Definition: (DOD) 1. The staff of a commander of a unified or specified
command, subordinate unified command, joint task force, or subordinate
functional component (when a functional component command will employ forces
from more than one Military Department), which includes members from the several
Services comprising the force. These members should be assigned in such a manner
as to ensure that the commander understands the tactics, techniques,
capabilities, needs, and limitations of the component parts of the force.
Positions on the staff should be divided so that Service representation and
influence generally reflect the Service composition of the force. 2.
(capitalized as Joint Staff) The staff under the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff as provided for in the National Security Act of 1947, as amended by the
Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986. The Joint
Staff assists the Chairman and, subject to the authority, direction, and control
of the Chairman, the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Vice
Chairman in carrying out their responsibilities. See also staff.
