AFPD51-3 governs Air Force policy for civil law, acquisition law, and litigation, including legal assistance and claims.
View AFPD51-3 on armypubs.army.mil
The publication addresses civil litigation, administrative claims, medical law, accident investigations, and legal assistance. It requires legal representation, claims administration, accident-report preparation, and support for eligible beneficiaries.
Applies to: This publication applies to all Air Force personnel, including the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.
Ensure the release of official information for use in Federal and State courts, and other proceedings, complies with applicable laws, regulations, instructions, and policies. (paragraph 2)
Expeditiously investigate and process all administrative claims for or against the Air Force. (paragraph 2)
Promptly pay valid claims in an amount necessary to restore claimants, as nearly as possible, to their position before the incident on which the claim is based, subject to applicable laws and regulations. (paragraph 2)
Develop and implement a robust program to train and support medical law attorneys and paralegals to provide medical law advice and support to military treatment facilities and the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General. (paragraph 2)
Provide in an expeditious manner a publicly releasable accident investigation report of aircraft, remotely-piloted aircraft, missile, space, ground and other on-duty mishaps in accordance with applicable laws and directives. (paragraph 2)