An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

AMC adds legal expert to Air and Space Ops Center

  • Published
  • By Capt. Justin Brockhoff
  • 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The 618th Tanker Airlift Control added a judge advocate to its ranks in early August , bringing a legal position to Air Mobility Command's worldwide air and space operations center for the first time in its 17-year history, according to officials.

The move was a collaborative effort between the AMC Staff Judge Advocate, 18th Air Force officials and the 618th TACC to create an in-house capability to address legal issues involved with the 618th TACC's mission.

As AMC's hub for global operations, the 618th TACC plans, schedules and directs a fleet of more than 1,300 mobility aircraft in support of combat delivery and strategic airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation operations around the world. With those operations come a number of legal issues for consideration, which were previously reviewed by the 18th Air Force legal staff on an as-needed basis.

"The primary focus of the 618th TACC legal position will be on air operations law issues, to ensure any legal issues involved in global Air Mobility operations are considered in the planning phases," said Lt. Col. Chris Petras, the 618th TACC's Chief of Legal Operations. "Operations law on the combat side of the house emphasizes the law of armed conflict and issues related to rules of engagement and targeting, but the focus in air mobility is different. The global character of mobility operations presents international law and command authority issues not typically encountered in the air combat realm."

In addition to operational matters, the 618th TACC/JA will ensure that any other issues related to 618th TACC mission, such as ethics considerations, contract law, labor law, etc., are forwarded to the appropriate AMC or 18th AF/JA staff for resolution.

While the full-time JA presence is expected in the 618th TACC within six months, Colonel Petras has already stood-up the initial capability of the position on a part-time basis while still handling duties as part of the AMC/JA staff as Chief of Operations and International Law.

"Right off-the-bat the 618th TACC/JA position will be working on issues dealing closely with the mission, but I will gladly help point 618th TACC personnel in the right direction for help with personal legal issues such as where to go for assistance with wills and powers of attorney," added Colonel Petras. "The intent is that once the 618th TACC JAG position is manned full-time, the JA officer will also be able to assist with personal matters on a case-by-case basis, and serve as the one-stop shop for legal support to the TACC commander and staff."

"We're excited to add the JA capability to the 618th TACC team and welcome Lt. Col. Petras and the new position with open arms," said Brig. Gen. Randy Kee, the 618th TACC's Vice Commander. "We take a very hard look at all of our operations to ensure we're operating on legal, moral and safe grounds, and having this capability in-house will help us streamline that process. This is a great step forward for our AOC as we continue to meet the needs of our military forces deployed all around the world."

The 618th TACC/JA office is co-located with the 618th TACC Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century office, next to the 618th TACC Mobility Management Directorate conference room. For further information and office hours, 618th TACC personnel may contact Colonel Petras at (618) 229-0006 or christopher.petras@scott.af.mil.