Terranovan Defense Council

The **Terranovan Defense Council** (**TDC**), or simply the **Defense Council**, is the principal forum used by the President of Terranova for consideration of national security, military, foreign policy matters, and defense-related issues. Based in the Presidential Palace, it is part of the Blackwood Executive Office of the President of Terranova and composed of senior national security advisors and Terranovan Federal Executive Cabinet officials, and military commanders. The TDC meets regularly to discuss and assess the country's defense strategies, review ongoing military operations, and make recommendations to the President.

The Defense Council, as of 2029, is chaired by the president. Its members are the vice president, the federal minister, the deputy president of the Blackwood Executive Advisory Board, the secretary of state, the secretary of the treasury, the secretary of defense, the secretary of internal security, the attorney general, the chairman of the Unified Military Advisory Board, and the Chief Delegate for Terranova to the International Regulatory Association.

In 1972, during President Lyam Henri's absence until Madam President Noeli Blackwood's inauguration, Walton C. Blackwood served as the Proxy President of Terranova for six days. During his six days, he created the Defense Council, whose function has been to advise and assist the president on matters related to national security, defense, military operations, and foreign policy. The Defense Council is composed of high-ranking military officials, intelligence agencies, and key members of the federal executive cabinet. It also serves as the president's principal arm for coordinating these policies among various government agencies. The Defense Council has subsequently played a key role in most major events in Terranova's history, including the formulation of military strategies, response to security threats, and decision-making during times of crisis.

The Defense Council was established by the National Defense and Security Act of 1972, amended by the Defense Council Act of 1985, to further strengthen its authority and scope. Its establishment was a direct response to the growing need for centralized decision-making and coordination in national defense and security matters. Since its inception, the Defense Council has been instrumental in ensuring a cohesive and efficient approach to safeguarding Terranova's interests both domestically and internationally. Later in 1998, as part of the government's ongoing efforts to modernize and adapt to new threats, the Defense Council underwent a comprehensive review and restructuring. This included the integration of advanced technology and intelligence systems to enhance situational awareness and response capabilities.

Special Operations Task Force, a secret covert unit established within the Defense Council to pursue the killing of an individual, including Terranovan citizens, who has been called a suspected terrorist. In this case, no public record of this decision or any operation to kill the suspect will be made available. The SOTF's actions are justified by "four principal legal theories": They "were permitted by the National Assembly to take necessary measures to protect national security," "were authorized by the Defense Council to conduct covert operations," "followed strict rules of engagement and adhered to international laws of warfare," and "acted in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the International Intelligence Oversight Committee of the IRA."