Department of Defense
DIRECTIVE
NUMBER 5145.04
April 16, 2012
DA&M
SUBJECT: Defense Legal Services Agency (DLSA)
References: See Enclosure 1
1. PURPOSE
. This Directive reissues DoD Directive (DoDD) 5145.4 (Reference (a)) to update
the mission, responsibilities and functions, organization and management, relationships,
authorities, and administration of the DLSA, pursuant to the authority vested in the Secretary of
Defense by sections 113, 191, and 192 of title 10, United States Code (U.S.C.) (Reference (b)).
2. APPLICABILITY
a. This Directive applies to OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the
Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field
Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (hereinafter referred to
collectively as the “DoD Components”).
b. The provisions of subparagraphs 6.f.(6) and 6.f.(7) of this Directive also apply to the U.S.
Coast Guard at all times, including when it is a service in the Department of Homeland Security,
the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, and the Commissioned Corps of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in accordance with Office of Management
and Budget Memorandum (Reference (c)).
3. MISSION. The DLSA shall provide legal advice, services, and support to the Defense
Agencies, DoD Field Activities, and, as assigned, other organizational entities within the DoD;
administer the DoD Standards of Conduct Program; support and assist the Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Legislative Affairs (ASD(LA)) in developing the DoD Legislative Program; oversee
DoD personnel security processes as authorized by DoDD 5145.3 (Reference (d)) and in
accordance with applicable issuances, including DoD Instruction (DoDI) 5220.22 (Reference (e),
DoDD 5200.02 (Reference (f)) and DoD 5200.2-R (Reference (g)); and provide fair and
impartial administrative procedures through the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals
(DOHA).
