The Imperial General Staff represented a high-echelon command structure inside the Galactic Empire, composed of top-tier Imperial officers. Just before the rescue of Princess Leia Organa from the Death Star occurred in 0 BBY, its membership featured figures such as Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, General Cassio Tagge, and Admiral Conan Antonio Motti, among others.
As a formal military leader, Admiral Kendal Ozzel received the assignment to command Darth Vader's Death Squadron; this choice served to satisfy the influential individuals within the Imperial General Staff.