What types of protocols require administrative review and approval at the Component headquarters level in DoD research?

The correct answer is that protocols using primates, cats, dogs, or marine mammals require administrative review and approval at the Component headquarters level in DoD research. This requirement exists due to the higher level of regulatory scrutiny and ethical considerations associated with research involving these specific animals.

Primates, cats, dogs, and marine mammals are often subject to stricter oversight because they have complex behavioral, physiological, and emotional needs. The use of these species raises significant ethical and welfare concerns, leading to more rigorous review processes to ensure that their use is scientifically justified, and that pain and distress are minimized.

In contrast, while protocols involving laboratory rodents may require review, they typically do not necessitate the same level of administrative scrutiny at the headquarters level. Protocols involving environmental impacts may also require different types of reviews, but they are not specifically tied to the administration processes concerning animal welfare standards in the same way that protocols involving the more sensitive species mentioned are. Therefore, the focus on primates, cats, dogs, and marine mammals reflects both ethical obligations and regulatory compliance required by the Department of Defense and related guidelines.