diff --git a/backend/app/services/jira_service.py b/backend/app/services/jira_service.py
index f423250..4773679 100644
--- a/backend/app/services/jira_service.py
+++ b/backend/app/services/jira_service.py
@@ -307,7 +307,9 @@ _SEVERITY_TO_PRIORITY: dict[str, str] = {
 _STATE_EMOJI: dict[str, str] = {
     "draft":            "📝 Draft",
     "red_executing":    "🔴 Red Team Executing",
+    "red_review":       "🔎 Red Lead Review",
     "blue_evaluating":  "🔵 Blue Team Evaluating",
+    "blue_review":      "🔎 Blue Lead Review",
     "in_review":        "📋 In Review",
     "validated":        "✅ Validated",
     "rejected":         "❌ Rejected",
@@ -370,6 +372,18 @@ def _build_state_comment(
             "Red Team has started the attack execution.",
         ]
 
+    elif new_state == "red_review":
+        lines += [
+            "Red Team has submitted evidence and the test is awaiting Red Lead review "
+            "before it queues for Blue Team.",
+        ]
+
+    elif new_state == "blue_review":
+        lines += [
+            "Blue Team has submitted evidence and the test is awaiting Blue Lead review "
+            "before cross-validation.",
+        ]
+
     elif new_state == "blue_evaluating":
         lines += [
             "Red Team has finished execution and submitted evidence for Blue Team evaluation.",
@@ -667,6 +681,7 @@ def push_test_event(
     new_state: str,
     *,
     extra: dict | None = None,
+    assignee: User | None = None,
 ) -> None:
     """Post a lifecycle comment to the Jira issue linked to *test*.
 
@@ -720,6 +735,21 @@ def push_test_event(
                         link.jira_issue_key, jira_account_id, exc_a,
                     )
 
+        if new_state in ("red_review", "blue_review") and assignee:
+            jira_account_id = getattr(assignee, "jira_account_id", None)
+            if jira_account_id:
+                try:
+                    jira.assign_issue(link.jira_issue_key, account_id=jira_account_id)
+                    logger.info(
+                        "Assigned Jira ticket %s to reviewer account %s",
+                        link.jira_issue_key, jira_account_id,
+                    )
+                except Exception as exc_a:
+                    logger.warning(
+                        "Could not assign %s to reviewer %s: %s",
+                        link.jira_issue_key, jira_account_id, exc_a,
+                    )
+
         link.last_synced_at = datetime.utcnow()
         db.flush()
         logger.info(
diff --git a/backend/app/services/test_workflow_service.py b/backend/app/services/test_workflow_service.py
index fa11733..fad2f51 100644
--- a/backend/app/services/test_workflow_service.py
+++ b/backend/app/services/test_workflow_service.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
 
 # Import settings from app.config
 from app.config import settings
-from app.domain.exceptions import InvalidOperationError
+from app.domain.exceptions import BusinessRuleViolation, InvalidOperationError
 from app.domain.test_entity import TestEntity
 from app.models.enums import TestState, TeamSide
 from app.models.evidence import Evidence
@@ -263,7 +263,7 @@ def submit_red_evidence(db: Session, test: Test, user: User) -> Test:
 
     # Assign test = transition_state(
     test = transition_state(
-        db, test, TestState.blue_evaluating, user,
+        db, test, TestState.red_review, user,
         # Keyword argument: action_name
         action_name="submit_red_evidence",
     )
@@ -287,10 +287,52 @@ def submit_red_evidence(db: Session, test: Test, user: User) -> Test:
         description=f"Red Team execution: {test.name}",
     )
 
