DAFPD51-2 governs military justice and other criminal proceedings, including due process, discipline, legal support, and prosecution.
View DAFPD51-2 on armypubs.army.mil
It addresses courts-martial, appellate practice, nonjudicial punishment, investigations, special victim matters, and independent legal representation. It requires the Department of the Air Force to maintain an ethical, impartial, uniform, and consistently applied military justice system.
Applies to: This publication applies to the Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard and the United States Space Force.
Counsel shall be detailed to advise and represent DAF service members who are eligible for defense services. Defense services include, at a minimum, all phases of a court-martial, nonjudicial punishment, and designated administrative proceeding. (paragraph 2)
OSTC will report directly to the Secretary of the Air Force with no intervening authority. (paragraph 2)
Counsel shall be detailed to advise and represent DAF victims and other victims who are eligible for victims’ counsel services. (paragraph 2)
DAF Reserve and National Guard service members who are recalled to active duty for courts-martial may not be sentenced to confinement or be required to serve a punishment consisting of any restriction of liberty during the recalled period of duty without prior approval by the Secretary of the Air Force. (paragraph 2)