Military Law Forum

[spleenworship]

Very general question here - when I go to apply for JAG positions next Fall, is it unwise to apply to literally every branch to improve my chances ? (AF, NAVY, ARMY, CG, USMC)

I applied to 4 of those 5... And was accepted by 1 of those. None of them cared I'd applied broadly, and only one service even asked.

BTW, CG process is the most difficult. Just warning so you can prepare yourself.

[TheSpanishMain]

Does anyone know how competitive it is to become a

Paralegal Specialist (27D)

MOS 4421 -- Legal Services Specialist

or

Navy Legalman ?

Would any of these jobs give an upper hand in future JAG recruiting?

Or it more important to have served in more of a combat focused role?

How is military experience evaluated for the purposes or JAG recruiting?

Active duty or are you still looking at the Guard/Reserves?

[TheSpanishMain]

Also, a friendly note from a non-JAG military officer to all the new 2LTs:

Please, please, please try to avoid giving in to the period of intense motivation/teenage enthusiasm/flexing of nuts that generally occurs when you first join the military. I'm not saying you shouldn't like your job and try to do it well, but please don't take countless pictures of yourself in uniform or posing at the rifle range. Do not get a high and tight and do not wear your dress uniform at the mall. Do not post motivational quotes all over Facebook. Don't mislead people into thinking you've deployed if you haven't. Basically, don't replace your entire personality with "RAH MILITARY HARDCORE KILL BODIES RAH" overnight. You'll cringe in a few years when you look back and realize what a tool you were/how ill-advised that high and tight was.

When in doubt, consult Terminal Lance: http://terminallance.com/2011/01/31/ter ... ok-poseur/

/rant

[Fed_Atty]

Question for the Army JAGs:

I am a big fan of your publications, available from the TJAG webpage. Particularly, "Practicing Military Justice" and the "Criminal Law Deskbook". Do you get hardcopies of these publications, or are they only available electronically?

[Moves like JAGger]

Also, a friendly note from a non-JAG military officer to all the new 2LTs:

Please, please, please try to avoid giving in to the period of intense motivation/teenage enthusiasm/flexing of nuts that generally occurs when you first join the military. I'm not saying you shouldn't like your job and try to do it well, but please don't take countless pictures of yourself in uniform or posing at the rifle range. Do not get a high and tight and do not wear your dress uniform at the mall. Do not post motivational quotes all over Facebook. Don't mislead people into thinking you've deployed if you haven't. Basically, don't replace your entire personality with "RAH MILITARY HARDCORE KILL BODIES RAH" overnight. You'll cringe in a few years when you look back and realize what a tool you were/how ill-advised that high and tight was.

When in doubt, consult Terminal Lance: http://terminallance.com/2011/01/31/ter ... ok-poseur/

/rant

they let JAGs go to the rifle range?

[spleenworship]

Also, a friendly note from a non-JAG military officer to all the new 2LTs:

Please, please, please try to avoid giving in to the period of intense motivation/teenage enthusiasm/flexing of nuts that generally occurs when you first join the military. I'm not saying you shouldn't like your job and try to do it well, but please don't take countless pictures of yourself in uniform or posing at the rifle range. Do not get a high and tight and do not wear your dress uniform at the mall. Do not post motivational quotes all over Facebook. Don't mislead people into thinking you've deployed if you haven't. Basically, don't replace your entire personality with "RAH MILITARY HARDCORE KILL BODIES RAH" overnight. You'll cringe in a few years when you look back and realize what a tool you were/how ill-advised that high and tight was.

When in doubt, consult Terminal Lance: http://terminallance.com/2011/01/31/ter ... ok-poseur/

/rant

they let JAGs go to the rifle range?

I think this fellow is a Marine.

[TheSpanishMain]

There's a particular 2LT running around here somewhere who prompted that. Good kid and he means well, but he's just so full of naive motivation.

And yeah, Terminal Lance is indeed from the enlisted Marine perspective.

[Esquire]

Question for the Army JAGs:

I am a big fan of your publications, available from the TJAG webpage. Particularly, "Practicing Military Justice" and the "Criminal Law Deskbook". Do you get hardcopies of these publications, or are they only available electronically?

They used to but I'm not sure if they still do, considering the current fiscal environment.

they let JAGs go to the rifle range?

I can't speak for the USAF but the Army requires JAs to qualify on rifles. So yes.

[Catchman]

First time post, long time reader.