-    # Start Blue Team timer
-    test.blue_started_at = now
-    # Assign test.blue_paused_seconds = 0
-    test.blue_paused_seconds = 0
+    reviewer = select_reviewer(
+        db, role="red_lead",
+        exclude_user_id=user.id if user.role == "red_lead" else None,
+    )
+    test.red_reviewer_assignee = reviewer.id
+    db.flush()
+
+    try:
+        create_notification(
+            db, user_id=reviewer.id, type="review_assigned",
+            title="Test awaiting your review",
+            message=f'Test "{test.name}" is waiting for your red-team review.',
+            entity_type="test", entity_id=test.id,
+        )
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.warning("Notification failed for test %s: %s", test.id, e, exc_info=True)
+
+    try:
+        from app.services.jira_service import push_test_event
+        push_test_event(db, test, user, "red_review", assignee=reviewer)
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.warning("Jira push failed for test %s: %s", test.id, e, exc_info=True)
+
+    return test
+
+
+def approve_red_review(db: Session, test: Test, user: User, notes: str | None = None) -> Test:
+    """Red Lead approves the operator's work — moves red_review to blue_evaluating."""
+    entity = TestEntity.from_orm(test)
+    entity.approve_red_review()
+    entity.apply_to(test)
+    test.red_review_by = user.id
+    test.red_review_at = datetime.utcnow()
+    test.red_review_notes = notes
+    db.flush()
+
+    log_action(
+        db, user_id=user.id, action="approve_red_review",
+        entity_type="test", entity_id=test.id,
+        details={"notes": notes, "test_name": test.name},
+    )
+
+    try:
+        notify_test_state_change(db, test, "blue_evaluating")
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.warning("Notification failed for test %s: %s", test.id, e, exc_info=True)
 
     try:
         from app.services.jira_service import push_test_event
@@ -301,6 +343,39 @@ def submit_red_evidence(db: Session, test: Test, user: User) -> Test:
     return test
 
 
+def reopen_red_review(db: Session, test: Test, user: User, notes: str) -> Test:
+    """Red Lead sends the operator's work back for rework — moves red_review to red_executing."""
+    if not notes or not notes.strip():
+        raise InvalidOperationError("A comment is required when reopening a test for rework")
+
+    entity = TestEntity.from_orm(test)
+    entity.reopen_red_review()
+    entity.apply_to(test)
+    test.red_review_by = user.id
+    test.red_review_at = datetime.utcnow()
+    test.red_review_notes = notes.strip()
+    db.flush()
+
+    log_action(
+        db, user_id=user.id, action="reopen_red_review",
+        entity_type="test", entity_id=test.id,
+        details={"notes": notes, "test_name": test.name},
+    )
+
+    if test.red_tech_assignee:
+        try:
+            create_notification(
+                db, user_id=test.red_tech_assignee, type="test_reopened",
+                title="Test sent back for rework",
+                message=f'Test "{test.name}" was sent back by your Red Lead: {notes.strip()[:200]}',
+                entity_type="test", entity_id=test.id,
+            )
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning("Notification failed for test %s: %s", test.id, e, exc_info=True)
+
+    return test
+
+
 def start_blue_work(db: Session, test: Test, user: User) -> Test:
     """Mark that a blue tech has picked up this test to start evaluating.
 
@@ -368,7 +443,7 @@ def submit_blue_evidence(db: Session, test: Test, user: User) -> Test:
 
     # Assign test = transition_state(
     test = transition_state(
-        db, test, TestState.in_review, user,
+        db, test, TestState.blue_review, user,
         # Keyword argument: action_name
         action_name="submit_blue_evidence",
     )
@@ -392,6 +467,121 @@ def submit_blue_evidence(db: Session, test: Test, user: User) -> Test:
         description=f"Blue Team evaluation: {test.name}",
     )
 
