Title 10, United States Code — Armed Forces
Title 10 is the principal statutory authority for the U.S. Armed Forces. Key sections for defense programs work:
Critical Sections
- §162 — Combatant Commands: assignment of forces
- §164 — Commanders of combatant commands: authority and responsibilities
- §167 — Unified combatant command for special operations forces (USSOCOM authority)
- §167a — Unified combatant command for cyber operations
- §2302-2339 — Defense acquisition authorities
- §2366a-b — Milestone decision reviews
- §2371-2371b — Other Transaction Authority (OTA)
- §4901-4907 — Major Defense Acquisition Programs
§167 — SOCOM Authority
Grants USSOCOM Commander unique authorities:
- Develop and acquire SOF-peculiar equipment, materiel, supplies, services
- Develop SOF strategy, doctrine, and tactics
- Train assigned forces
- Monitor SOF officer and enlisted promotions, assignments, schools
- Establishes SOF_AT_L acquisition authority
Goldwater-Nichols Act (1986)
Title 10 was reshaped by the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act:
- Strengthened Joint Chiefs Chairman role
- Empowered Combatant Commanders
- Created current COCOM structure
- Required joint duty for flag officer promotion