Military Law Forum

[jmls1987]

I have a question about the $65K student loan repayment program offered by the Army and AF JAG Corps. Once SLRP kicks in, does this mean new JAGs do not have to worry about payments on their student loans during the contract period?

Since it counts as taxable income, I was hoping that SLRP takes care of loan payments for people who have well over 65K in debt

[spleenworship]

I have a question about the $65K student loan repayment program offered by the Army and AF JAG Corps. Once SLRP kicks in, does this mean new JAGs do not have to worry about payments on their student loans during the contract period?

Since it counts as taxable income, I was hoping that SLRP takes care of loan payments for people who have well over 65K in debt

I'm curious about this too. I assumed that you will still make payments, but huge chunks of your principle would simply disappear every so often.

[brando4545]

The SLRP makes yearly payments to your loan, for 3 years. Each year (the date of the payment corresponds to your enlistment date), they will pay 1/3. While your loan is in repayment from the government, federal loans qualify for deferment - meaning you submit something to them in writing requesting a deferment of your payments while the loan is in repayment - they have to grant it, and are required by law to do so.

The SLRP does not make monthly payments, or anything like that. Further, it is on you to coordinate for deferment with your loan company. Also, interest continues to accrue while it is in repayment. You can get the SLRP to cover federal loans (at least you used to be able to), but whether they grant you a deferment is up to them.

[EstebanMFernandez]

Hello! Sorry if this has been addressed earlier, but I can't find it on the 190 pages of this thread. I am an incoming law student who will probably be going to a T14 (based on stats). I am pretty set on doing JAG -it's been a dream of mine to do law and serve in the military. Does anyone know what steps I should take to become competitive ? How hard is it to get into the programs necessary for a JAG program out of law school?

[mylifeis24]

Hello JAGs! I'm highly interested in joining the either the JAG corps of USAF, USN or USA, but have two questions:

1) In the end, I would like to go biglaw, and I understand that it makes more sense to do JAG straight out of law school because of the age benefit and the trial experience. But how hard is it to enter Biglaw after 4-5 years of JAG commitment?

2) What is the JAG Reserve Corps like? Is this a good alternative to serving as a JAG/military duty while pursuing biglaw right out of law school?

[mylifeis24]

Hello JAGs! I'm highly interested in joining the either the JAG corps of USAF, USN or USA, but have two questions:

1) In the end, I would like to go biglaw, and I understand that it makes more sense to do JAG straight out of law school because of the age benefit and the trial experience. But how hard is it to enter Biglaw after 4-5 years of JAG commitment?

2) What is the JAG Reserve Corps like? Is this a good alternative to serving as a JAG/military duty while pursuing biglaw right out of law school?

[ganja]

I actually came across a pretty cool story about the armed forces today. Unfortunately, I can't post the link on here fron my phone but the Army is constructing an "iron man" like suit set to be presented in about a year. I'm wondering what type of legal guidelines will be set for it's use. I'd love to hear what you guys think about this! Cheers!

[allAF]

Question for JAGs who have a considerable amount of student loan debt: Is just about every JAG eligible for the ten year loan forgiveness program? I ask because if as a JAG, let's say you usually make between $40k-$50k starting but your wife's job puts your combined income above that and say you dont qualify for IBR because of that, can you still get your outstanding loan balance taken care of after 120 payments or are you only eligible for that program if you display "financial assistance" as defined by the IBR program?

Yes. It is my understanding that you do not have to qualify for IBR to take advantage of the public service loan forgiveness after 10 years. Also, my suggestion would be to file your taxes as "married, filing seperately." This way only your income is considered for IBR. You may miss out on other tax breaks (no clue - not a tax guy) by doing this but it will qualify you for IBR or PAYE.

It is HARDLY EVER beneficial to file separately if you are married. The amount you owe often goes up significantly. Definitely consult with a tax professional before you select that as a filing option.

[allAF]

The SLRP makes yearly payments to your loan, for 3 years. Each year (the date of the payment corresponds to your enlistment date), they will pay 1/3. While your loan is in repayment from the government, federal loans qualify for deferment - meaning you submit something to them in writing requesting a deferment of your payments while the loan is in repayment - they have to grant it, and are required by law to do so.

