Military Law Forum

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estrnbluebird

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Re: Military Law

Post by estrnbluebird » Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:23 pm

cc8922 wrote:
estrnbluebird wrote:
DukeBowl wrote:Has anyone doing the AF summer internship heard from their respective bases about start dates?

I emailed today and was told I would hear back by the end of the week if not sooner.

Who did you email? JAX or your assigned base? I still have not been assigned a base, let alone a start time.
I emailed the person who contacted me to offer the position, I guess that would be JAX. I'm not very familiar with how it all works, to be honest. I was pleased when I found this forum, it has tons of great info!

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bouakedojo

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Re: Military Law

Post by bouakedojo » Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:30 pm

Patrick Bateman wrote:
bouakedojo wrote:
maxpayne wrote: The selection below was posted over at airforceots.com and is quite relevant to the above discussion regarding the Air Force....

...........

"Also going on at JAX is their dealing with the massive force reduction programs that are hitting the JAG Corps. There are a lot of officers up for involuntary separation, a lot of officers suddenly eligible for early retirement, and a lot of officers suddenly eligible for an early voluntary separation. In terms of personnel, this is dogs living with cats, mass hysteria.

This is obviously a huge time suck, independent of anything else. This all impacts accessions as well though, as our end force strength is changing, which may be impacting how many new people come on and where they will be assigned. Additionally, whenever people leave the JAG Corps unexpectedly, that creates a ripple effect in assignments - a Colonel retires earlier than expected, which forces a Lt Col to step into that position, which means another Lt Col has to PCS to backfill that first Lt Col, and a Major now is filling in for the PCS'd Lt Col, etc, etc, etc. Eventually, Captain types are getting moved around earlier, which means there may be more or less slots down at the base legal offices.

Then you throw in the force shaping boards which will be involuntary separating 5%-30% (or if you believe the latest figures from AFPC for my captain year group, 66%) of O-3s, that also obviously has a big impact on planning for new accessions."
66%?!?! Wtf? I bet that group has some of the best JAGs in the Air Force, given the competitiveness of the applications during the peak application time.
As the OP from that other forum post: That 66% figure is the latest from AFPC but everyone within the JAG Corps expects that to get reduced significantly. Cutting 50 from a group of 75 that will be meeting our Major's board next year is so crazy that no one actually believes it will happen. I fully expect my year group to get cut, but probably more in the 10%-20% range. Still significant but obviously a different ball game.

I was just using that is an illustration why JAX is a very busy directorate right now and to remain patient in respect to the April DAP Board, internship stuff, etc.
I'm glad to hear that because if that happened, it would be FUBAR.

coffee282

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Re: Military Law

Post by coffee282 » Thu May 01, 2014 8:22 pm

estrnbluebird wrote:
cc8922 wrote:
estrnbluebird wrote:
DukeBowl wrote:Has anyone doing the AF summer internship heard from their respective bases about start dates?

I emailed today and was told I would hear back by the end of the week if not sooner.

Who did you email? JAX or your assigned base? I still have not been assigned a base, let alone a start time.
I emailed the person who contacted me to offer the position, I guess that would be JAX. I'm not very familiar with how it all works, to be honest. I was pleased when I found this forum, it has tons of great info!
Has any of you guys heard back today?
Last edited by coffee282 on Thu May 01, 2014 9:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.

DukeBowl

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Re: Military Law

Post by DukeBowl » Thu May 01, 2014 10:43 pm

I called today and was told that our start dates will depend on when we have our security clearance paperwork approved. They expect to mail that paperwork out in the next couple weeks. I do not anticipate starting before June.

travellingboarder

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Re: Military Law

Post by travellingboarder » Sat May 03, 2014 6:40 pm

So, I've been trying to get into JAG (Army and Navy) for 3 years. The recruiters from Army always recommend me. However, I haven't even gotten an Alternate position. Im a little discouraged. Im waiting on my app for the Reserves right now.

My question is this: Can I join the Army as an officer, serve for a few years, then apply for JAG? Has anyone done this before?
I'm 35, in good shape, married w/no children, licensed attorney. I really want to serve and I'm ok with not doing legal things for a few years. I'm even willing to do a whole tour before applying for JAG.
I know my age is a bit of a problem. I'm going to talk to a recruiter this week. I'm just curious whether anyone has done this before?
I appreciate all the responses. I'm hoping someone with concrete information can help.
Thanks in advance!

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whut

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Re: Military Law

Post by whut » Sat May 03, 2014 6:50 pm

Have you thought about going civilian JAG? (navy I know at least offers it)

http://www.jag.navy.mil/careers_/civilians.htm


The standards tend to be a lot lower (physically at least) But a lot of the benefits remain the same.

