National Guard; duties of Legal Services Office positions revised and further provide for

New rules for Alabama Guard legal staff

Beginning October 1, 2026, Alabama’s Army and Air National Guard share a joint Legal Services Office. Each component’s State Staff Judge Advocate independently advises its commander and manages legal services, staff qualifications, and training. These advisers also assist senior Guard leaders when asked. The General Counsel sets office policy, oversees litigation, and supervises supporting legal staff when there is no conflict. Paralegals and warrant officers in the General Counsel’s office work under that official’s direction. The Deputy General Counsel directs the shared office and coordinates readiness, training, and sexual assault prevention and response legal support. Specialty lawyers coordinate military justice, contract and fiscal law, administrative and civil law, operational law, and legal assistance. Contract and fiscal law training also covers the State Military Department. The Legal Services Manual requires approval from the State Staff Judge Advocates and Office of General Counsel. All five specialty manuals require those offices’ advice and consent; all except military justice also require the Adjutant General’s advice and consent. Command-level legal officers must maintain written office procedures, a legal annex to command orders, and reports as directed. They also oversee ethical legal services and continuing legal education. The law does not change household taxes, fees, or public benefits.