DOD Policy and Terms

During the confirmation process, it is DOD policy to inform the President and the SASC of adverse information concerning thenominated senior military officers. DOD Instruction1320.4 describes the procedures used to process these personnel actions. In general, military officers are selected forpromotion to one- or two-star rank by a centralized ad hoc selection board of general/flag officers. Recent hearings and statements suggest a concern in the Senate about the accountability of senior militaryofficers whofailed to promote a proper leadership climate in the organizations they commanded.
This report describes the Department of Defense (DOD) process which discloses to theSenate adverse information about senior military officers awaiting confirmation of a General or Flag Officer (GFO)personnel action,such as a promotion or appointment. It also describes the DOD mechanism used to investigate administrative orcriminalmisconduct of Generals and Flag Officers (Admirals). Finally, the report analyzes trends in the way the Senatescrutinizes seniormilitary leaders during the confirmation process, especially if these leaders failed to promote a proper leadershipclimate in theorganizations they commanded. This report will be updated, as needed. (1)