+    reviewer = select_reviewer(
+        db, role="blue_lead",
+        exclude_user_id=user.id if user.role == "blue_lead" else None,
+    )
+    test.blue_reviewer_assignee = reviewer.id
+    db.flush()
+
+    try:
+        create_notification(
+            db, user_id=reviewer.id, type="review_assigned",
+            title="Test awaiting your review",
+            message=f'Test "{test.name}" is waiting for your blue-team review.',
+            entity_type="test", entity_id=test.id,
+        )
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.warning("Notification failed for test %s: %s", test.id, e, exc_info=True)
+
+    try:
+        from app.services.jira_service import push_test_event
+        push_test_event(db, test, user, "blue_review", assignee=reviewer)
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.warning("Jira push failed for test %s: %s", test.id, e, exc_info=True)
+
+    return test
+
+
+def approve_blue_review(db: Session, test: Test, user: User, notes: str | None = None) -> Test:
+    """Blue Lead approves the operator's work — moves blue_review to in_review."""
+    entity = TestEntity.from_orm(test)
+    entity.approve_blue_review()
+    entity.apply_to(test)
+    test.blue_review_by = user.id
+    test.blue_review_at = datetime.utcnow()
+    test.blue_review_notes = notes
+    db.flush()
+
+    log_action(
+        db, user_id=user.id, action="approve_blue_review",
+        entity_type="test", entity_id=test.id,
+        details={"notes": notes, "test_name": test.name},
+    )
+
+    try:
+        notify_test_state_change(db, test, "in_review")
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.warning("Notification failed for test %s: %s", test.id, e, exc_info=True)
+
+    try:
+        from app.services.jira_service import push_test_event
+        push_test_event(db, test, user, "in_review")
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.warning("Jira push failed for test %s: %s", test.id, e, exc_info=True)
+
+    return test
+
+
+def reopen_blue_review(db: Session, test: Test, user: User, notes: str) -> Test:
+    """Blue Lead sends the operator's work back for rework — moves blue_review to blue_evaluating."""
+    if not notes or not notes.strip():
+        raise InvalidOperationError("A comment is required when reopening a test for rework")
+
+    entity = TestEntity.from_orm(test)
+    entity.reopen_blue_review()
+    entity.apply_to(test)
+    test.blue_work_started_at = None  # split responsibility: entity doesn't own this field
+    test.blue_review_by = user.id
+    test.blue_review_at = datetime.utcnow()
+    test.blue_review_notes = notes.strip()
+    db.flush()
+
+    log_action(
+        db, user_id=user.id, action="reopen_blue_review",
+        entity_type="test", entity_id=test.id,
+        details={"notes": notes, "test_name": test.name},
+    )
+
+    if test.blue_tech_assignee:
+        try:
+            create_notification(
+                db, user_id=test.blue_tech_assignee, type="test_reopened",
+                title="Test sent back for rework",
+                message=f'Test "{test.name}" was sent back by your Blue Lead: {notes.strip()[:200]}',
+                entity_type="test", entity_id=test.id,
+            )
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.warning("Notification failed for test %s: %s", test.id, e, exc_info=True)
+
+    return test
+
+
+def flag_blue_review_gap(db: Session, test: Test, user: User, system_gaps: str, notes: str | None = None) -> Test:
+    """Blue Lead flags a capability gap — proceeds to in_review anyway (a retry can't fix a missing tool)."""
+    if not system_gaps or not system_gaps.strip():
+        raise InvalidOperationError("system_gaps description is required when flagging a capability gap")
+
+    entity = TestEntity.from_orm(test)
+    entity.flag_blue_review_gap()
+    entity.apply_to(test)
+    test.blue_review_by = user.id
+    test.blue_review_at = datetime.utcnow()
+    test.blue_review_notes = notes
+    test.system_gaps = system_gaps.strip()
+    db.flush()
+
+    log_action(
+        db, user_id=user.id, action="flag_blue_review_gap",
+        entity_type="test", entity_id=test.id,
+        details={"system_gaps": system_gaps, "notes": notes, "test_name": test.name},
+    )
+
+    try:
+        notify_test_state_change(db, test, "in_review")
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.warning("Notification failed for test %s: %s", test.id, e, exc_info=True)
+
     try:
         from app.services.jira_service import push_test_event
         push_test_event(db, test, user, "in_review")
@@ -502,6 +692,52 @@ def resume_timer(db: Session, test: Test, user: User) -> Test:
     return test
 
