Military Law Forum

[Anonymous User]

Well end of the day and no phone call for me (AF DAP). I know it COULD come later, but at this point I'm not going to hold my breath. Have a great job, but I was really hoping to go back into active duty (second time applying).

For boots for DCC, the best boots I've used were Nike SFBs (Gen 1, haven't tried Gen 2). Used these while in the infantry including 13 months in Iraq and Ruck marches of over 25 miles. Yes, as a JAG you won't be doing those things, but they are light and extremely comfortable even for office work.

[Patrick Bateman]

Well end of the day and no phone call for me (AF DAP). I know it COULD come later, but at this point I'm not going to hold my breath. Have a great job, but I was really hoping to go back into active duty (second time applying).

For boots for DCC, the best boots I've used were Nike SFBs (Gen 1, haven't tried Gen 2). Used these while in the infantry including 13 months in Iraq and Ruck marches of over 25 miles. Yes, as a JAG you won't be doing those things, but they are light and extremely comfortable even for office work.

I wore the Gen 1 Nike SFB for most of my active duty time. Very comfortable but their reputation was that they would not hold up that well for the rucking/outside the wire type stuff. Anon above indicates his did just fine for that stuff, which is good to hear. The Gen 2s are quite possibly the ugliest boot I have ever seen.

When I went to OCPs I was issued the Rocky S2V. I absolutely love them. Very comfortable and far more robust than the Nikes.

[Asilvaesq]

I've asked this question previously, but I don't think my question was clear enough. I'm considering the Army National Guard JAG with an eye on transferring to active duty. I know that the Guard and Reserve will release soldiers to go active with other MOSs, but is it possible to move from Guard JAG to AD JAG? It just seems like it would be difficult to get a slot, since they only board 1 x a year for AD JAG. I would appreciate any insight anyone has on this issue.

[Joseph.m.will]

Anyone here prospectively joining in the 212th JAOBC in August?

[Anonymous User]

I've asked this question previously, but I don't think my question was clear enough. I'm considering the Army National Guard JAG with an eye on transferring to active duty. I know that the Guard and Reserve will release soldiers to go active with other MOSs, but is it possible to move from Guard JAG to AD JAG? It just seems like it would be difficult to get a slot, since they only board 1 x a year for AD JAG. I would appreciate any insight anyone has on this issue.

We have some classmates trying to switch from Reserves to Active. They have to do a separate application during another cycle for active duty. I would guess that switching from NG to Active would be harder because NG would have spent a lot of money on you to become a JA. NG board and Active Board are completely different too.

[Asilvaesq]

Today the AF JAG held another FB chat. When asked about acceptance calls they responded "We expect to have select/nonselect notifications complete by early next week. Maj Musselman and I will be offereing feedback in June." So, the results, either way, will be out next week.

[SethG]

Well end of the day and no phone call for me (AF DAP). I know it COULD come later, but at this point I'm not going to hold my breath. Have a great job, but I was really hoping to go back into active duty (second time applying).

For boots for DCC, the best boots I've used were Nike SFBs (Gen 1, haven't tried Gen 2). Used these while in the infantry including 13 months in Iraq and Ruck marches of over 25 miles. Yes, as a JAG you won't be doing those things, but they are light and extremely comfortable even for office work.

I wore the Gen 1 Nike SFB for most of my active duty time. Very comfortable but their reputation was that they would not hold up that well for the rucking/outside the wire type stuff. Anon above indicates his did just fine for that stuff, which is good to hear. The Gen 2s are quite possibly the ugliest boot I have ever seen.

When I went to OCPs I was issued the Rocky S2V. I absolutely love them. Very comfortable and far more robust than the Nikes.

You're still tending to this thread, B-man?? I just recently was selected for AF JAG through their DAP, so I went back to the beginning of this thread from 2008 to see what the JAG life is all about and you were everywhere there back then. Good to see that you are still involved here and helping people with the JAG life!

[bsktbll28082]

Hi all. I was curious if anyone had any recommendations for women's boots for DCC? I wouldn't be against buying a pair of men's boots.

Are you talking combat boots? You can buy women's boots if you like. No need to buy men's. I believe theres a good selection or womens or you can also order online. Get coyote brown, not desert tan.

Its a personal preference on brand. Rockys are sturdier (I find) and good for rucking once broken in. Lightweight Belleville are good for running.

In addition to breaking in the boots ahead of time, I recommend some good inserts, as well as learning how to take care of your feet on long rucks. Longest ruck at DCC is only 6 miles though.

[Patrick Bateman]

Well end of the day and no phone call for me (AF DAP). I know it COULD come later, but at this point I'm not going to hold my breath. Have a great job, but I was really hoping to go back into active duty (second time applying).

For boots for DCC, the best boots I've used were Nike SFBs (Gen 1, haven't tried Gen 2). Used these while in the infantry including 13 months in Iraq and Ruck marches of over 25 miles. Yes, as a JAG you won't be doing those things, but they are light and extremely comfortable even for office work.

I wore the Gen 1 Nike SFB for most of my active duty time. Very comfortable but their reputation was that they would not hold up that well for the rucking/outside the wire type stuff. Anon above indicates his did just fine for that stuff, which is good to hear. The Gen 2s are quite possibly the ugliest boot I have ever seen.

When I went to OCPs I was issued the Rocky S2V. I absolutely love them. Very comfortable and far more robust than the Nikes.

You're still tending to this thread, B-man?? I just recently was selected for AF JAG through their DAP, so I went back to the beginning of this thread from 2008 to see what the JAG life is all about and you were everywhere there back then. Good to see that you are still involved here and helping people with the JAG life!

Yeah, I'm still kicking around almost 12 years later.

Congrats on your selection! Good luck out there.

