CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C –
The posters read, "The Area Defense Counsel's office works for you, not the command." But who are they and what do they do?
As some may have guessed, the Area Defense Counsel is comprised of are active-duty attorneys and paralegals. Unlike the legal professionals at the legal office, ADC Airmen don't work for the base commander. The ADC was established in 1976 to provide defense services independent from the base legal office and commander. This means they represent clients, not the Air Force.
In 1983, Maj. Gen. Thomas Bruton, then the Judge Advocate General of the Air Force said, "It is not the job of the defense counsel to assist or make it easy for the government to establish or present its case. To the contrary, the independent defense structure pioneered by the Air Force was in part established to enable defense counsel to freely make those many difficult and sometimes challenging decisions without fear of command interference or reprisal."
But what does the Area Defense Counsel do?
They represent active-duty members in actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice at courts-martial and non-judicial punishment actions. They also represent clients in a variety of other actions, including administrative discharges, referral performance reports and letters of reprimand. Also keep in mind, the ADC can assist while the command is still investigating, before any action is taken against an Airman.
Remember, under military law, 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 statement.
Additionally, any statement that is made, whether oral or written, may be used against the member in a court-martial, Article 15, non-judicial punishment action, or administrative action. The fact a member exercises either the right to remain silent or the right to consult with an attorney cannot be held against the member by Air Force authorities.
If in need of ADC services or for any questions, visit the ADC office at 101 East Hill Blvd., Building 503, Room 119, or call 963-4417.