Photo By Tech. Sgt. Timothy Dischinat | U.S. Air Force Capt. Kate Rochat, Air Force Legal Operations Agency Area Defense...... read more read more
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KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea – Getting your first piece of paperwork in the Air Force can be frustrating. A lot of Airmen either learn about progressive discipline through first-hand experience or once they pass through Airman Leadership School. While a Letter of Counseling may not have severe impacts on an Airman’s career, larger hiccups that result in Control Rosters or Article 15’s can.
When faced with paperwork, a younger Airman might not understand the ramifications, such as a delay in promotion or denial of an end-of-tour decoration. Here to help is the Kunsan Air Base Area Defense Counsel.
Working entirely outside of the 8th Fighter Wing chain of command, the ADC provides Air Force members who are suspected of an offense or who face potential adverse administrative and/or criminal actions with legal representation. Their mission is to defend members’ constitutional and UCMJ rights and ensure that the military justice system remains fair and effective. Area Defense Counsels are tenant units on each installation with their headquarters located in Washington, D.C.
The relatively small shop of two uniformed members helps give Airmen the tools to defend themselves with rebuttals to everything between a Letter of Counseling all the way up to a court-martial.
“There are resources available to help you,” said Staff Sgt. Reilly Hermes, Defense Paralegal, Air Force Legal Operations Agency. “We are unable to reach out to you, even if we are aware that you are facing an adverse action. For us to assist you, you must come in and talk to us first.”
“When you do speak with us, everything that you say while seeking legal advice will remain privileged and confidential,” added Capt. Kate Rochat, Area Defense Counsel, Air Force Legal Operations Agency.
Rochat stressed that anyone who may need assistance can come at any point before or during the legal process.
“Generally, military members do not always know that they have Article 31 rights, which are more expansive than their Miranda Rights on the civilian side,” said Hermes. “This means that not only can they invoke their rights to counsel and their right to remain silent – they can do it at any time during questioning with anyone from a supervisor, a commander or even a law enforcement agent.”
While Rochat and Hermes do everything they can, they cannot be everywhere at once. When faced with a case that requires additional assistance, they can refer cases to other offices in the Circuit, such as Osan Air Base Area Defense Counsel Office.
“Sometimes Airmen just need the support,” added Hermes. “My favorite part is being able to provide assistance when they are experiencing some of these challenges.”
“I love helping Airmen in complicated or difficult situations,” said Rochat. “Being able to work with them to get a good outcome is what makes this job great.”
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2022 21:26 |
| Story ID: | 432285 |
| Location: | KR |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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