The SLRP does not make monthly payments, or anything like that. Further, it is on you to coordinate for deferment with your loan company. Also, interest continues to accrue while it is in repayment. You can get the SLRP to cover federal loans (at least you used to be able to), but whether they grant you a deferment is up to them.

To clarify slightly, active duty military members with federal student loans qualify for a deferment based on their active duty military status, regardless of whether they qualify for a SLRP program or whether they have chosen to participate in it.

[allAF]

Hello! Sorry if this has been addressed earlier, but I can't find it on the 190 pages of this thread. I am an incoming law student who will probably be going to a T14 (based on stats). I am pretty set on doing JAG -it's been a dream of mine to do law and serve in the military. Does anyone know what steps I should take to become competitive ? How hard is it to get into the programs necessary for a JAG program out of law school?

I'm not sure how you could miss that information in these 190 pages. The whole thread is dedicated to this discussion. It doesn't matter what school you go to - the same factors will make you stand out regardless of whether the paper sporting your diploma comes from Yale or Ave Maria. I've worked with lawyers from both schools, and I can guarantee that the school you attend is not a predictor of your chances of successfully applying to a JAG program (or your success as a JAG, for that matter). A better indicator to me is your ability to peruse this thread, find the general information related to your question, and then ask more specific questions...

[Fed_Atty]

Hello JAGs! I'm highly interested in joining the either the JAG corps of USAF, USN or USA, but have two questions:

1) In the end, I would like to go biglaw, and I understand that it makes more sense to do JAG straight out of law school because of the age benefit and the trial experience. But how hard is it to enter Biglaw after 4-5 years of JAG commitment?

2) What is the JAG Reserve Corps like? Is this a good alternative to serving as a JAG/military duty while pursuing biglaw right out of law school?

1. Going biglaw after JAG is not out of the question, but it is not a very common career path. Most end up going AUSA, DA, or other government type gigs or to smaller firms. Some go to criminal defense firms that mainly concentrate on defending service members (While a military member is entitled to a JAG defense attorney at no cost, some choose to hire civilian counsel as well).

2. The reserves depends on the service. All reservists in the Navy are former active duty. The army does hire reservists without prior active duty experience. Unless you were activated for an extended term, I cannot see trying many cases as a reservist. Reservists in the Navy typically do not handle cases.

[maxpayne]

Question for JAGs who have a considerable amount of student loan debt: Is just about every JAG eligible for the ten year loan forgiveness program? I ask because if as a JAG, let's say you usually make between $40k-$50k starting but your wife's job puts your combined income above that and say you dont qualify for IBR because of that, can you still get your outstanding loan balance taken care of after 120 payments or are you only eligible for that program if you display "financial assistance" as defined by the IBR program?

Yes. It is my understanding that you do not have to qualify for IBR to take advantage of the public service loan forgiveness after 10 years. Also, my suggestion would be to file your taxes as "married, filing seperately." This way only your income is considered for IBR. You may miss out on other tax breaks (no clue - not a tax guy) by doing this but it will qualify you for IBR or PAYE.

It is HARDLY EVER beneficial to file separately if you are married. The amount you owe often goes up significantly. Definitely consult with a tax professional before you select that as a filing option.

I agree 100%. Definitely look into it. For me, it works out better at the end of the year.

[maxpayne]

Just a little FYI - I finally got in touch with JAX.

If the October Board was an applicant's reconsideration from the April Board and that applicant is not selected for the October Board, the applicant's application is automatically reconsidered for the December Board WITHOUT the need to re-interview and submit a new application.

[EstebanMFernandez]

Hello! Sorry if this has been addressed earlier, but I can't find it on the 190 pages of this thread. I am an incoming law student who will probably be going to a T14 (based on stats). I am pretty set on doing JAG -it's been a dream of mine to do law and serve in the military. Does anyone know what steps I should take to become competitive ? How hard is it to get into the programs necessary for a JAG program out of law school?

