Legal team does more than push papers

Photo By Capt. Tony Massari | Maj. Dan McAullife, of Denver sits at his desk hard at work. McAullife is a citizen Soldier who volunteered with the U.S. Army Reserve to serve his country. He is also a civilian lawyer from Denver that deployed with the brigade as the Deputy Brigade Judge Advocate. His experience with the American legal system is a tremendous asset in helping the Iraqis to grow and develop.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IRAQ

08.22.2010

Story by Capt. Tony Massari 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Many Soldiers hear about the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s legal section and the first thing that comes to mind is the Uniform Code of Military Justice. However, this team of Soldiers does much more for the brigade than advise commanders on Article 15 cases.

The brigade legal section, run by Maj. Rob Insani, of Dallas, brigade judge advocate, handles many tasks to ensure that Iron Brigade Soldiers are prepared to handle many legal situations during a deployment.

One of the legal team’s many responsibilities is dealing with powers of attorney, which allow Soldiers to appoint someone to legally act on their behalf while deployed.

“A power of attorney is important because it allows spouses to enroll themselves or their children, in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, register vehicles, sign housing contracts and file taxes,” said Sgt. Robert Grandham, of Dallas, paralegal noncommissioned officer in charge.

The legal assistance attorneys and paralegals are also available to help Soldiers with any legal issues that arise.

The legal team’s responsibility does not stop with legal advice and paperwork. They provide critical training to Soldiers concerning the deployment. They give presentations on the security agreement between the U.S. and Iraq, which governs Soldiers’ actions while deployed.

“Training on the security agreement is important,” said Insani. “The brigade commander has placed a priority of complying with the letter and spirit of the agreement in all operations. This demonstrates to our Iraqi counterparts that we are committed to the rule of law.”

The legal section puts out weekly vignettes of different Security Agreement scenarios that Soldiers may face in Iraq. The vignettes include questions and answers on appropriate actions in each circumstance. These vignettes and classes help Soldiers understand the proper actions to take in unfamiliar situations.

In addition to helping Soldiers, Insani and his team work with local lawyers, judges and Iraqi Police Officers in southern Iraq to help improve their judiciary system. The legal team gives classes on human rights, evidence collection, federalism and techniques for issuing and obtaining warrants.
Maj. Dan McAullife of Denver is a U.S. Army Reservist and civilian lawyer, who serves as the Deputy Brigade Judge Advocate and works closely with the Iraqi Government on improving its judicial system.

He said that the legal section, in conjunction with the Dhi Qar Provincial Reconstruction Team, recently had a seminar where judges helped police investigators learn how to successfully collect evidence and procedurally use that evidence in criminal prosecutions.

Despite what many people may believe, the legal team does so much more than disciplinary paperwork. From helping ensure Soldiers’ legal needs are met, to training brigade and Iraqi officials, Insani and his team provide critical services to the Iron Brigade.

• Date Taken: 08.22.2010
• Date Posted: 08.22.2010 05:08
• Story ID: 54981
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