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whut

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Re: Military Law

Post by whut » Sat May 03, 2014 6:52 pm

travellingboarder wrote:So, I've been trying to get into JAG (Army and Navy) for 3 years. The recruiters from Army always recommend me. However, I haven't even gotten an Alternate position. Im a little discouraged. Im waiting on my app for the Reserves right now.

My question is this: Can I join the Army as an officer, serve for a few years, then apply for JAG? Has anyone done this before?
I'm 35, in good shape, married w/no children, licensed attorney. I really want to serve and I'm ok with not doing legal things for a few years. I'm even willing to do a whole tour before applying for JAG.
I know my age is a bit of a problem. I'm going to talk to a recruiter this week. I'm just curious whether anyone has done this before?
I appreciate all the responses. I'm hoping someone with concrete information can help.
Thanks in advance!
In theory yes. I knew people who enlisted as one MOS and then transferred to another. I was enlisted but I saw enlisted go officer too.
FYI you can get a LOT more student loans forgiven if you go in as an E-4 instead of an officer your first contract. I knew a LOT of people who did just that for that reason.

Regardless of if you go officer or enlisted expect to stay a full contract in that job though. I'd try to pick one that is at least somewhat similar to increase your familiarity with it. Maybe enlist as a paralegal assistant? They have people with a GED going into those jobs everyday and they work in the JAG offices making connections for future recommendations.

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Rotor

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Re: Military Law

Post by Rotor » Sat May 03, 2014 9:47 pm

travellingboarder wrote:So, I've been trying to get into JAG (Army and Navy) for 3 years. The recruiters from Army always recommend me. However, I haven't even gotten an Alternate position. Im a little discouraged. Im waiting on my app for the Reserves right now.

My question is this: Can I join the Army as an officer, serve for a few years, then apply for JAG? Has anyone done this before?
I'm 35, in good shape, married w/no children, licensed attorney. I really want to serve and I'm ok with not doing legal things for a few years. I'm even willing to do a whole tour before applying for JAG.
I know my age is a bit of a problem. I'm going to talk to a recruiter this week. I'm just curious whether anyone has done this before?
I appreciate all the responses. I'm hoping someone with concrete information can help.
Thanks in advance!
If practicing law is your long term goal be VERY careful going down this path. Lateral transfers (at least in the Navy) were generally tough to get and sometimes even if the new community wanted you, your current community could veto. And let's say it doesn't work out and you finish your 4-5 years doing no legal work. Who is going to take you on at that point?

Now, if your goal is to serve and you'd just prefer to do that as a JAG, but you would be happy as an infantry officer, artilleryman, armor driver etc., sign on the dotted like and enjoy a great profession.

travellingboarder

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Re: Military Law

Post by travellingboarder » Sat May 03, 2014 10:19 pm

Rotor wrote:
travellingboarder wrote:So, I've been trying to get into JAG (Army and Navy) for 3 years. The recruiters from Army always recommend me. However, I haven't even gotten an Alternate position. Im a little discouraged. Im waiting on my app for the Reserves right now.

My question is this: Can I join the Army as an officer, serve for a few years, then apply for JAG? Has anyone done this before?
I'm 35, in good shape, married w/no children, licensed attorney. I really want to serve and I'm ok with not doing legal things for a few years. I'm even willing to do a whole tour before applying for JAG.
I know my age is a bit of a problem. I'm going to talk to a recruiter this week. I'm just curious whether anyone has done this before?
I appreciate all the responses. I'm hoping someone with concrete information can help.
Thanks in advance!
If practicing law is your long term goal be VERY careful going down this path. Lateral transfers (at least in the Navy) were generally tough to get and sometimes even if the new community wanted you, your current community could veto. And let's say it doesn't work out and you finish your 4-5 years doing no legal work. Who is going to take you on at that point?

Now, if your goal is to serve and you'd just prefer to do that as a JAG, but you would be happy as an infantry officer, artilleryman, armor driver etc., sign on the dotted like and enjoy a great profession.
Thanks for the info! My goal is to serve, and Im sure I'll be fine getting back into law if it doesn't work out after my first contract. I run my own practice now, so I can get back into that. My main question was the age thing. The regular cutoff age is 34. How likely is it to get an age waiver?

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spleenworship

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Re: Military Law

Post by spleenworship » Sun May 04, 2014 10:44 am

The AF told me straight up that an age waiver was in no way an issue.

Navy and Army both will take you for AD until age 42.

