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Combat JAG: Navy Legal Officer Brings Expertise to Operation Iraqi Freedom

NAVSEA News

Story Number: NNS030324-15
Release Date: 3/24/2003 10:15:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class Joseph Krypel, Camp Patriot Public Affairs

CAMP PATRIOT, Kuwait (NNS) -- What would you do if you were totally out of contact with your life as you know it? What if you were living in the sand - working in a foreign place - not knowing exactly what to do, when to do it, or how to deal with a legal problem half-way around the world? This is how some deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom feel and live.

Lt. Jon Peppetti, the staff judge advocate (SJA) for commander, amphibious group 3 (CPG-3) has been placed in a position to make a difference in these types of cases - forward deployed with troops serving on the ground in Kuwait.

As the SJA for CPG-3, Peppetti's primary role is to act as legal counsel for Rear Adm. W. Clyde Marsh and all of his subordinate commanders and commanding officers - including Commander, Camp Patriot.

In this role, Peppetti's responsibilities vary greatly. "I assist with the legal aspects of mission planning and routinely conduct training in a number of areas such as rules of engagement (ROE), the use of force and handling enemy prisoners of war (EPW)."

Additionally, Peppetti explained that he regularly provides command advice on everything from the administration of military justice, to the proper conduct of investigations, agreements with our host-nation, and individual legal services for military personnel.

"I knew coming to CPG-3 would offer great challenges," Peppetti continued, ". . . but our participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom presented opportunities that I never imagined."

Although Peppetti enjoys the challenge of advising commanders and commanding officers in a wartime environment, he maintains that his greatest satisfaction comes from assisting individual service members with personal issues.

While handling personal matters may seem commonplace to most, U.S. servicemen and women deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom have a number of obstacles to overcome in day-to-day personal tasks.

"People are here to do a difficult job, and they don't need additional distractions when living in harm's way. Legal issues can be tough enough to handle at home; when you're thousands of miles away, they can seem impossible to deal with."

Since Peppetti's arrival in Kuwait, he has fielded hundreds of questions from servicemen and women on a variety of legal assistance matters. "Some people have legal issues that existed before they were deployed, and others have had problems arise since their arrival."

"I help them understand what rights they have, and in many cases I can help alleviate the problem by drafting a letter, sending an e-mail to the right person or preparing a power of attorney," explained Peppetti.

According to Peppetti, short-notice deployment calls provided little time for many to tie up loose ends, and as a result, some get distracted - not because of what they may be called upon to do, but because they feel like they may be losing control of their personal lives while deployed.

Peppetti explained that one tool available to help is the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act. This federal law provides protections and benefits to military members whose active-duty service has materially affected their ability to meet certain civil obligations. It can be used, for example, to cap pre-service indebtedness at a six percent interest rate, and postpone civil lawsuits.

Unfortunately, many don't know how to take advantage of these resources.

"Often, the issues are simple to resolve, but people aren't sure who to contact or what to ask. That's where I can help."

According to Peppetti, he is proud to help people focus on the difficult missions at hand, by helping resolve problems at home.

"It's a privilege for me to help all the servicemen and women at Camp Patriot who make incredible sacrifices for our country," Peppetti concluded, "That's why being here is so important to me."