[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 40 (Monday, March 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E429-E430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AIR FORCE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL'S 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDSEY O. GRAHAM

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 15, 1999

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
men and women, past and present, active and reserve, of the Air Force 
Judge Advocate General's Department on the occasion of the Department's 
50th Anniversary. General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, the second Chief of Staff 
of the Air Force, officially created the Judge Advocate General's 
Department Order #7 on January 25, 1949. The First Air Force Judge 
Advocate General, Major General Reginald C. Harmon, was promoted to 
major general directly from the rank of colonel. Following Major 
General Harmon, 12 other Judge Advocates General have served, including 
Major General Bryan G. Hawley who retired recently, and the newly 
installed incumbent Major General William A. Moorman.
  The JAG Department has a rich and colorful history. Before the Air 
Force was formed, there were special Air JAGs for the Army Air Corps. 
JAGs and paralegals have been at commanders' sides in every operation 
since the department was formed, including Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, and 
the Persian Gulf. In addition to combat theaters, JAGs have been 
critical components of forces conducting humanitarian, peacekeeping, 
and contingency operations in far-off places like Somalia, Bosnia, 
Haiti, and Rwanda. Often, much of the JAG's work is carried on behind 
the scenes, negotiating with foreign leaders, making arrangements for 
proper services, and ensuring agreements are in the place to service 
members abroad. As important and even less conspicuous are the 
paralegals and other legal staff that support these operations.
  Perhaps the single most important role JAGs perform is in assisting 
commanders to administer a fair and equitable system of military 
justice. General Washington recognized, as did Caesar and Alexander 
before him, that discipline distinguishes an armed force from a mob. 
History has shown that discipline, enforced by an even-handed and 
credible system of justice, is an essential element of an

[[Page E430]]

effective fighting force. That system of justice must be mobile, be 
able to react to unique military offenses, and be administered by those 
who understand the environment in which it functions. Air Force JAGs 
have preserved such a system for Air Force members, whether stationed 
at home or at remote sites worldwide. Mothers and fathers throughout 
America have entrusted their sons and daughters to Air Force 
commanders, knowing that they will be treated fairly and justly.
  Air Force Judge Advocates have made significant contributions to the 
practice of law throughout the military. Air Force JAGs were 
instrumental in establishing the requirement to inform an accused of 
his rights well before the Supreme Court directed Miranda warnings be 
read. The Air Force was the first service to institute an independent 
defense counsel program, ensuring accused military members received 
zealous representation, without even the appearance of command 
influence. Air Force JAGs have also participated in some of the most 
influential cases in military history on topics ranging from military 
jurisdiction over off-base offenses, to the use of polygraph results in 
court and drug analysis.
  In addition, as the Air Force has adapted to ever changing 
environments, JAGs have led the way by resolving the complex legal 
issues that have accompanied these changes. To meet these challenges, 
the JAG Department has grown from 442 officers to a force of over 4,680 
personnel, including JAGs, civilian attorneys, enlisted members, 
civilian support staff, and Reserve and National Guard personnel. The 
JAG Department has also expanded its expertise into other critical 
legal specialties such as aviation, civil, claims, environmental, 
ethics, international, labor, legal assistance, medical, operations, 
procurement, space, and tax law. As the Air Force faces the challenges 
of the 21st Century, the JAG Department will be there to help 
commanders maintain the world's greatest Air Force, committed to going 
anywhere in the world, anytime.
  I am honored to rise in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the 
Air Force Judge Advocate General's Department and express the heartfelt 
thanks of the people of the United States for a job well done to all 
who serve or who have served in the Air Force Judge Advocate General's 
Department.

                          ____________________