 
+def select_reviewer(
+    db: Session,
+    *,
+    role: str,
+    exclude_user_id: uuid.UUID | None = None,
+) -> User:
+    """Pick the least-loaded active user with *role* to review a test.
+
+    Load is measured as the count of tests currently sitting in the
+    matching review state (``red_review`` for role ``red_lead``,
+    ``blue_review`` for role ``blue_lead``) with that user set as the
+    reviewer. Ties broken by username for determinism.
+
+    Raises BusinessRuleViolation if no eligible reviewer exists (e.g. the
+    only lead is the person who executed the test, or there are no leads
+    with this role at all).
+    """
+    review_state = TestState.red_review if role == "red_lead" else TestState.blue_review
+    reviewer_field = Test.red_reviewer_assignee if role == "red_lead" else Test.blue_reviewer_assignee
+
+    candidates_query = db.query(User).filter(User.role == role, User.is_active == True)  # noqa: E712
+    if exclude_user_id is not None:
+        candidates_query = candidates_query.filter(User.id != exclude_user_id)
+    candidates = candidates_query.order_by(User.username).all()
+
+    if not candidates:
+        raise BusinessRuleViolation(
+            f"No available {role} to review this test (cannot self-review, "
+            f"and no other {role} is active)"
+        )
+
+    best_user = None
+    best_count = None
+    for candidate in candidates:
+        count = (
+            db.query(Test)
+            .filter(Test.state == review_state, reviewer_field == candidate.id)
+            .count()
+        )
+        if best_count is None or count < best_count:
+            best_user = candidate
+            best_count = count
+
+    return best_user
+
+
 # Define function _create_phase_worklog
 def _create_phase_worklog(
     # Entry: db
diff --git a/backend/tests/test_workflow.py b/backend/tests/test_workflow.py
index 0a2cc46..de511b1 100644
--- a/backend/tests/test_workflow.py
+++ b/backend/tests/test_workflow.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ without requiring a running database.
 import sys
 import os
 import uuid
+import pytest
 from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
 from types import ModuleType
 from datetime import datetime
@@ -100,13 +101,16 @@ for _mod in [
 from fastapi import HTTPException
 from app.domain.exceptions import InvalidOperationError, InvalidTransitionError
 from app.models.enums import TestState, TestResult
+from app.models.test import Test
 from app.services.test_workflow_service import (
     VALID_TRANSITIONS,
     can_transition,
     transition_state,
     start_execution,
     submit_red_evidence,
+    approve_red_review,
     submit_blue_evidence,
+    approve_blue_review,
     validate_as_red_lead,
     validate_as_blue_lead,
     check_dual_validation,
@@ -158,27 +162,33 @@ def _make_db() -> MagicMock:
 # ===========================================================================
 
 
+@patch("app.services.test_workflow_service.select_reviewer")
 @patch("app.services.test_workflow_service.log_action")
-def test_full_happy_path(mock_log):
-    """draft -> red_executing -> blue_evaluating -> in_review -> validated"""
+def test_full_happy_path(mock_log, mock_select_reviewer):
+    """draft -> red_executing -> red_review -> blue_evaluating -> blue_review -> in_review -> validated"""
     test = _make_test(TestState.draft)
     red_tech = _make_user("red_tech")
     blue_tech = _make_user("blue_tech")
     red_lead = _make_user("red_lead")
     blue_lead = _make_user("blue_lead")
     db = _make_db()
+    mock_select_reviewer.side_effect = [red_lead, blue_lead]
 
     # Step 1: draft -> red_executing
     result = start_execution(db, test, red_tech)
     assert result.state == TestState.red_executing
     assert result.execution_date is not None
 
-    # Step 2: red_executing -> blue_evaluating
+    # Step 2: red_executing -> red_review -> (Red Lead approves) -> blue_evaluating
     result = submit_red_evidence(db, result, red_tech)
+    assert result.state == TestState.red_review
+    result = approve_red_review(db, result, red_lead)
     assert result.state == TestState.blue_evaluating
 
