Area Defense Counsel protects Airmen's rights Published March 13, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Area Defense Counsel is a one-stop shop for military members who need advice on their rights when dealing with letters of reprimand, Article 15's, courts-martial or other adverse actions. The mission of the ADC is to provide active duty Air Force members free independent legal representation for actions taken under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to the Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps, Military Commander & the Law Web site. Airmen suspected of an offense or facing adverse administrative actions receive confidential legal advice from an experienced judge advocate outside the local chain of command. "Many people confuse the ADC with the base legal office. The base legal office keeps the interest of the Air Force as their top priority; where as the ADC's top priority is what is best for the Airman," said Capt. Drew Roberts, Air Force Legal Operations Agency ADC attorney. "In a nut shell, they are the prosecutors and we are the defenders." By representing military members facing disciplinary action from military authorities, the ADC is focused on doing what is best for the Airman they represent, even if their interests are contrary to the Air Force's. The ADC is one of the only organizations on RAF Lakenheath that can boast 100 percent confidentiality. "The ADC is solely independent of the local chain of command," said Staff Sgt. Michael Badilla, Air Force Legal Operations Agency ADC paralegal. "We don't answer to any of the commanders on this base. Our chain of command is in Washington D.C." The ADC is available to military members from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The ADC can be reached in extreme cases 24 hours a day, seven days a week by contacting the 48th Fighter Wing Command Post at 226-4800.