) and Reserve Component (RC) judge advocates serving in USATDS worldwide, including approximately 155 on active duty; over 200 assigned to one of three U.S. Army Reserve TDS Legal Operations Detachments; and over 120 in the Army National Guard Trial Defense Service. Its defense counsel are stationed at 52 active duty installations worldwide and 105 reserve locations.
Chief, USATDS - The Chief, USATDS exercises supervision, control, and direction of defense counsel services in the Active Component, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. The Chief, USATDS, has full authority and responsibility for the timely detail of defense counsel in courts-martial, UCMJ, Art. 32 investigations, and in other judicial and administrative proceedings requiring such detail. The Chief, USATDS supervises 8 Regional Defense Counsel (RDC).
Defense Counsel Assistance Program (DCAP) - DCAP is a centralized resource for Regional Defense Counsel and Senior Defense Counsel to utilize to improve the legal skills and knowledge base of their defense counsel and paralegals. DCAP's main function is training. In addition, DCAP is resourced with two highly qualified experts who provide timely, case-specific advice to defense counsel in response to requests for assistance.
TDS Regions - The region is the major subordinate supervisory and control element of USATDS. It encompasses a geographical area designated by TJAG.
Regional Defense Counsel (RDC) - RDCs are broadly experienced judge advocates who are responsible for the performance of the USATDS mission within a region. RDCs supervise all Senior Defense Counsel within the region. RDCs provide training in military justice, trial tactics, and professional responsibility as directed by the Chief, USATDS.
Field Office - A field office is a subordinate operating element of a region. It provides defense counsel services for specified organizations or geographical areas determined by the Chief, USATDS.
Branch Office - A branch office is subordinate to a field office and is the smallest USATDS operational element. It normally consists of one USATDS counsel who provides defense services to specified organizations.
Senior Defense Counsel (SDC) - SDCs are experienced judge advocates who are responsible for the performance of the USATDS mission within the area serviced by a field office. The Senior Defense Counsel is the direct supervisor of all Trial Defense Counsel within a field office. SDCs provide technical advice to Trial Defense Counsel and represent Soldiers in courts-martial, administrative boards, and other proceedings.
Trial Defense Counsel - A Trial Defense Counsel is a judge advocate currently assigned, attached, or detailed to the USATDS. The primary duty is to represent Soldiers in courts-martial, administrative boards, and other proceedings, and act as consulting counsel as required by law or regulations.
Defense Paralegal - A Defense Paralegal assists judge advocates with daily office operations. Paralegals conduct client screenings, briefings, witness interviews, and legal research for courts-martial, nonjudicial and administrative actions; draft legal documents; and prepare reports and other actions, as required.