Military Lawyer Jake Gunter: A Leader in Defense for National Guard Soldiers
On September 10, 2023, Major Jacob S. Gunter achieved a significant milestone in his career by being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) in the Utah Army National Guard. His promotion was federally recognized in August 2023, marking another step his military legal career.
Commanding the 653 Trial Defense Services
As the commander of the 653 Trial Defense Services (TDS), LTC Gunter leads a dedicated team tasked with defending National Guard Soldiers facing various adverse actions. The 653 TDS supports guardsmen from the Montana, Utah, and Idaho National Guards, offering expert legal counsel and defense free of charge.
Key Areas of Defense
LTC Gunter and his team specialize in defending soldiers in challenging and potentially career-altering circumstances, including but not limited to:
- Non-Judicial Punishment (Article 15 cases): Ensuring fair and just outcomes in administrative disciplinary proceedings.
- Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): Providing defense against charges brought under military law.
- General Officer Letters of Reprimand (GOMRs): Assisting soldiers in responding to and mitigating the impact of reprimands from senior leadership.
- Security Clearance Revocations: Advocating for guardsmen to retain their clearances essential for their duties.
- Separation Boards and Rank Reductions: Protecting soldiers’ careers during administrative separation or reduction proceedings.
Investigative Representation
The 653 TDS also plays a vital role in representing guardsmen during:
- 15-6 Investigations: Defending soldiers during inquiries into misconduct or regulatory violations.
- Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Inquiries: Protecting soldiers’ rights during criminal investigations.
- Inspector General (IG) Investigations: Ensuring procedural fairness and justice during administrative reviews.
Backed by a team of skilled lawyers and paralegals, the 653 TDS provides a critical support system for those serving in the Guard. Their work helps ensure that soldiers receive fair treatment and effective legal advocacy, reinforcing the integrity and fairness of the National Guard’s judicial processes.
