Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana | Military Legal Guide
Introduction
If you’re stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, being informed about military legal challenges is crucial. Navigating legal issues associated with military life requires understanding the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the resources available to you. The UCMJ Survival Guide is here to support you. Download for free or purchase on Amazon.
Overview of Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana and Surrounding Area
Barksdale Air Force Base, located in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, serves as a key logistics and operational site for the United States Air Force. This base is known for its role as headquarters of the Air Force Global Strike Command and the mighty 2nd Bomb Wing.
The surrounding area, including the city of Bossier City and nearby Shreveport, offers a mix of urban and suburban life with a rich cultural backdrop. Residents experience a community with both a strong sense of Southern heritage and a diverse military culture.
Brief History of Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana
Barksdale Air Force Base was established in 1932 and quickly rose to prominence as a key training and operational site during World War II. The base played a major role in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, hosting bombardment and reconnaissance activities.
Post-9/11, Barksdale has seen significant evolution in its mission as part of the Air Force’s strategic command, making it central to both conventional and nuclear operations worldwide.
Military Law & Legal Issues at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana
Court-Martial Under the UCMJ
Common charges include Article 120 (sexual assault), 128b (domestic violence), and Articles 133/134 (misconduct). The court-martial process spans investigations to pre-trial hearings, culminating in the trial. Service members have the right to civilian counsel during these proceedings.
Article 15 / Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)
Service members may choose to accept or refuse NJP. Accepting can lead to a record of misconduct that impacts future promotions, while refusal may lead to a court-martial, which carries higher stakes.
GOMORs & Letters of Reprimand
The determination between local and permanent filing of a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) significantly affects a military record. Successful rebuttal involves presenting new evidence or discrepancies in the reports.
Administrative Separation (Chapters)
Administrative separations, or Chapters, differ for enlisted personnel and officers with proceedings such as Boards of Inquiry and separation boards. Upholding an Honourable discharge requires presenting counter-evidence or testimonials.
Command-Directed Investigations (CDIs) & IG Complaints
CDIs are often initiated to address command issues but may sometimes be misapplied. Waiving rights or giving statements during these investigations can have unintended consequences.
Legal Services Available at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana
Barksdale Air Force Base Legal (JAG)
The JAG office provides essential services like creating powers of attorney and drafting wills. However, they do not represent service members in criminal defense cases or during administrative boards.
Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Civilian military defense lawyers offer independence, trial experience, and an extra layer of confidentiality. They can be crucial allies during sensitive legal proceedings.
Some Well-Known Civilian Military Defense Lawyers that Serve this Area
There’s no single “best” military defense lawyer. When choosing representation, consider these key qualities:
- Proven track record in UCMJ, trial, Article 15, and court-martial defense
- Experience with administrative separation boards and GOMOR rebuttals
- Familiarity with military law protocols and base-specific culture
- Clear communication and timely responsiveness
- Willingness to provide personalized support and strategic advice
1. Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC
Website: ucmjdefense.com
Based in: Florida / Worldwide
Specialties: Article 120 UCMJ defense, military sex crimes, war crimes, administrative separations, high-profile court-martials
Why they’re on the list:
Military defense lawyers Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington are widely considered among the best sex crime and war crime defense attorneys in the military justice system. With hundreds of high-profile military trials under their belts—including cases involving SEAL Team 6, Green Berets, and fighter pilots—they are known for unmatched trial strategy, elite cross-examination skills, and a record of full acquittals. Michael is also a bestselling author of Kick-Ass Closings and Kick-Ass Impeachment.
2. Tim Bilecki – The Bilecki Law Group
Website: bileckilawgroup.com
Based in: Florida / Global
Specialties: Military sexual assault, fraud, international courts-martial
Why he’s on the list:
Tim Bilecki is a former Army JAG with a global reputation for defending complex military cases, often involving combat zones or classified operations. With a commanding presence in the courtroom and a reputation for strategic pretrial dismantling of government cases, Bilecki has become a go-to lawyer for officers and senior enlisted members facing high-level prosecution. His firm focuses on international clients and military members in the Pacific and Asia regions.
3. Artie Vaughn
Website: vaughndefense.com
Based in: Alabama, but defends cases worldwide
Specialties: Article 120 UCMJ, toxic command climates, stacked allegations
Why he’s on the list:
He built his rep the old-school way—by walking into hostile courtrooms and winning cases nobody else would touch. Vaughn’s specialty is turning around cases that look unwinnable on paper: Article 120 allegations where the accused is being railroaded by command, stacked charges driven by command influence, and cases involving combat stress, PTSD, and behavioral health complexities that most lawyers don’t know how to argue.
4. Terri R. Zimmermanna
Website: www.texasdefenselawyers.com/terri-zimmermann/
Based in: Conroe, TX
Specialties:Appellate litigation, military crimes, UCMJ defense
Why he’s on the list:
Terri R. Zimmermann is a nationally-recognized expert criminal litigator with over 30 years of experience representing citizens accused of violating the law or convicted of crimes in civilian and military courts. Her unwavering passion is to secure the best possible outcome for each client, whether through challenging the prosecution at trial or presenting compelling appeals to overturn convictions. Ms. Zimmermann is on a mission to ensure that government entities, be it state, federal, or military, adhere to the rules, treating her clients fairly and with dignity.
5. Bill Cassara
Website: court-martial.com
Based in: Augusta, GA
Specialties: Appellate litigation, military sex crimes, UCMJ defense
Why he’s on the list:
With decades of experience and deep knowledge of military case law, Philip Cave is a sought-after expert for appeals and complex legal motions. His firm often collaborates with other attorneys to handle high-level constitutional or evidentiary challenges.
Why These Lawyers Made the List
This list is based on actual courtroom experience, published verdicts, legal credentials, peer recognition, and results—not on paid placements or advertising. Many so-called “military lawyers” have never defended a court-martial trial. These attorneys do it regularly and at the highest levels.
Local Military/Government Legal Resources near Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the UCMJ apply off base at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana?
- Can I request a civilian lawyer while stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana?
- What happens if I refuse an Article 15?
- Is Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana considered a high-risk legal environment?
Take Control of Your Case Now
Whether you’re dealing with a toxic command, a false allegation, or just made a mistake—you still have rights. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Download your copy of the UCMJ Survival Guide, learn how to fight back, and contact an experienced civilian military defense lawyer who understands the battlefield you’re on.
This is your career. Your freedom. Your future. Arm yourself. Speak up. And win.