U.S. Army Trial Defense Service - History

 The U.S. Army Trial Defense Service (TDS) originally began as an experiment. Previously, defense attorneys worked for the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA), a person whom advised the Commanding General often directing the very actions that brought about the need for legal representation. To ensure due process for Soldiers, a new system introduced the concept of a separate chain of command within the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. This distinct organization ultimately became TDS.

After testing the program from 1978 to 1980, the Chief of Staff approved the permanent TDS organization. Since then, TDS has functioned as a world-wide organization with its headquarters in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. It is a division of The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS), which provides logistical support to TDS. Attorneys in TDS typically serve two-year tours, and all TDS attorneys are rated within the TDS organization.

TDS has nearly 600 Soldiers, about 160 of whom are Active Component (AC) and over 275 of whom are Reserve Component (RC). Reserve Component members belong to one of three Legal Operations Detachments (LODs), the 16th LOD, the 22d LOD and the 154th LOD. The mission of these three organizations is to provide legal services support to commanders and Soldiers who help sustain military operations. The Army National Guard also has developed a very thriving TDS organization with over 125 defense counsel.

The current Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was approved by U.S. Army G-1 on 19 June 2006. Until then, Soldiers assigned to TDS wore the authorized SSI for all personnel assigned to Department of the Army Field Operating Agencies (FOA) in accordance with AR 670-1. The current SSI is shaped like a shield reflecting the very nature of legal defense work. The scale of justice serves as a reminder of the ever-present goal of seeking justice for all Soldiers. The sword symbolized that TDS personnel are Soldiers as well as legal professionals. The colors pay homage to the JAG Corps. And finally, a miniature FOA patch appears to link the rich history of TDS to its present and future. On 17 August 2006, this design was approved by the Institute of Heraldry, making it authorized for wear. The TDS SSI is worn by both active and reserve officers and enlisted personnel assigned to TDS.