Judge Advocate General's Corps

Search

How do I...

Not sure about where to go to find information on our website? Here's a list of the top questions asked. Just click the link to follow.

It's easy!

Find results of trial? Find current trial docket? File a claim? Get legal sexual offense or domestic violence assistance? Make a complaint against someone in my chain of command? Find Defense/Personal Representation? Get a power of attorney or a will? Get help with a Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) education issue? Get help with financial matters or taxes? Get help with family, creditor, or leasing issues? Get legal advice on behalf of my command? Create a special power of attorney? Get immigration or naturalization assistance? Get disability evaluation assistance?

DSO West Holds Change of Command

September 12th, 2017

Defense Service Office (DSO) West held a Change of Command ceremony aboard the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in San Diego, Calif., on September 8, 2017. Rear Adm. John G. Hannink, Commander of Naval Legal Service Command and Deputy Judge Advocate General, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Daniel Cimmino relieved Capt. Michael Bates as commanding officer of DSO West. Defense Service Office (DSO) West held a Change of Command ceremony aboard the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in San Diego, Calif., on September 8, 2017. Rear Adm. John G. Hannink, Commander of Naval Legal Service Command and Deputy Judge Advocate General, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Daniel Cimmino relieved Capt. Michael Bates as commanding officer of DSO West. Hannink commented on the illustrious careers of both  Bates and Cimmino and the successes of Defense Service Office West.Hannink commented on the illustrious careers of both  Bates and Cimmino and the successes of Defense Service Office West.

During the ceremony, Bates thanked his Sailors for a rewarding tour and acknowledged the support his family has provided throughout the years. "This has been the perfect cap on a long career. I appreciate the opportunity…it’s been a pretty great ride,” said Bates. Bates will retire from the Navy after 26 plus years of honorable and dedicated service. Cimmino just completed his tour at the Pentagon and served as Legislative Counsel in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs. He also served as the Executive Assistant and Special Counsel to the General Counsel of the Department of the Navy. During the ceremony, Bates thanked his Sailors for a rewarding tour and acknowledged the support his family has provided throughout the years. "This has been the perfect cap on a long career. I appreciate the opportunity…it’s been a pretty great ride,” said Bates. Bates will retire from the Navy after 26 plus years of honorable and dedicated service. Cimmino just completed his tour at the Pentagon and served as Legislative Counsel in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs. He also served as the Executive Assistant and Special Counsel to the General Counsel of the Department of the Navy.

"I am beyond honored and humbled to be a part of your Team and look forward to continuing the tradition of success forged at this command" said Cimmino. "I am beyond honored and humbled to be a part of your Team and look forward to continuing the tradition of success forged at this command" said Cimmino. Cimmino, a native of New Jersey, received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from William Paterson College in 1994. He was awarded his Juris Doctor Degree in May 1997 from Rutgers University School of Law-Newark. Captain Cimmino also possesses a Master of Laws Degree with a Certificate in National Security Studies from Georgetown University, a Master's of Science Degree in Management (Concentration in International Management) from Troy University, a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and he has completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I.Cimmino, a native of New Jersey, received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from William Paterson College in 1994. He was awarded his Juris Doctor Degree in May 1997 from Rutgers University School of Law-Newark. Captain Cimmino also possesses a Master of Laws Degree with a Certificate in National Security Studies from Georgetown University, a Master's of Science Degree in Management (Concentration in International Management) from Troy University, a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and he has completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I.

DSO West provides legal representation to military service members at Administrative Separation Boards, Boards of Inquiry and Courts-Martial, in addition to providing advice to service members on defense-related topics such as non-judicial punishment. DSO West provides legal representation to military service members at Administrative Separation Boards, Boards of Inquiry and Courts-Martial, in addition to providing advice to service members on defense-related topics such as non-judicial punishment.