I received an Army Reserve JAG commission offer in December vis a vis the October Board. This week I received DODMERB clearance. I had been concerned about a leg injury with retained hardware (rod and screws - 5 years ago) and was previously medically denied an Army scholarship in 2004 after revealing I was taking ADD medication. I haven't taken any further medication since 2004 (10 years with no treatment or side effects, never requested special accommodation for academic testing) and my leg injury has not left me with any pain or limit on my range of motion. In fact, I'm more active now than at that time. DODMERB granted my clearance without the need for a waiver. Maybe that will provide some hope for future applicants.

I do have a question for those with experience or knowledge about financial aid/loan repayment/bonuses. Do Army Reserve JAGs qualify for anything? Just trying to budget for my post-grad finances.

[Patrick Bateman]

Also, a friendly note from a non-JAG military officer to all the new 2LTs:

Please, please, please try to avoid giving in to the period of intense motivation/teenage enthusiasm/flexing of nuts that generally occurs when you first join the military. I'm not saying you shouldn't like your job and try to do it well, but please don't take countless pictures of yourself in uniform or posing at the rifle range. Do not get a high and tight and do not wear your dress uniform at the mall. Do not post motivational quotes all over Facebook. Don't mislead people into thinking you've deployed if you haven't. Basically, don't replace your entire personality with "RAH MILITARY HARDCORE KILL BODIES RAH" overnight. You'll cringe in a few years when you look back and realize what a tool you were/how ill-advised that high and tight was.

When in doubt, consult Terminal Lance: http://terminallance.com/2011/01/31/ter ... ok-poseur/

/rant

they let JAGs go to the rifle range?

Sure do. Even this USAF desk pilot is M4/M9 qualified. I'm a stone cold killer when it comes to stationary targets that are a reasonable distance away from me. Pew pew.

[wvu]

Also, a friendly note from a non-JAG military officer to all the new 2LTs:

Please, please, please try to avoid giving in to the period of intense motivation/teenage enthusiasm/flexing of nuts that generally occurs when you first join the military. I'm not saying you shouldn't like your job and try to do it well, but please don't take countless pictures of yourself in uniform or posing at the rifle range. Do not get a high and tight and do not wear your dress uniform at the mall. Do not post motivational quotes all over Facebook. Don't mislead people into thinking you've deployed if you haven't. Basically, don't replace your entire personality with "RAH MILITARY HARDCORE KILL BODIES RAH" overnight. You'll cringe in a few years when you look back and realize what a tool you were/how ill-advised that high and tight was.

When in doubt, consult Terminal Lance: http://terminallance.com/2011/01/31/ter ... ok-poseur/

/rant

Yeah, my one mortal fear is being that officer. Though the specific things you listed are kind of ridiculous (but judging from my class I can understand them happening).

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

Also, a friendly note from a non-JAG military officer to all the new 2LTs:

Please, please, please try to avoid giving in to the period of intense motivation/teenage enthusiasm/flexing of nuts that generally occurs when you first join the military. I'm not saying you shouldn't like your job and try to do it well, but please don't take countless pictures of yourself in uniform or posing at the rifle range. Do not get a high and tight and do not wear your dress uniform at the mall. Do not post motivational quotes all over Facebook. Don't mislead people into thinking you've deployed if you haven't. Basically, don't replace your entire personality with "RAH MILITARY HARDCORE KILL BODIES RAH" overnight. You'll cringe in a few years when you look back and realize what a tool you were/how ill-advised that high and tight was.

When in doubt, consult Terminal Lance: http://terminallance.com/2011/01/31/ter ... ok-poseur/

/rant

Yeah, my one mortal fear is being that officer. Though the specific things you listed are kind of ridiculous (but judging from my class I can understand them happening).

One of the things that really drew me to JAG was the fact that they weren't drinking the kool aid that so many other officers do. Maybe I was just lucky enough not to meet someone like that yet but all of the JAGs I have met are super chill.

[TheSpanishMain]

Yeah, it's not so much a JAG oriented rant as a "new to the military in general" rant. The worst tools are the ones who post a lot of combat pictures from Afghanistan/Iraq and a lot of nut flexing "YUT KILL TERRORISTS!" type crap as though they've ever been anywhere more hardcore than MEPS. Close cousins of the self fellating "I'm fighting for your freedom, everyone!" crowd on Veteran's/Memorial Day.

[armyhooah]

Or my personal favorite: "Oh, just protecting America. Hashtag NBD."

[maxpayne]

Here is a random question:

What is the record for number of times applying to JAG (any branch) before either being selected or giving up? Does anyone here think they hold that record or know/heard of someone who does?

