SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The 4th Fighter Wing judge advocate staff hosted a legal symposium for commanders and first sergeants, Aug. 26, 2016, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.
The symposium informed commanders and 1st Sgts. about the military justice system and how it affects their units.
More than 10 speakers discussed legal issues leadership may encounter with their Airmen from day to day, such as article 15s, court-martials and civilian labor issues.
"The Legal Symposium allowed commanders and 1st Sgts. to meet with the entire military and civilian legal team to review matters in the Uniformed Code of Military Justice and civil law that we are unfamiliar with or have forgotten,” said Lt. Col. Ernesto Divittorio, 4th Operations Support Squadron commander. “Because the law affects every Airman, whether officer, enlisted or civilian, this gathering afforded us the opportunity to share experiences and ask questions so we can learn from one another."
Capt. Christy Bray, 4th Fighter Wing chief of military justice, said the symposium was beneficial because the 4th FW/JAG staff were able to introduce the attorneys and paralegals that work with leadership on military justice issues and provide information on the legal issues that they encounter.
With more than 25 commanders and 1st Sgts. in attendance, presentations and questions about child custody, divorce, article 15s and many other legal concerns were addressed and answered within the four and a half hour event.
“As a legal office, we always strive to educate our clients and to provide them with timely and accurate legal advice,” said Bray. “We hope to make this an annual symposium that will provide practical information and tips to commanders and first sergeants.”