-    # Step 3: blue_evaluating -> in_review
+    # Step 3: blue_evaluating -> blue_review -> (Blue Lead approves) -> in_review
     result = submit_blue_evidence(db, result, blue_tech)
+    assert result.state == TestState.blue_review
+    result = approve_blue_review(db, result, blue_lead)
     assert result.state == TestState.in_review
 
     # Step 4: Red Lead approves
@@ -205,19 +215,24 @@ def test_full_happy_path(mock_log):
 # ===========================================================================
 
 
+@patch("app.services.test_workflow_service.select_reviewer")
 @patch("app.services.test_workflow_service.log_action")
-def test_rejection_and_reopen(mock_log):
+def test_rejection_and_reopen(mock_log, mock_select_reviewer):
     """in_review -> rejected -> draft -> red_executing -> ..."""
     test = _make_test(TestState.draft)
     red_tech = _make_user("red_tech")
     blue_tech = _make_user("blue_tech")
     red_lead = _make_user("red_lead")
+    blue_lead = _make_user("blue_lead")
     db = _make_db()
+    mock_select_reviewer.side_effect = [red_lead, blue_lead]
 
     # Advance to in_review
     start_execution(db, test, red_tech)
     submit_red_evidence(db, test, red_tech)
+    approve_red_review(db, test, red_lead)
     submit_blue_evidence(db, test, blue_tech)
+    approve_blue_review(db, test, blue_lead)
     assert test.state == TestState.in_review
 