I'm not sure how you could miss that information in these 190 pages. The whole thread is dedicated to this discussion. It doesn't matter what school you go to - the same factors will make you stand out regardless of whether the paper sporting your diploma comes from Yale or Ave Maria. I've worked with lawyers from both schools, and I can guarantee that the school you attend is not a predictor of your chances of successfully applying to a JAG program (or your success as a JAG, for that matter). A better indicator to me is your ability to peruse this thread, find the general information related to your question, and then ask more specific questions...

Thanks for the help I appreciate it!

[yurishima]

so... no word yet on USAF?

[CoolJustice13]

Just a little FYI - I finally got in touch with JAX.

If the October Board was an applicant's reconsideration from the April Board and that applicant is not selected for the October Board, the applicant's application is automatically reconsidered for the December Board WITHOUT the need to re-interview and submit a new application.

That's great news!! However, it probably means that notifications will be close to the next board date! I love the military! "Hurry up and wait..."

[Esquire]

The SLRP makes yearly payments to your loan, for 3 years. Each year (the date of the payment corresponds to your enlistment date), they will pay 1/3. While your loan is in repayment from the government, federal loans qualify for deferment - meaning you submit something to them in writing requesting a deferment of your payments while the loan is in repayment - they have to grant it, and are required by law to do so.

The SLRP does not make monthly payments, or anything like that. Further, it is on you to coordinate for deferment with your loan company. Also, interest continues to accrue while it is in repayment. You can get the SLRP to cover federal loans (at least you used to be able to), but whether they grant you a deferment is up to them.

To clarify slightly, active duty military members with federal student loans qualify for a deferment based on their active duty military status, regardless of whether they qualify for a SLRP program or whether they have chosen to participate in it.

Not necessarily all active duty military members. "[A] period of active duty military service during a war, military operation, or national emergency" http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/de ... orbearance

I'd like to think, during the GWOT, any military service is during a war or military operation. I believe not all lenders see the same, however.

[emotiondetector]

I spoke to JAX and they made it sound like there would not be a phone call. Meaning everyone, regardless of the result, will find out through snail mail.

[womeninblack]

I spoke to JAX and they made it sound like there would not be a phone call. Meaning everyone, regardless of the result, will find out through snail mail.

That's because JAX doesn't call those selected. Your interviewing SJA is the person who would call you if selected.

[Moves like JAGger]

Hey all. I was shocked and excited to learn today that the Air Force needs me at Ramstein AB, Germany. I did not select any preference for an overseas assignment but I am thrilled at the opportunity. Can anyone talk about what JAG opportunities exist there with regard to the base's mission or perhaps just comment generally? Second hand information is also welcome.

Also, good luck to all of you waiting to hear about Oct board results!

[shir9650]

Hey all. I was shocked and excited to learn today that the Air Force needs me at Ramstein AB, Germany. I did not select any preference for an overseas assignment but I am thrilled at the opportunity. Can anyone talk about what JAG opportunities exist there with regard to the base's mission or perhaps just comment generally? Second hand information is also welcome.

Also, good luck to all of you waiting to hear about Oct board results!

Awesome, congratulations. Ramstein is my first choice. I've never heard a bad word from JAG's about being stationed in Germany.

[spleenworship]

I'm dying here waiting for USAF.

[yurishima]

Hey all. I was shocked and excited to learn today that the Air Force needs me at Ramstein AB, Germany. !

...

I was under the impression that first the SJA would contact us if accepted, and then later the assignment board would talk with us re location. You heard back regarding both acceptance and assignment on the same day? And it was Germany, without any preference?

..maybe I'm just jealous. Germany, after all.

[spleenworship]

Congrats to Moves!

[womeninblack]

Hey all. I was shocked and excited to learn today that the Air Force needs me at Ramstein AB, Germany. !

...

I was under the impression that first the SJA would contact us if accepted, and then later the assignment board would talk with us re location. You heard back regarding both acceptance and assignment on the same day? And it was Germany, without any preference?

..maybe I'm just jealous. Germany, after all.

I believe Moves like JAGger was an April DAP select . . . I don't think the Oct. results have been posted yet.