Military Law Forum

[DannyBoy31]

Thanks AJ. Do you happen to remember how long it took you to get a MEPs appointment once you met with your recruiter? I went through the process about 12 years ago, but I hear it's much different now.

[Fed_Atty]

Just got the info from the Admirals (Not me personally, it goes out the the entire corps)

21 Student Program
5 Direct Accessions

456 Applicants - selection rate just about 6%, way down from the double digits from the fall board.

[maxpayne]

Just got the info from the Admirals (Not me personally, it goes out the the entire corps)

21 Student Program
5 Direct Accessions

456 Applicants - selection rate just about 6%, way down from the double digits from the fall board.

That's slim pickings.

[trayball23]

Does anyone know when promotion takes place from ENS to LTJG for navy Jag? For USMC it occurs during law school one year after commissioning. Is it he same practice for the Navy?

[CouchAJ]

Thanks AJ. Do you happen to remember how long it took you to get a MEPs appointment once you met with your recruiter? I went through the process about 12 years ago, but I hear it's much different now.

No problem. I was active duty in the Marine Corps when I was PR'd, so I set all that stuff up myself. The day I got the news I took my DD-368 to medical and started my transfer. I'm not sure how long it would have taken had I not been on active duty, especially considering I was in Hawaii and the closest MEPS is in CA.

[CouchAJ]

Does anyone know when promotion takes place from ENS to LTJG for navy Jag? For USMC it occurs during law school one year after commissioning. Is it he same practice for the Navy?

We get promoted to LTJG the day we check into NJS.

[Anonnymous]

.

[NavyJAGHopeful]

Hello all!

Long time lurker. I was professionally recommended from the February board for the Navy. It was my first application and the recommendation came as a complete surprise. I realize how fortunate I am. This is a dream come true.

Unfortunately, as close as I've now come, I'm fearful that it will be forever out of reach because of a medical condition. I have proteinuria and that's one of the things that can get you disqualified (I take completely precautionary medicine that keeps the numbers in the acceptable range but I still think that will raise red flags). It's completely benign but everything I've read emphasizes how hard waivers are to come by. Especially with equally qualified alternates ready and waiting.

I'm putting together all necessary documentation and a letter from my doctors as I wait to meet with my recruiter. I know no one can tell me what's going to happen at MEPS (if I even get there). I'm mostly just venting because more than anything I feel foolish for thinking this could happen. I realize it may be still possible for me but the chances are significantly lower now.

Is there anything I can do to put myself in a better position for MEPS? While I understand the strategy, I'm not lying about the condition and will be disclosing.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: For future applicants, here are my stats: T1, top 20%, junior editor for primary law review, research assistant, and 4 solid recs.

[howell]

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStor ... d-23410436

Will it affect Army JAG applicants? How about newly-commissioned Army JAGs?

From the Air Force side, the most recent year groups are usually excluded from cuts. That doesn't prevent further cuts in 2-3 that would affect JAGs that have just come on board, though.

[armyhooah]

Hello all!

Long time lurker. I was professionally recommended from the February board for the Navy. It was my first application and the recommendation came as a complete surprise. I realize how fortunate I am. This is a dream come true.

Unfortunately, as close as I've now come, I'm fearful that it will be forever out of reach because of a medical condition. I have proteinuria and that's one of the things that can get you disqualified (I take completely precautionary medicine that keeps the numbers in the acceptable range but I still think that will raise red flags). It's completely benign but everything I've read emphasizes how hard waivers are to come by. Especially with equally qualified alternates ready and waiting.

I'm putting together all necessary documentation and a letter from my doctors as I wait to meet with my recruiter. I know no one can tell me what's going to happen at MEPS (if I even get there). I'm mostly just venting because more than anything I feel foolish for thinking this could happen. I realize it may be still possible for me but the chances are significantly lower now.

Is there anything I can do to put myself in a better position for MEPS? While I understand the strategy, I'm not lying about the condition and will be disclosing.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: For future applicants, here are my stats: T1, top 20%, junior editor for primary law review, research assistant, and 4 solid recs.

I'm really sorry to hear this, NavyJagHopeful. I really hope it works out for you because you obviously have what it takes! I wish I had better advice, but when I went through med processing, my accessions officer was really supportive and told me that should anything happen, she'd help me in applying for a waiver right away. I ended up qualifying with no issues, but it made me feel loads better knowing someone would really fight to keep me. I can only imagine there'd be similar support on your side! Hope it all works out, and best of luck!

[NavyJAGHopeful]

Hello all!

Long time lurker. I was professionally recommended from the February board for the Navy. It was my first application and the recommendation came as a complete surprise. I realize how fortunate I am. This is a dream come true.

Unfortunately, as close as I've now come, I'm fearful that it will be forever out of reach because of a medical condition. I have proteinuria and that's one of the things that can get you disqualified (I take completely precautionary medicine that keeps the numbers in the acceptable range but I still think that will raise red flags). It's completely benign but everything I've read emphasizes how hard waivers are to come by. Especially with equally qualified alternates ready and waiting.

