Staff Judge Advocate

Mission

The Staff Judge Advocate is the principal legal advisor to the Commander.  The Staff Judge Advocate also provides legal support to Staff and Security Cooperation Offices across the spectrum of U.S. Southern Command activities and operations.

Directorates are the functional divisions within SOUTHCOM. Each directorate is charged to support or manage an aspect of the mission. Click on the links below to learn more about each directorate.

Director J1 Manpower & Personnel: Army Col. Gina Pistone

Director J2 Intelligence: Army Brig. Gen. Kristina J. Green

Director​ J3 Operations: Coast Guard Rear Adm. Brendan C. McPherson

Director J4 Logistics: Marine Col. Douglas R. Burke

Director J5 Strategy, Policy, and Plans: Air Force Maj. Gen. Julian C. Cheater

Director J6 Communication Systems: Army Col. Anne-Marie R. Wiersgalla

J7-9-Exercises-and-Coalition-Affairs-Directorate: VACANT

Director J8 Resources & Analysis: Dr. Carlos Braziel

Congressional Affairs Chief: Katherine M. Barton

SOUTHCOM Inspector General: Army Col. Eric W. Nylander

Staff Judge Advocate: Marine Corps Col. Paul F. Meagher

Public Affairs Chief: Army Col. Manny Ortiz

Chaplain: Navy Capt. Santiago Rodriguez

Command Surgeon: Air Force Col. Brian H. Neese