I ask because I am already 0/3 for AF and 0/1 for Army - and I foresee myself continuing to apply, year after year until I age out. So, I might be very well on my way to the record....

[pat4redick]

Here is a random question:

What is the record for number of times applying to JAG (any branch) before either being selected or giving up? Does anyone here think they hold that record or know/heard of someone who does?

I ask because I am already 0/3 for AF and 0/1 for Army - and I foresee myself continuing to apply, year after year until I age out. So, I might be very well on my way to the record....

When talking to a professor about JAG, I was told there was a former student that didn't get commissioned until the 17th attempt. I'm assuming that's the total number to all branches, but still it's a ton.

[maxpayne]

Here is a random question:

What is the record for number of times applying to JAG (any branch) before either being selected or giving up? Does anyone here think they hold that record or know/heard of someone who does?

I ask because I am already 0/3 for AF and 0/1 for Army - and I foresee myself continuing to apply, year after year until I age out. So, I might be very well on my way to the record....

When talking to a professor about JAG, I was told there was a former student that didn't get commissioned until the 17th attempt. I'm assuming that's the total number to all branches, but still it's a ton.

Wow. That's a lot. But, I may surpass that number over the next 2 to 3 years. <LOL

[pat4redick]

Here is a random question:

What is the record for number of times applying to JAG (any branch) before either being selected or giving up? Does anyone here think they hold that record or know/heard of someone who does?

I ask because I am already 0/3 for AF and 0/1 for Army - and I foresee myself continuing to apply, year after year until I age out. So, I might be very well on my way to the record....

When talking to a professor about JAG, I was told there was a former student that didn't get commissioned until the 17th attempt. I'm assuming that's the total number to all branches, but still it's a ton.

Wow. That's a lot. But, I may surpass that number over the next 2 to 3 years. <LOL

Haha. Right there with you, my friend.

[spleenworship]

Keep trying guys.

I wish I could tell them to give one of you my AF spot. Shame they don't take recommendations like that.

[maxpayne]

Keep trying guys.

I wish I could tell them to give one of you my AF spot. Shame they don't take recommendations like that.

Thanks Spleen!

[maxpayne]

Just a reminder - anyone waiting on AF DAP results for this month's board should head over to airforceots.com. Make an account, post an intro, and then post up in the April thread (you will see it). For anyone who doesn't already know, airforceots.com is a great resource for future AF JAGs.

[Ex Cearulo]

Also, a friendly note from a non-JAG military officer to all the new 2LTs:

Please, please, please try to avoid giving in to the period of intense motivation/teenage enthusiasm/flexing of nuts that generally occurs when you first join the military. I'm not saying you shouldn't like your job and try to do it well, but please don't take countless pictures of yourself in uniform or posing at the rifle range. Do not get a high and tight and do not wear your dress uniform at the mall. Do not post motivational quotes all over Facebook. Don't mislead people into thinking you've deployed if you haven't. Basically, don't replace your entire personality with "RAH MILITARY HARDCORE KILL BODIES RAH" overnight. You'll cringe in a few years when you look back and realize what a tool you were/how ill-advised that high and tight was.

When in doubt, consult Terminal Lance: http://terminallance.com/2011/01/31/ter ... ok-poseur/

/rant

This. So much this.

[pat4redick]

Has anyone ever externed with any of the branches during the school year? I'm curious to see what kind of impact it will have on my applications in the future (after the inevitable rejection coming from the Feb board).

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

Do any of the current JAGs know how loan repayment works during the waiting period after graduation but before training starts? I think I'll be looking at a five month wait at the minimum. Should I just tell my servicer that I am unemployed and therefore making no money in order to not have a loan obligation? Or is there a way to defer? What is the timeline for doing all of this? right after graduation? right after bar?

[armyhooah]

Do any of the current JAGs know how loan repayment works during the waiting period after graduation but before training starts? I think I'll be looking at a five month wait at the minimum. Should I just tell my servicer that I am unemployed and therefore making no money in order to not have a loan obligation? Or is there a way to defer? What is the timeline for doing all of this? right after graduation? right after bar?

Hmm... Well I only took out subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and they allow a 6 month grace period without interest building up. I was unemployed for much longer than that, and when I found out I was accepted but wouldn't be active till June, I called up the loan servicer and told them that. And they told me the best they could do is a forbearance, not a deferment, because I was technically "employed" and not actively searching for employment. It was weird, but anyway, yeah. 6 month grace period after graduation and then forbear (which unfortunately means accrued interest) if you need more time. Good luck this last bit of school, on exams, and the bar! It'll be great!