Block II Flashcards
Introduction to Legal Practice & Professional Communication
Judge Advocate General’s Department was established
25 January 1949, GO No. 7
Judge Advocate General’s Department Reserve
13 July 1949, GO No. 49
AFPD 51-1
Air Force Policy Directive: “The Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps” TJAGC is composed of TJAG, DJAG, SES, commissioned AFSC 51J, enlisted AFSC 5J, assigned civilians
TJAG
The Judge Advocate General: senior uniformed AF attorney oversees the provision of legal services. 3-star appointed by the President.
DJAG
Deputy Judge Advocate General: assists TJAG and oversees military justice, international law, operational law, and civil law. 2-star appointed by the President.
SEA
Senior Enlisted Advisor: CMSgt selected by the TJAG to oversees the paralegal force for a four-year controlled tour. First SEA appointed CMSgt Steve Swigonski in September 1970.
SEA Title Progression
Special Assistant
Senior Enlisted Advisor
Senior Paralegal Manager
back to Senior Enlisted Advisor
SJA
Staff Judge Advocate: the senior Judge Advocate on a commander’s staff. Duties: advise on discipline, legal advise to Security Forces, advise on all investigations.
Acts as the AF liaison with the US Attorney and other legal departments, agencies and judicial bodies.
Assigned to: MAJCOM, NAF, base, wing, and installation-level offices.
Assistant Staff Judge Advocate
“JAGs”: Designated Judge Advocates required to be graduates of ABA accredited law schools and authorized to practice law by highest court of a state, territory, or D.C.
Paralegal
Performs duties in the legal office under the supervision of an attorney. Tasks may include: drafting legal documents, performing legal research/writing, analysis, interviewing, and discovery management
Civilian Employee
work as attorneys, paralegals, court reporters, and administrative specialists
NAF level legal offices are commonly referred to as…
the General Court-Martial (GCM) legal office
Traditional Unit Reservists
“Category A”: Part-time one weekend/month and 2 weeks/year under Title 10 orders when on active duty. Attached to Air Reserve base legal offices in a location of their choosing.
Individual Mobilization Augmentees
“Category B” IMAs: have specialized skills and augment AD units, attached to AD legal offices. Work when and where they are needed under Title 10 orders
Air National Guard
Organized by state or territory. Part-time serving one weekend/month and 2 weeks/year. Attached to Air Guard bases that are under control of the state governor. May be called to federal active duty as needed and approved by the governor. Fall under Title 32 orders when working for the state and Title 10 orders when called to federal active duty.
Evolution of the AF Paralegal
May 1955: legal services specialist career recognized as a separate career field AFSC 705X0.
1970 CCAF approved Associates Degree program in Paralegal Studies.
1989 AF began using title “Paralegal”
1994 Current AFSC, 5J0X1 was designated
CMSgt Steve Swigonski
the first Special Assistant to TJSG, spearheaded the establishment of the first AF Legal Services Specialist School at Keesler AFB Jan 1972.
July 1993 AFJAGS relocated to Maxwell AFB
Outstanding Active Duty Paralegal Airman of the Year
Thomas Castleman Award
Outstanding Active Duty Paralegal NCO of the Year
Steve Swigonski Award
Outstanding Paralegal SNCO of the Year
Karen Yates-Popwell Award
Outstanding Reserve Paralegal of the Year
David Westbrook Award
Outstanding Air Reserve Component Paralegal SNCO of the Year
Andrew Stadler Award
Primary uses of the CFETP
(Career Field Education and Training Plan): comprehensive manual for education, training, and career progression
Describes tasks and knowledge required for different proficiency levels and provides an assessment tool for progress between proficiency levels.
AFCFM
Air Force Career Field Manager: The approval authority for development and acquisition of resources to provide training.
CFETP, 5J031, Paralegal Apprentice
Requires the completion of PAC.
Duties include day-to-day administrative and procedural tasks, such as processing claims, handling military justice actions, and assisting customers in the legal assistance program.
CFETP, 5J051, Paralegal Journeyman
OJT (12 months non-retrainee, 9 months retrainee), completion of CDC, completion of Attachment 2, column 2A of the STS, supervisor recommendation.
More in-depth paralegal duties such as legal research and writing, may train apprentices.
CFETP, 5J071, Paralegal Craftsman
training begins after being selected for SSgt. Includes OJT, completion of core tasks in STS, completion of Paralegal Craftsman Course in residence. Supervisor reommendation, unit commander approval.
Increased supervisory responsibilities, usually the NCOIC, duties include reviewing the work of subordinates.
CFETP, 5J091, Paralegal Superintendent
SMSgt, meets requirements listed in specialty description in AF Enlisted Classification Directory, and has supervisor and commander approval for the award of 9 level
Primary participants of a Utilization and Training Workshop
Career Field Manager (CFM)
Air Force Training Manager
MAJCOM Functional Managers
ARC Personnel
subject matter experts (SME)
Optional participants of a Utilization and Training Workshop
AFJAGS personnel
CDC writers
AETC Occupational Analysis Division
TJAG’s Corps Flight Plan: Vision
Disciplined and legally-enabled Air and Space professionals &organizations employing the law to advance the mission.
TJAG’s Corps Flight Plan: Mission
Provide the Department of the Air Force, commanders, and personnel with professional, full-spectrum legal support, at the speed of relevance, for mission success in joint and coalition operations