Area Defense Counsel differs from legal office

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt Eric J. Darby
  • Travis Area Defense Counsel
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 60th Air Mobility Wing Legal Office and Area Defense Counsel are often confused as the same thing.  While both have judge advocate generals and paralegals working hard to ensure their clients are served, the similarities stop there.

For instance, the legal office has the military justice section which works for the commanders on base and gives advice directly to them on, among other things, initiating adverse actions against members. 

The ADC office, on the other hand, is completely independent from all the other agencies on base. It reports directly to the Air Force Legal Operations Agency in Washington D.C.  The office does not report to and is not rated by any squadron, group, or the wing commander. This is the most important benefit because it ensures the job can be performed effectively without any unlawful command influence, repercussions or reprisal.

The conversations with the ADC are strictly confidential. The ADC cannot and will not repeat what is discussed without permission. This confidentiality allows clients to be completely truthful, which, in turn, allows them to provide the best advice regarding rights and possible outcomes. No attorney can guarantee an outcome on a case and the ADC office is no different.  However, the ADC can guarantee that it will provide the best advice and assistance needed to make the best out of a difficult situation. 

With some exceptions, our office can assist with anything that can be adverse to a service member's career.  One of the most common misbeliefs is the ADC office only handles Article 15s and courts-martial. Actually, the ADC represents service members who face any kind of adverse action, including letters of counseling or reprimand, unfavorable information files, control rosters, Article 15 and vacation actions, all the way up to administrative discharges and courts-martial. Although the ADC cannot represent someone in a civilian criminal matter, it can assist with the potential consequences a civilian criminal matter can have on a career.

If you are questioned, served with an adverse action or just think you may be in trouble, the ADC can help. Any Air Force active duty member can call for an appointment. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The ADC is located in Building 251 and can be contacted at 424-4569.