379th AEW ADC Area Defense Council

Capt. Jason Robertson, Area Defense Counsel, prepares for a case as Tech. Sgt. Stacy Snider, defense paralegal, takes notes. They are the Area Defense Counsel team who just stood up the Air Force’s newest ADC office, serving any Airmen stationed in the AOR with legal support. (USAF photo by Master Sgt. Douglas Lingefelt)

Area Defense Counsel stands up, defends

Published Sept. 10, 2006
By Staff Sgt. Celena Wilson
379th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The Air Force's newest Area Defense Counsel Office opened on base Aug. 15 and is ready to support the deployed Airmen here if needed.

When a member is faced with any disciplinary actions against them, the ADC is there to serve as their legal council during proceedings.

Capt. Jason Robertson, the Area Defense Counsel, arrived from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., where he was the senior Area Defense Counsel. Tech. Sgt. Stacy Snider, deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., assists Captain Robertson as the Defense Paralegal.

"The office is the newest addition to Air Force Legal Operations Agency's network of defense offices Air Force wide," said Captain Robertson. "Until now, Southwest Asia AOR defense business was handled by the Ramstein Air Base, Germany Area Defense Counsel.

"Ramstein ADCs traveled TDY here or other AOR bases to defend Air Force members in court-martial action," he said. "Now, that defense business will be facilitated by our office with Ramstein functioning in a support role."

According to the captain, the mission of the ADC is to advance the Air Force mission by promoting justice and strengthening confidence in discipline by vigorously providing the best possible legal defense services for Air Force members stationed in the AOR, in accordance with the Air Force Military Defense Counsel Charter.

"I represent clients in a variety of criminal and administrative actions," he said. "The benefit is the fulfillment of your constitutional right to counsel once accused. The Staff Judge Advocate's office offers legal advice to commander's pursuing disciplinary action. I represent the Air Force member."

If services are needed, members can call 437-6300 to make an appointment or stop by the office in Bldg. 3945, in Ops Town behind the Manhattan Dining Facility.

When asked why the office opened here, Captain Robertson said, "We go where you go."