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maxpayne

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Re: Military Law

Post by maxpayne » Mon May 05, 2014 10:36 am

Bump for those waiting for AF DAP results. Hopefully, we will hear something this week...

travellingboarder

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Re: Military Law

Post by travellingboarder » Mon May 05, 2014 8:43 pm

What could a person with a JD and MA enlist as, if not a JAG?

travellingboarder

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Re: Military Law

Post by travellingboarder » Mon May 05, 2014 8:44 pm

spleenworship wrote:The AF told me straight up that an age waiver was in no way an issue.

Navy and Army both will take you for AD until age 42.
Thanks! I called the recruiter today. Going in tomorrow

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acw1213

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Re: Military Law

Post by acw1213 » Mon May 05, 2014 10:54 pm

travellingboarder wrote:What could a person with a JD and MA enlist as, if not a JAG?
If you enlisted and have a JD, you almost certainly would be put in JAG as a paralegal specialist (27D).
http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/ ... alist.html

travellingboarder

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Re: Military Law

Post by travellingboarder » Mon May 05, 2014 11:24 pm

acw1213 wrote:
travellingboarder wrote:What could a person with a JD and MA enlist as, if not a JAG?
If you enlisted and have a JD, you almost certainly would be put in JAG as a paralegal specialist (27D).
http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/ ... alist.html
They would put me as a paralegal specialist with a JD (and CA bar license + 1 yr of law practice)? Do I get a choice in that? I'd definitely like to do something more exciting…if possible.

acw1213

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Re: Military Law

Post by acw1213 » Mon May 05, 2014 11:41 pm

travellingboarder wrote:
acw1213 wrote:
travellingboarder wrote:What could a person with a JD and MA enlist as, if not a JAG?
If you enlisted and have a JD, you almost certainly would be put in JAG as a paralegal specialist (27D).
http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/ ... alist.html
They would put me as a paralegal specialist with a JD (and CA bar license + 1 yr of law practice)? Do I get a choice in that? I'd definitely like to do something more exciting…if possible.
I have a feeling your recruiter will strongly push you to go 27D, but you may be able to convince him/her otherwise. Were you looking to do something like infantry/armor? If you were to go down the route of enlisting, I would have to think going JAG via paralegal specialist would be the best choice because you will meet people who can give you great rec's.

travellingboarder

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Re: Military Law

Post by travellingboarder » Tue May 06, 2014 12:06 am

acw1213 wrote:
travellingboarder wrote:
acw1213 wrote:
travellingboarder wrote:What could a person with a JD and MA enlist as, if not a JAG?
If you enlisted and have a JD, you almost certainly would be put in JAG as a paralegal specialist (27D).
http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/ ... alist.html
They would put me as a paralegal specialist with a JD (and CA bar license + 1 yr of law practice)? Do I get a choice in that? I'd definitely like to do something more exciting…if possible.
I have a feeling your recruiter will strongly push you to go 27D, but you may be able to convince him/her otherwise. Were you looking to do something like infantry/armor? If you were to go down the route of enlisting, I would have to think going JAG via paralegal specialist would be the best choice because you will meet people who can give you great rec's.
I was hoping to go into Intelligence for a few years and then moving over to JAG if possible. My uncle worked in intelligence back in the 70s in Pakistan and Japan and did some awesome work for the country. Plus, I've been to 42 countries and lived on 4 continents over about a decade. I might fit in with the intelligence operations. I'll take what I can get though. I'm doing research now to see what's appealing. I'll ask the recruiter what the needs are also. I think that'll help me make my decision whether to enlist.

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acw1213

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Re: Military Law

Post by acw1213 » Tue May 06, 2014 9:50 am

travellingboarder wrote: I was hoping to go into Intelligence for a few years and then moving over to JAG if possible. My uncle worked in intelligence back in the 70s in Pakistan and Japan and did some awesome work for the country. Plus, I've been to 42 countries and lived on 4 continents over about a decade. I might fit in with the intelligence operations. I'll take what I can get though. I'm doing research now to see what's appealing. I'll ask the recruiter what the needs are also. I think that'll help me make my decision whether to enlist.
Also, I don't know if you've considered this, but I would recommend entering as an officer rather than enlisting. You have a college degree, which makes you eligible for a direct commission via Officer Candidate School (OCS). Not that there's anything "wrong" with enlisting, but you may feel a little out of place considering you will be surrounded by a bunch of teenagers.

travellingboarder

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Re: Military Law

Post by travellingboarder » Tue May 06, 2014 3:36 pm

acw1213 wrote:
travellingboarder wrote: I was hoping to go into Intelligence for a few years and then moving over to JAG if possible. My uncle worked in intelligence back in the 70s in Pakistan and Japan and did some awesome work for the country. Plus, I've been to 42 countries and lived on 4 continents over about a decade. I might fit in with the intelligence operations. I'll take what I can get though. I'm doing research now to see what's appealing. I'll ask the recruiter what the needs are also. I think that'll help me make my decision whether to enlist.
Also, I don't know if you've considered this, but I would recommend entering as an officer rather than enlisting. You have a college degree, which makes you eligible for a direct commission via Officer Candidate School (OCS). Not that there's anything "wrong" with enlisting, but you may feel a little out of place considering you will be surrounded by a bunch of teenagers.
No chance for an age waiver in the Army for Active Duty. JAG, medical, and chaplains are the only options after 34.

