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Judge Advocate Office covers spectrum of legal work

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber R. Kelly-Herard
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  TV shows such as JAG come to mind when many people think of the Judge Advocate Office, but the legal office does much more than just prosecute.

The JAO has five main functions: traditional military justice; providing services a civilian courthouse would have; performing duties a city attorney would such as environmental, labor and contract law; practicing operational law such as statute regulation impacting the mission; and providing general legal advice.

"We maintain a disciplined force," said Lt. Col. William Muldoon, 375th JAO commander. "Air Mobility Command performs a mission 24/7 and we take care of any legal matter so the mission continues to function."

The JAO has six attorneys who specialize in different areas of law enabling the office to handle almost any legal situation. There are also seven paralegals.

"I enjoy being a military attorney because I can take on different roles for different things," said 1st Lt. Seth Dilworth, Staff Judge Advocate attorney. "If I were a civilian attorney and I was a prosecutor, I would be doing prosecutions all the time. Military attorneys also have to have a variety of knowledge because we switch gears every week."

"I also like that Airmen are helping each other," he added. "I love the satisfaction of helping the Air Force."

Paralegals can interview witnesses, prepare court documents, serve as bailiff, assist with finance and logistical arrangements, request for expert consultants, and work with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment and first sergeants.

"Being a paralegal I also get to see the darker side of things," said Master Sgt. Jill Robbins, 375th JAO paralegal. "I've seen the impact of crime on family, the unit and the Air Force."

The JAO can also provide legal advice, however, they cannot represent members in civil legal actions.

When legal personnel deploy there are three different roles they can fill. They might perform the same job that they do at their home station. Some are sent to help rebuild the court systems of Iraq and Afghanistan and train the locals how to run a court system. Others perform operational law which covers the law of war.

The JAO should not be confused with the Area Defense Council which deals with defense for servicemembers facing discipline. The ADC has a separate chain of command that is not on base.