Rear Admiral Steven M. Talson

Rear Admiral Talson assumed duties as the deputy judge advocate general of the Navy (DJAG) for Reserve Affairs and Operations and deputy commander, Naval Legal Service Command (CNLSC) in December 2008. Talson graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and was commissioned through the JAG Corps Student Program while attending the University of Maryland School of Law, from which he received his Juris Doctor degree in May, 1980.

Before his appointment to flag rank, he served as defense counsel, trial counsel, and head of Command Services at Navy Legal Service Office (NLSO) San Francisco. He then reported to NLSO Naples, Italy, later assuming duties as staff judge advocate for Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy. In 1986, he reported to the Naval Military Personnel Command (NMPC) in Arlington, Va., where he served as assistant legal counsel to the chief of Naval Personnel until leaving active duty in September 1987.

Talson joined the Naval Reserve following his release from active duty in 1987, and served in a variety of billets to include four command assignments: Legal Service Office Norfolk Det. 306; Volunteer Training Unit (Law) 0603; Civil Law Support Activity 206 (Litigation); and Navy Personnel Command 06 Det. 106. Under his command, the latter two units were selected for the Rear Admiral Hugh H. Howell Award for best Reserve Law Program unit.

Talson also served as staff judge advocate for Readiness Command Mid-Atlantic/Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command, and on the staff of commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

Talson is authorized to wear the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and various unit, service, and campaign awards.