A Brief Overview of Other Transactions Authority

By Major Thomas J. Darmofal

Read Time: < 6 mins

This article provides a concise overview of Other Transactions Authority (OTA), a flexible acquisition tool outside the Federal Acquisition Regulation. MAJ Thomas J. Darmofal explains OTA’s origins in the Space Race, its legal framework, and its growing role in accelerating defense innovation, prototyping, and procurement reform within the Department of Defense.

Close-up black and white photo of a man in a suit signing a document at a desk, with one hand holding a pen and the other resting on the paper.

Military amphibious landing operation showing a large bulldozer or earthmoving equipment being transported from naval vessels to a beach. Two vessels are visible in the surf with American flags, and several personnel can be seen on the beach. White foam waves wash onto the sandy shore under an overcast sky.

Read Time: < 20 mins

Sustainment Is the New Black: Contested Logistics and the Provision of Legal Advice in an Era of Constant Competition

This article examines the critical role of legal advisors in supporting theater sustainment operations during contested logistics scenarios. The authors explore how legal support enables sustainment warfighting functions through industry engagement, international agreements, acquisition authorities, and fiscal law compliance while operating in the Indo-Pacific's complex operational environment.

By Colonel Christofer T. Franca, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew J. Textor, Captain Isaac R. Serna, and Staff Sergeant Dawson Tan

MG (Ret.) William B. Dyer. (Photo courtesy of author)

Read Time: < 8 mins

Pivotal Perspective: What Army Commanders Need from Their Legal Advisors

This article explores how Army commanders rely on their legal advisors and what makes that counsel most effective. Drawing from decades of experience in both legal advisory and command roles, the authors outline key expectations for judge advocates—ranging from owning outcomes to delivering simple, actionable legal guidance that aligns with mission success.

By By Major General (Retired) William B. Dyer III with Brigadier General Michael J. Deegan

Book cover for Phoenix Rising by Col Keith M. Nightingale (Ret) displayed against a blurred background of similar book covers. The cover features a golden phoenix symbol with spread wings against a desert landscape in warm orange and brown tones. The title Phoenix appears in white text with Rising in bold red letters below it. The subtitle reads From the Ashes of Desert One to the Rebirth of U.S. Special Operations. A quote at the top states Entertainingly written, brilliantly insightful attributed to General Stanley McChrystal (Ret). Small silhouettes of military helicopters are visible at the bottom of the cover design.

Read Time: < 12 mins

Rebirth into New Domains: A Review of Phoenix Rising: From the Ashes of Desert One to the Rebirth of U.S. Special Operations

Major Haanpaa reviews Keith Nightingale's Phoenix Rising, examining Operation Eagle Claw's failed 1980 Iranian hostage rescue mission. The review analyzes command and control failures and interagency coordination challenges, offering lessons for judge advocates navigating modern multi-domain operations. It contrasts personal accounts with official reports, highlighting organizational friction's impact on mission success.

By Sydney M. Haanpaa

Black and white photograph of a middle-aged man in a dark business suit and tie, seated at a desk with his hands folded over papers. He has slicked-back hair and is smiling at the camera. Behind him are curtains and an American flag with decorative fringe, suggesting this is an official government office setting from what appears to be the mid-20th century based on the photographic style and office decor.

Read Time: < 6 mins

Lore of the Corps: Coming Full Circle Governor Bert Combs’s Journey from Fort Knox to Kentucky Leadership and Back

This biographical article traces Kentucky Governor Bert T. Combs's journey from Army private to Judge Advocate to state governor, highlighting how his World War II military legal service at Fort Knox shaped his civilian leadership. The narrative emphasizes his war crimes investigation work and return to Fort Knox as governor.

By Mr. Brandon Borgemenke