Minot hosts joint legal training

Published Dec. 8, 2010
By Senior Airman Michael J. Veloz
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Minot AFB Office of the Staff Judge Advocates hosted Air Force Global Strike Command's first joint legal training with the Training by Reservist in Advocacy and Litigation Skills team here, Dec. 2 and 3.

The legal training, provided by a team of active duty and Reserve JAs, is designed to give active duty attorneys the knowledge needed to succeed during courts martial. Led by Lt. Col. Christopher A. Santoro, TRIALS team chief, the team travels across the world training an average of 12 to 14 bases a year.

"This training is great for active duty judge advocates at any skill level," said Colonel Santoro. "The training received is equivalent to a $2,000 program offered to civilians, providing the judge advocates the ability to brush up on their skills."

The program, now in its 12th year, held a mock trial as part of the training here for Airmen from bases across the command as well as Ellsworth AFB, S.D., and Grand Forks AFB, N.D.

"A mock trial is like a flight simulator for judge advocates," Colonel Santoro said. "It is geared to have them think on their feet to prepare for what they might encounter during their career."

The group of 12 judge advocates played in every aspect of the mock trial, including the jury board, so they could refine their skills as well as give constructive criticism to their peers.

The TRIALS team provided on-the-spot feedback during the rigorous two day training to inform the students on where they need to improve.

"It is extremely beneficial to receive feedback from our instructors and peers," said Capt. Chris Sanders, 5th Bomb Wing judge advocate.

Captain Sanders said he enjoyed having the opportunity to receive training from seasoned federal and state litigators as well as an active duty judge, calling it "priceless."

The captain added he enjoyed working with judge advocates from other bases, allowing an exchange of ideas with others to improve his own skill set.

Fellow JA's agreed with Captain Sanders, saying the training was extremely helpful.

Lt. Col. Eric Werner, 5th BW staff judge advocate, said he was happy to host the training team here.

"The level of expertise of the [TRIALS] team is quite phenomenal and we are able to draw off of that to give our young JA's an opportunity to hone their skills," Colonel Werner added.