AFPD51-1 — The Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps

AFPD51-1 governs the organizational structure, duties, manning, and resourcing of The Judge Advocate General’s Corps for Air Force legal services.

Search AFPD51-1

  • Publication number: AFPD51-1
  • Title: THE AIR FORCE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL’S CORPS
  • Date: 2018-11-14

View AFPD51-1 on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes policies for legal support, personnel composition, recruitment and development, ethical legal practice, and legal information systems. It also sets requirements for functional supervision and the administration of legal services.

Applies to: This policy directive applies to all military and civilian Air Force personnel, members of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, and other individuals or organizations as required by binding agreement or obligation with the Department of the Air Force.

Topics covered

  • Air Force legal services
  • Judge Advocate General’s Corps composition
  • Legal talent recruitment and development
  • Functional supervision of judge advocates
  • Ethical practice of law
  • Legal information systems

Questions and answers

What legal support must the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps provide?

Provide the responsive legal support required to fulfill Air Force requirements for legal services arising from current and evolving air, space, and cyberspace missions through The Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. (paragraph 2)

How must officers designated as judge advocates be supervised?

Ensure officers, designated as judge advocates, are directed in the performance of their duties under the functional supervision of The Judge Advocate General in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 806(a), 10 U.S.C. §§ 826-827, and 10 U.S.C. § 8037(c)(2). (paragraph 2)

What does AFPD51-1 require for the ethical practice of law?

Ensure the ethical and professional practice of law by Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps personnel in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 806(a), Rule for Courts-Martial 109, and Department of Defense Instruction I 1442.02, to include establishing supervisory measures that give a reasonable assurance that all attorneys in Air Force conform to ethical and professional rules. (paragraph 2)

Which legal information systems must be administered and managed?

Administer and manage the Federal Legal Information Through Electronics system and Defense Emergency Authorities Retrieval and Analysis System in accordance with Department of Defense Directive 5160.64E, paragraph 5.2. (paragraph 2)

How does the Air Force support its legal mission through the Judge Advocate General’s Corps?

Provide legal services in support of the Air Force mission, through personnel assigned to The Judge Advocate General’s Corps, in accordance with laws; executive orders; policy directives; Headquarters Mission Directive 1-14, General Counsel and The Judge Advocate General; and instructions. (paragraph 2)

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about AFPD51-1