Waiting on a callback from the AF re: Officer age waiver. Not hopeful...

arial19

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Re: Military Law

Post by arial19 » Wed May 07, 2014 10:24 am

Any JAGs on here have experience with military married to military? I was recently picked up for Navy JAG and am working on getting commissioned right now. My fiancé is an aviator with the Marines. Does anyone know if it makes a difference if we get married before or after I commission? Or really any input/advice on the military marriage would be appreciated. Thanks!

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TheSpanishMain

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Re: Military Law

Post by TheSpanishMain » Wed May 07, 2014 12:05 pm

arial19 wrote:Any JAGs on here have experience with military married to military? I was recently picked up for Navy JAG and am working on getting commissioned right now. My fiancé is an aviator with the Marines. Does anyone know if it makes a difference if we get married before or after I commission? Or really any input/advice on the military marriage would be appreciated. Thanks!
Being married to another active duty officer is easier if you're in the same service. It's more likely that the detailers will be able to place you at the same duty station. Navy/Marines are so closely tied together that it shouldn't be TOO tough to colocate you. Just bear in mind that while the Navy/Marine Corps will TRY to place you together, they can't/won't guarantee it.

As far as the timing of your wedding, I don't think it really matters. I would let your JAG POC/detailer know that you're married/going to be married to another active duty officer early, though. A lot of military people will do a bare bones civil ceremony with the nearest chaplain, just so they can start drawing BAH with dependents (extra money) and cover their spouse under TriCare. Down the road they do a more traditional church wedding if they're so inclined.

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Blackie Toy

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Re: Military Law

Post by Blackie Toy » Fri May 09, 2014 1:30 pm

JARO has emailed a tentative class breakdown for those selected in the FY14 board. Congrats and good luck!

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Re: Military Law

Post by armyhooah » Sun May 11, 2014 9:43 pm

Blackie Toy wrote:JARO has emailed a tentative class breakdown for those selected in the FY14 board. Congrats and good luck!
Which branch? Could you elaborate a little? Haven't heard of that email, thanks!

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UnicornHunter

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Re: Military Law

Post by UnicornHunter » Mon May 12, 2014 12:14 am

travellingboarder wrote:
I was hoping to go into Intelligence for a few years and then moving over to JAG if possible. My uncle worked in intelligence back in the 70s in Pakistan and Japan and did some awesome work for the country. Plus, I've been to 42 countries and lived on 4 continents over about a decade. I might fit in with the intelligence operations. I'll take what I can get though. I'm doing research now to see what's appealing. I'll ask the recruiter what the needs are also. I think that'll help me make my decision whether to enlist.
Just about to get out Intel Sergeant here... don't do this. While there are cool jobs in the intel community (like, really really cool ones) the vast majority of jobs are more like "make sure people in the unit have clearances and shred what needs to be shredded." It's different downrange, but downrange isn't really something you can count on anymore. Once you enlist, you'll just be another specialist; big Army won't GAF what your background is or how many degrees you have. I had a buddy getting paid for two high priority languages that's been from one infantry battalion to another. He hasn't been in a position that took advantage of his language skills or his cultural knowledge, and he likely never will be in one.

Like I said, cool jobs are out there. But you likely will have to a) rock the ASVAB b) reenlist and c) get really lucky to get them. I don't regret my time with the Army at all, but I was lucky to be placed with people who saw past my rank. Only consider enlisting for intel if you want to do a career in intel (like, you'd be willing to reenlist and forget JAG), and even then make sure you're aware it might not be everything you expect. Also, your SF 86 is going to be a nightmare for a TS if you've lived in all the places you say you have. That shouldn't discourage you, but expect yours to be a long investigation.

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maxpayne

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Re: Military Law

Post by maxpayne » Mon May 12, 2014 4:34 pm

Sorry to derail the thread but....

This wait for the AF DAP results is brutal. I thought for sure results would be out faster due to the new online application system. Good luck to all those waiting to hear!

Seriously? What are you waiting for?

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