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Show rates by Capt. Erik B. Wallin Area Defense Council Wright-Patterso- n AFB, Ohio As the area defense counsel for AFB, Ohio, I represent military people facing adverse Wright-Patterso- n administrative or military justice action. In representing these members, I have repeatedly found they are often unaware of their Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 31 rights to remain silent and be represented by counsel. At an initial client interview, one of the preliminary questions I ask is whether law enforcement, a commander, or a supervisor questioned the client regarding the conduct he or she is suspected of. If the answer is yes, I ask if the client answered any questions or made statements. Unfortunately, the answer to both those questions is usually yes. This scenario is unfortunate for the members, innocent or not, because rarely do the answers or statements they provide later work to their advantage. In fact, people suspected of offenses typically answer questions or provide statements in such a manner that assures punishment and in most cases even increases the severity of it. Without first obtaining legal counsel, there is no reason for a military person suspected of an offense to respond to questions of law enforcement, commanders, or supervisors. Under Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, a military mem- - ber has the right to remain silent, that and is interrogating the member as is, say nothing at all. He or she also part of an official law enforcement has the right to military counsel or investigation or disciplinary inquiry, civilian counsel of their own choos- must advise the member of his or her rights. Interrogation includes any foring, at their own expense. Article 31 further provides that a mal or informal questioning in which person may request a lawyer at any an incriminating response is either time during questioning. If the member decides to answer questions, he or she can stop the questioning at any time. According to Article 31, any person subject to the UCMJ who suspects a military person of a criminal offense, sought or is a reasonable consequence of such questioning. Supervisors and commanders are presumed to be acting in a disciplinary capacity when questioning a subordinate. Military defense counsels are perhaps the only defense attorneys who can say that very few of their clients, if any, are hardened criminals. Instead, clients are typically individuals for whom being the target of an investigation is a new situation. They are often unaware of their rights or reluctant to exercise them. As a result of this unfamiliarity with the investigative process, they often believe they can prove their innocence by making a statement, denying everything, or answering questions. They have the impression that exercising their right to counsel and to remain silent creates the appearance of guilt. They believe the assurances of law enforcement that they can bring the matter to a close if they answer just a couple of questions. These perceptions are wrong. The right to remain silent and to be represented by counsel is guaranteed the same by the U.S. Constitution Constitution our military serves to support and defend every day, 24 hours a day. If the freedom and protections we enjoy as Americans are worth fighting and dying for, why relinquish them so quickly? If you are questioned as a suspect regarding a criminal offense or disciplinary matter by law enforcement, a commander or a supervisor, do not answer any questions or make any statements until you have had the opportunity to speak with legal counsel. Take advantage of your rights. It could be your career or freedom you preserve. mission unofficial an military Generosity: in a variety of ways. The same holds true when by Chaplain ( Capt.) Thomas P. Doyle Catholic Chaplain.Tinker AFB, Okla. All of us in the military have heard plenty of criti- cism of our profession. Chaplains often come in for g extra criticism when people take us to task for supporting an organized "war machine" and encouraging people whose job is to kill. When I hear this kind of judgment of my profession well-meanin- and of that of the men and women with whom I share my life, I react with a mixture of anger and sadness. I get angry because I'm proud to be a military officer and honored to serve my country. I get angry because the critics, no matter what their motivation, fail to grasp the true meaning of the U.S. military mission and fail to see that we in the profession of arms are really using our country's tremendous military might to ensure peace. I also feel sadness because those who criticize don't see the immense amount of good done by military men and women in terms of disaster relief, charitay ble outreach, humanitarian aid and help for those in trouble. I think that even those of us in the service often overlook the incredible good will that is in our midst. The general public knows about the organized and official disaster relief efforts. Whenever parts of our country experience serious natural disasters such as floods and tornadoes, the military is there to help day-to-da- dis- aster hits other countries. Sometimes the stories reach the national press and sometimes they don't. When I was stationed at Lajes Field in the Azores, Portugal, the Air Force organized disaster relief effort for one of the other a large-scal- e Azorean islands that had experienced severe storms and flooding over Christmas in 1996. Within two days, Tinker had donated about six tons of supplies for the homeless people ... and all this happened over the New Year's day holiday. The same scenario happened almost two years later when the same island was hit with tidal waves and floods ... and the Air Force was there to help! disaster relief operations The organized, large-scal- e to see the true spirit of but are certainly impressive, generosity in the Air Force one has to look to the smaller and often less spectacular efforts. I say this because that's where I have seen military members and their spouses give up free time, donate food, clothing and furniture and put in long hours of physical labor to help others. The only "return on the investment" is the satisfaction of knowing that one has helped someone less fortunate. Air Force morale is not exactly at its peak these days. Budget cuts, downsizing and other factors have led some to wonder if we are really appreciated that much by the general public. Yet the men and women of the Air Force have a right to be proud and should know that though we are not involved in a full scale war, cold or hot, they are needed by their country. "Air Force people building the world's most respected Air and Space Force Quality Systems for America's Air Force Hilltop Time; Published by MorMedia, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Hill AFB. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Hilltop Times are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertisements in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Air Force or MorMedia, Inc., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs Office staff in Bldg. 1102, second floor. to with story ideas or comments, or send Call Ext. I have seen their spouses give up free time, donate food, clothing and furniture and put in long hours of physical labor to help others. The only 'return on the investment is the satisfaction of knowing that one has helped someone less fortunate. 99 Chaplain (Capt.) Thomas P. Doyle Why? Because there seems to be something about the American military in general and the Air Force in particular that brings out the best in people the generosity. spirit of "can-do- " This is a far greater reserve of strength and a more challenging mission than any other. As an unofficial mission, generosity is one that the Air Force always completes with amazing success. Global Power and Reach for America. Hilltop Times Editorial Staff: Commander, Bruce Collins Acting Director, Public Affairs Office Editor Bill Orndorff Editor Assistant SSgt. Timothy Trager writers Staff Ford Steven Mary Galbraith, Maj. Gen. Rich Roeliig Deadlines: OO-AL- C the Hill" items, 3 before publication; sports artip.m. Thursday, seven days of publication; classified ads, 2 cles, 9 a.m. Monday, week p.m. Tuesday, week of publication. For more information, call the editor, Ext. Unless otherwise indicated, all photos are U.S. Air Force photos. 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