Civilian harm mitigation and response office

(a) Establishment The Secretary of Defense shall establish within the Office of the Secretary of Defense an office to be known as the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Office (in this section referred to as the Office). (b) Purpose The purpose of the Office is to develop, oversee, and coordinate Department-wide policies, practices, and capabilities to prevent, mitigate, and respond to civilian harm resulting from military operations. (c) Responsibilities The Office shall— (1) develop and implement policies and guidance relating to civilian harm mitigation and response; (2) oversee the integration of civilian harm mitigation practices into planning, targeting, and operational processes; (3) coordinate assessments, investigations, and responses to incidents involving civilian harm; (4) support training and doctrine development across the Department; and (5) provide regular reports to Congress on civilian harm mitigation efforts and outcomes. (d) Leadership The Office shall be headed by a senior official designated by the Secretary of Defense.