The Department of Defense (DoD) Roster of Neutrals consists of DoD employees who have undergone a minimum of 30-40 hours of approved professional training in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and have committed to delivering services using the DoD-approved facilitative model for mediation/ facilitation processes and to abiding by established ethical standards. DoD employees from any department at any level in a DoD Component organization may serve as a Roster Neutral. The Department of Defense (DoD) Roster of Neutrals consists of DoD employees who have undergone a minimum of 30-40 hours of approved professional training in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and have committed

Individuals interested in joining this Roster must submit a Neutral Profile (including its completed Certification & Endorsement page) to DOHA CADR. This application may be submitted via email to osd.pentagon.ogc.mbx.doha-mediation-requests@mail.mil and will be reviewed prior to approval of the candidate.  The application requires endorsement from the neutral's supervisor approving the individual’s service on behalf of the DoD a collateral duty neutral and contingent upon the needs of their employing organization.

To maintain active status on the Roster, DoD Roster neutrals are required to engage in ongoing provision of services on the Roster and continuing education in ADR. Specifically, every two years following their acceptance onto the Roster, neutrals must provide the Roster Manager at DOHA CADR with proof of active service as an approved neutral for the DoD or attendance at 8 hours of refresher courses on ADR conflict management techniques and processes. Evidence of having provided ADR neutral services may include co-mediation or co-facilitation. ADR experience or training acquired outside the DoD may also be considered to fulfill these requirements.

DOHA CADR preferentially employs a co-mediator approach for the DoD Roster of Neutrals, wherein a lead (mentor) mediator with substantial experience is paired with a co-mediator who is still developing their skills following approved training. This model not only provides participants with the benefit of two neutral perspectives but also allows the co-mediator to gain valuable experience, thereby enhancing the overall pool of qualified neutral resources within the DoD. Solo mediations are restricted to experienced (mentor) mediators who have received prior approval from CADR. Any exceptions to the co-mediator model must be sanctioned by the leadership of DOHA CADR.

To ensure quality control, each mediator will be required to submit a Co-Mediator Evaluation form to the DoD Roster of Neutrals, CADR, after each co-mediation session. Mediation participants will also be requested to provide DOHA CADR leadership with feedback. This process helps maintain high standards of service and supports the continuous development of Roster mediators.