The U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals is an independent appellate judicial body authorized by Congress and established by The Judge Advocate General of the Air Force pursuant to his exclusive authority under 10 U.S.C. 866(a).  The Court hears and decides appeals of Air Force court-martial convictions and appeals pendente lite .  Its appellate judges are assigned to the Court by The Judge Advocate General.  The Judge Advocate General instructs convening authorities to take action in accordance with the Court's decisions.