ADC: Protecting Airmen’s rights

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Juan Torres
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Yokota Air Base, Japan --  Protecting Airmen’s rights is one of the Area Defense Counsel’s top priorities.

The ADC’s principal responsibility is to represent members in actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including courts-martial and non-judicial punishment proceedings. The office consists of an Air Force attorney and a Defense Paralegal.

It provides U.S. Air Force members who are suspected of an offense or facing potential adverse administrative actions with independent legal representation.

It works for the Airmen and it’s an experienced judge advocate outside the local chain of command which avoids even an appearance of possible command influence or conflicts of interest as well as allows Airmen to receive completely confidential legal advice.

“We’re designed to defend Airmen,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas M. Jean, 374th Airlift Wing Area Defense Counsel defense paralegal. “We offer 100% confidentiality. If you tell us anything, it stays between you and our office. We will be able to use that information to advice you what are the right things to do.”

Being a part of the “Dragon” region, the ADC provides services to Yokota Air Base, Kunsan AB, Osan AB and Misawa AB.

The ADC helps Airmen understand how various administrative actions can affect their careers, provide assistance in writing rebuttals to adverse paperwork and represent Airmen facing judicial or non-judicial punishment. It handles various low-level situations; from letters of counseling to courts-martial.

“Whenever Airmen are subject to allegations, charges or given adverse paperwork, whether it be their commander, first sergeant or supervisor, they can come to us to gain assistance in regards to a rebuttal or just to understand what the legal process is.”

The ADC's responsibility is to ethically represent Airmen during adverse military actions such as:

• Courts-martial
• Article 15s
• Involuntary discharges
• Suspect advice
• Letters or counseling, letters of admonishment and letters of reprimand
• Unfavorable information file and control rosters
• Demotions
• Any other adverse actions in which counsel for an individual is required or authorized

Under the provisions of Article 31, Uniform Code of Military Justice, an Air Force member suspected of committing a criminal offense has the right to remain silent and the right to consult with a military lawyer free of charge prior to making any statements.

If you have any questions as to the availability of services, or if you’re facing any administrative actions, contact the ADC at: 225-8114