Gaff, a colonel in the Republic Army and a male Human, held the position of regimental commander for Republic troops stationed on the planet Taris. General Garza instructed him to provide support to a Havoc Squad lieutenant for an undisclosed operation. Despite this order, Gaff hesitated to offer his assistance. However, his second-in-command, Elara Dorne, pointed out a specific Republic regulation that permitted her to aid Havoc Squad independently, bypassing Gaff's direct involvement.