scope:

This Directive reissues reference (a) to establish policy, assign responsibilities, and prescribe guidance for cooperation with the United States Office of Special Counsel (OSC) in fulfilling the responsibilities of the Special Counsel under references (b) and (c) to conduct investigations of alleged prohibited personnel practices and to ensure the investigation of other allegations of improper or illegal conduct referred to the Department of Defense by the OSC. This Directive provides internal guidance to DoD officials, and does not establish an independent basis for any person or organization to assert a right, benefit, or privilege.

APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE. This Directive applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Military Departments, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Defense (IG, DoD), the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities in the Department of Defense (hereafter referred to collectively as "DoD Components").