ADC provides legal defense for variety of issues

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrew Caulk
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Area Defense Council's separation from base command allows them to represent and defend members aggressively against adverse action on a variety of issues. 

Capt. Andrew Norton and Tech. Sgt. Crystal Smith serve as the Eglin ADC to handle cases affecting Airmen's careers. 

The ADC works for the Air Force-level Judge Advocate General's office and is not tied to the base. That separation between the two help Airmen trust the ADC's advice as their best interests and not influenced by anyone on base, according to Captain Norton. The ADC also is 100 percent confidential; the chaplain is the only other agent with that status. 

"We are often seen as representing the bad guys and there seems to be a stigma associated with the ADC similar to that for mental health," said Captain Norton. "What we actually do is represent members' interests in a variety of cases." 

The pair listed Articles 15, letter of reprimand, referral Enlisted Performance Reports, and adverse actions regarding fitness as their most common cases. They also represent members in other matters such as unfavorable discharges, flight evaluation boards, unfavorable information files, and control rosters. 

"With fitness being an item of interest for commanders, our caseload for adverse fitness actions has increased significantly," said Sergeant Smith. She estimates the ADC processed 30-40 cases this year to date dealing with fitness issues. 

The ADC officers expect more cases with the new standards next year and urge commanders and supervisors to be proactive in dealing with fitness issues. Punishments from fitness related issues range from counseling and LORs to demotion or separation. 

Besides fitness, the ADC helps military members write responses to actions against them. 

"Often, people accept they have done something wrong, but have mitigating circumstances commanders haven't heard about. We help them tell their side of the story," said Captain Norton. 

According to the ADC, when members are offered an Article 15, and have their rights read to them,  they are worried about answering some of the questions. The worry is they may get in trouble for their actions, and they don't fully understand their rights.  If they feel that way  they should refrain from saying anything that may incriminate themselves and call the ADC immediately. 

The ADC is limited, however, to military matters and cannot represent members in civilian court. They can advise members, however, if they have questions regarding a civilian issue and can represent them if the civilian infraction results in military discipline. 

"Think before you act; we'd like to be out of a job," said Captain Norton. 

Members can call the ADC at 882-4185 for advice or representation in military matters.