     # Red Lead rejects -> rejected
@@ -577,6 +592,169 @@ def test_cannot_reopen_non_rejected_test(mock_log):
 # Run all
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
+# ===========================================================================
+# 12b. Review-decision functions (approve/reopen/gap)
+# ===========================================================================
+
+
+class TestReviewDecisions:
+    @patch("app.services.test_workflow_service.log_action")
+    def test_approve_red_review_moves_to_blue_evaluating(self, mock_log):
+        test = _make_test(TestState.red_review)
+        reviewer = _make_user("red_lead")
+        db = _make_db()
+
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import approve_red_review
+        result = approve_red_review(db, test, reviewer, notes="looks good")
+
+        assert result.state == TestState.blue_evaluating
+        assert result.red_review_by == reviewer.id
+        assert result.red_review_notes == "looks good"
+        assert result.blue_started_at is not None
+
+    def test_reopen_red_review_requires_notes(self):
+        test = _make_test(TestState.red_review)
+        reviewer = _make_user("red_lead")
+        db = _make_db()
+
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import reopen_red_review
+        with pytest.raises(InvalidOperationError):
+            reopen_red_review(db, test, reviewer, notes="")
+
+    @patch("app.services.test_workflow_service.log_action")
+    def test_reopen_red_review_moves_to_red_executing_with_notes(self, mock_log):
+        test = _make_test(TestState.red_review, red_tech_assignee=uuid.uuid4())
+        reviewer = _make_user("red_lead")
+        db = _make_db()
+
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import reopen_red_review
+        result = reopen_red_review(db, test, reviewer, notes="add more detail")
+
+        assert result.state == TestState.red_executing
+        assert result.red_review_notes == "add more detail"
+
+    @patch("app.services.test_workflow_service.log_action")
+    def test_approve_blue_review_moves_to_in_review(self, mock_log):
+        test = _make_test(TestState.blue_review)
+        reviewer = _make_user("blue_lead")
+        db = _make_db()
+
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import approve_blue_review
+        result = approve_blue_review(db, test, reviewer)
+
+        assert result.state == TestState.in_review
+
+    def test_reopen_blue_review_requires_notes(self):
+        test = _make_test(TestState.blue_review)
+        reviewer = _make_user("blue_lead")
+        db = _make_db()
+
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import reopen_blue_review
+        with pytest.raises(InvalidOperationError):
+            reopen_blue_review(db, test, reviewer, notes=None)
+
+    @patch("app.services.test_workflow_service.log_action")
+    def test_reopen_blue_review_moves_to_blue_evaluating(self, mock_log):
+        test = _make_test(TestState.blue_review, blue_tech_assignee=uuid.uuid4())
+        reviewer = _make_user("blue_lead")
+        db = _make_db()
+
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import reopen_blue_review
+        result = reopen_blue_review(db, test, reviewer, notes="redo it")
+
+        assert result.state == TestState.blue_evaluating
+        assert result.blue_work_started_at is None
+
+    def test_flag_blue_review_gap_requires_system_gaps_text(self):
+        test = _make_test(TestState.blue_review)
+        reviewer = _make_user("blue_lead")
+        db = _make_db()
+
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import flag_blue_review_gap
+        with pytest.raises(InvalidOperationError):
+            flag_blue_review_gap(db, test, reviewer, system_gaps="")
+
+    @patch("app.services.test_workflow_service.log_action")
+    def test_flag_blue_review_gap_moves_to_in_review(self, mock_log):
+        test = _make_test(TestState.blue_review)
+        reviewer = _make_user("blue_lead")
+        db = _make_db()
+
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import flag_blue_review_gap
+        result = flag_blue_review_gap(db, test, reviewer, system_gaps="Missing EDR agent on host X")
+
+        assert result.state == TestState.in_review
+        assert result.system_gaps == "Missing EDR agent on host X"
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# 13. select_reviewer — load-balanced reviewer assignment
+# ===========================================================================
+
+
+class TestReviewerSelection:
+    """Uses the real sqlite `db` fixture from conftest.py (not MagicMock),
+    since load-balancing needs real COUNT() queries."""
+
+    def _make_lead(self, db, username, role="red_lead"):
+        from app.models.user import User
+        u = User(username=username, role=role, hashed_password="x", is_active=True)
+        db.add(u)
+        db.flush()
+        return u
+
+    def _make_technique(self, db, mitre_id="T1059"):
+        from app.models.technique import Technique
+        t = Technique(mitre_id=mitre_id, name="Command Line", tactic="execution")
+        db.add(t)
+        db.flush()
+        return t
+
+    def test_picks_lead_with_fewest_active_reviews(self, db):
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import select_reviewer
+
+        lead_a = self._make_lead(db, "reda_selrev")
+        lead_b = self._make_lead(db, "redb_selrev")
+        tech = self._make_technique(db, "T1059.selrev1")
+
+        busy_test = Test(
+            technique_id=tech.id, name="Busy",
+            state=TestState.red_review, red_reviewer_assignee=lead_a.id,
+        )
+        db.add(busy_test)
+        db.commit()
+
+        chosen = select_reviewer(db, role="red_lead")
+        assert chosen.id == lead_b.id
+
+    def test_excludes_the_submitter_if_they_are_a_lead(self, db):
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import select_reviewer
+        from app.domain.exceptions import BusinessRuleViolation
+
+        lead_a = self._make_lead(db, "reda_excl")
+        db.commit()
+
+        with pytest.raises(BusinessRuleViolation, match="No available"):
+            select_reviewer(db, role="red_lead", exclude_user_id=lead_a.id)
+
+    def test_no_candidates_raises_clear_error(self, db):
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import select_reviewer
+        from app.domain.exceptions import BusinessRuleViolation
+
+        with pytest.raises(BusinessRuleViolation, match="No available"):
+            select_reviewer(db, role="red_lead")
+
+    def test_ties_broken_by_username(self, db):
+        from app.services.test_workflow_service import select_reviewer
+
+        self._make_lead(db, "zzz_tie", role="blue_lead")
+        self._make_lead(db, "aaa_tie", role="blue_lead")
+        db.commit()
+
+        chosen = select_reviewer(db, role="blue_lead")
+        assert chosen.username == "aaa_tie"
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     print("T-125 Validation: Workflow Tests")
     print("=" * 55)