Know your rights; consult the Area Defense Counsel Published May 23, 2019 By Senior Airman Eli Chevalier Kirtland Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- At Kirtland Air Force Base’s Area Defense Counsel, no problem is too small for them to help with. “We are always here,” said Staff Sgt. Autumn Amador, defense paralegal. “Call, email, we will make contact with you.” The ADC exists to help Airmen who are facing adverse actions, as well as to provide guidance and give advice on situations where they may be facing administrative or Uniformed Code of Military Justice action. “We are a safe place to start,” said Capt. Robert Saulter, ADC attorney. “There is no harm in coming to us. We don’t work for anyone on this base, we are totally removed from the chain of command. Our job is to help Airmen deal with situations.” These situations can include advice ranging from the next steps after receiving a Letter of Reprimand or Letter of Admonishment, to help with Court Martials or serious investigations. To get the best advice from the ADC, there are some things Airmen can do to prepare themselves. “It’s a stressful situation usually when people are coming here,” said Saulter. “In peoples’ haste, they don’t bring the most complete information. It is much more helpful for us to talk to them if they are not doing it from memory. The more information you have about the situation that you can bring to us, the more we can help.” It is also important to be completely open and honest when talking to the ADC. They are only there to help. “I was a high school teacher before I did this, and all your life people will tell you, ‘We are a safe person to talk to and we aren’t going to get you in trouble,’ and it’s a lie, they are definitely going to get you in trouble!” said Sualter. “If I tell on you, say something you say, I’m going to lose my bar license. You can rely on the fact that if you tell me something and you are open with me it’s only going to help. Then I have a complete picture of the situation.” When in doubt, Airmen should understand that when someone reads them their rights and invokes the UCMJ, they should exercise their right to remain silent and call the ADC. The ADC takes walk-ins, and is accessible 24/7 through the command post. The ADC can be reached during duty hours at 505-846-5553.