I'm putting together all necessary documentation and a letter from my doctors as I wait to meet with my recruiter. I know no one can tell me what's going to happen at MEPS (if I even get there). I'm mostly just venting because more than anything I feel foolish for thinking this could happen. I realize it may be still possible for me but the chances are significantly lower now.

Is there anything I can do to put myself in a better position for MEPS? While I understand the strategy, I'm not lying about the condition and will be disclosing.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: For future applicants, here are my stats: T1, top 20%, junior editor for primary law review, research assistant, and 4 solid recs.

I'm really sorry to hear this, NavyJagHopeful. I really hope it works out for you because you obviously have what it takes! I wish I had better advice, but when I went through med processing, my accessions officer was really supportive and told me that should anything happen, she'd help me in applying for a waiver right away. I ended up qualifying with no issues, but it made me feel loads better knowing someone would really fight to keep me. I can only imagine there'd be similar support on your side! Hope it all works out, and best of luck!

Thank you, I appreciate it. I hope my recruiter is as supportive as yours but I know some aren't that helpful (as evidenced by people's post in this thread). And congrats on getting qualified!

[Esquire]

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStor ... d-23410436

Will it affect Army JAG applicants? How about newly-commissioned Army JAGs?

Any insight is appreciated!

Thanks. I wish everyone the best during these times.

It doesn't affect Army JAGs. Yet. USAF JAGs are getting axed.

[Anonnymous]

.

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStor ... d-23410436

Will it affect Army JAG applicants? How about newly-commissioned Army JAGs?

Any insight is appreciated!

Thanks. I wish everyone the best during these times.

It doesn't affect Army JAGs. Yet. USAF JAGs are getting axed.

Thanks. Any hunches or word through the grapevine whether Army JAGs could get axed anytime soon?

From what I heard this summer, Army JAG didn't expand as much during the wars as the other branches of the Army so they don't have as big of an issue. For the time being, I was told that most of the reduction is likely going to happen through fewer acceptances.

[Rotor]

As a guy who went through the force reductions of the 1990s, the only advice I can offer is keep your nose to the grindstone and keep doing the best job you can. When cuts come, you want to be a top performer so that you're more likely to be retained by the continuation boards.

You also have an advantage that many of my friends in the 1990s did not have-- Academy grads no longer graduate with an active commission (4 year ROTC scholarship types may have also received an active commission, but I'm not sure on that). When the cuts came in the early-mid 90s, those who were USNR were the first to be cut, even if they were better officers than the active USN types that came up for rotation. (Case in point-- a stellar USNR I deployed with on my first cruise got cut, while a USN officer who was being prosecuted for spousal abuse was retained. Yes, still bitter 21 years later....)

You're always going to do your best anyway, but use the motivation maybe to go that extra mile. Of course, do not back-stab...that never works out for the person holding the knife. Teamwork is what service is all about. But, I am reminded of the joke about the two guys on the Serengeti a cheetah is stalking them when Guy A puts on his running shoes. Guy B says "Cheetahs are the fastest land mammals on the planet. Those shoes aren't going to help you outrun the cheetah." Guy A replies: I don't have to outrun the cheetah. I just have to outrun you!"

[AFJAG2014]

Of course, do not back-stab...that never works out for the person holding the knife. Teamwork is what service is all about.

If there's one thing I've learned it's that you should always look out for your fellow wingman/sailor/marine/soldier. That really is what it's all about and if you do that, you'll be fine.

[armyhooah]

Of course, do not back-stab...that never works out for the person holding the knife. Teamwork is what service is all about.

If there's one thing I've learned it's that you should always look out for your fellow wingman/sailor/marine/soldier. That really is what it's all about and if you do that, you'll be fine.

So much this.

[TheSpanishMain]

From what I heard this summer, Army JAG didn't expand as much during the wars as the other branches of the Army so they don't have as big of an issue. For the time being, I was told that most of the reduction is likely going to happen through fewer acceptances.

The problem with accepting fewer people is you create a weird accordion effect with respect to the overall population. My hunch, based on the military as a whole, is that new accessions will be relatively unaffected, but retention will be slowed. So you might get accepted and serve an initial four years, but then not be retained/promoted to O4.

[maxpayne]

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStor ... d-23410436

Will it affect Army JAG applicants? How about newly-commissioned Army JAGs?

Any insight is appreciated!

Thanks. I wish everyone the best during these times.

It doesn't affect Army JAGs. Yet. USAF JAGs are getting axed.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStor ... d-23410436

Will it affect Army JAG applicants? How about newly-commissioned Army JAGs?

From the Air Force side, the most recent year groups are usually excluded from cuts. That doesn't prevent further cuts in 2-3 that would affect JAGs that have just come on board, though.

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."

[bouakedojo]

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.

[DukeBowl]

Has anyone doing the AF summer internship heard from their respective bases about start dates?

[estrnbluebird]

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.

[Patrick Bateman]

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.

[maxpayne]

As usual, thanks so much for your input PB. Us wannabe JAGs always appreciate your inside info.

[cc8922]

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.