[Anonymous User]

Just got the April AFDAP rejection. 3rd time applying, I think it’s time to consider the Army or the National Guard. I don’t think I can overcome a prior enlisted Article 15 from 15 years ago.

[Anonymous User]

Officially rejected by AF DAP for the third time. Feedback didn’t help. Pretty sure I’m an auto reject and unfortunately they just won’t tell me.

[SethG]

Officially rejected by AF DAP for the third time. Feedback didn’t help. Pretty sure I’m an auto reject and unfortunately they just won’t tell me.

Not to pry or anything, but what feedback did they give you that you feel didn’t help? What reasons make you think you are an automatic reject?

[Anonymous User]

Officially rejected by AF DAP for the third time. Feedback didn’t help. Pretty sure I’m an auto reject and unfortunately they just won’t tell me.

Not to pry or anything, but what feedback did they give you that you feel didn’t help? What reasons make you think you are an automatic reject?

I’m not the same anon, but I feel similarly frustrated.

I’ve been strung along like I’m “so close” for 4 cycles now. My undergrad GPA is a big red flag, but I got into a pretty good law school, top third, law review, moot court, the whole nine yards.

First interview had an overwhelmingly great response from my SJA. Denied three times, all the while working as a litigator gaining trial experience, including first chair trials.

The January phone call gave me the same “your application is very strong” language and gave a few small pointers and feedback in my weak areas.

Had to reinterview, super positive feedback from my SJA again, even comparing me to other applicants she had recently interviewed.

Denied a fourth time. It’s soul crushing to get overwhelmingly positive feedback and no results.

[Chanellc]

Hi all. I'm a 2019 graduate who is currently in a fellowship program for California state government and interested in applying for AF or Army JAG upon program completion. I have a question for anyone who knows the answer. When applying as a direct applicant, how important is trial experience? I did a clinic in law school, externed for a federal judge, externed at a top public defense office, and did various other litigation centered internships, but I did not do trial ad or moot court. Would my experience be disfavorable? Good luck to everyone!

[Patrick Bateman]

Hi all. I'm a 2019 graduate who is currently in a fellowship program for California state government and interested in applying for AF or Army JAG upon program completion. I have a question for anyone who knows the answer. When applying as a direct applicant, how important is trial experience? I did a clinic in law school, externed for a federal judge, externed at a top public defense office, and did various other litigation centered internships, but I did not do trial ad or moot court. Would my experience be disfavorable? Good luck to everyone!

I think your experience is solid for an Air Force application. Your ability to talk about your experiences in these various offices will outweigh the lack of mock trial / moot court - as part of your interview prep, I'd be able to talk about highlights of where you have learned valuable aspects of trial practice from the respective positions. The jobs also show a demonstrated interest and commitment to public service, which is an important box to check.

[Anonymous User]

Just want to drop a line and see if any current GLP and OYCP cadet are still checking this forum.

I'm hearing that we have all been deferred to next year for field training. Just want to confirm if you all are getting that same message.

[evilxs]

Officially rejected by AF DAP for the third time. Feedback didn’t help. Pretty sure I’m an auto-reject and unfortunately they just won’t tell me.

Apply to a different branch 100%. That is what I did and selected.

If your package is that strong then go for it!

[w7ldcard]

Figured I would do an AMA for this thread since it provided me so much information when I was in Law School and while applying to the branches.

Info:
AF JAG - Currently 3 years completed, pending deployment (will at least complete 10 years).
Chief, Military Justice at Medium Sized Base
Applied and accepted to Army and AF on first application.

Ask anything about applications/JAG life in the Air Force.

[w7ldcard]

Hi all. I'm a 2019 graduate who is currently in a fellowship program for California state government and interested in applying for AF or Army JAG upon program completion. I have a question for anyone who knows the answer. When applying as a direct applicant, how important is trial experience? I did a clinic in law school, externed for a federal judge, externed at a top public defense office, and did various other litigation centered internships, but I did not do trial ad or moot court. Would my experience be disfavorable? Good luck to everyone!

I did both trial ad and moot court. I do believe that trial experience is very helpful for your application. Your internships are exactly what I would recommend (I did fed judge, PD, Army JAG, and Attorney Generals office.) I would recommend even if its a local competition at least having something to talk about when it comes to litigation experience. I was able to complete a clinic that allowed for me to 1st chair 3 jury trials during my 3L year and that played a large role in my interview conversations.

[w7ldcard]

Officially rejected by AF DAP for the third time. Feedback didn’t help. Pretty sure I’m an auto reject and unfortunately they just won’t tell me.

Not to pry or anything, but what feedback did they give you that you feel didn’t help? What reasons make you think you are an automatic reject?

I’m not the same anon, but I feel similarly frustrated.

I’ve been strung along like I’m “so close” for 4 cycles now. My undergrad GPA is a big red flag, but I got into a pretty good law school, top third, law review, moot court, the whole nine yards.

First interview had an overwhelmingly great response from my SJA. Denied three times, all the while working as a litigator gaining trial experience, including first chair trials.

The January phone call gave me the same “your application is very strong” language and gave a few small pointers and feedback in my weak areas.

Had to reinterview, super positive feedback from my SJA again, even comparing me to other applicants she had recently interviewed.

Denied a fourth time. It’s soul crushing to get overwhelmingly positive feedback and no results.

If you want someone to review your PS just DM me.

[envirolaw2018]

Just want to drop a line and see if any current GLP and OYCP cadet are still checking this forum.

I'm hearing that we have all been deferred to next year for field training. Just want to confirm if you all are getting that same message.

I am an OYCP select and this is the information I have received, though not comfirmed. I have been told we may still possibly go (still prep) but it is unlikely.

[Anonymous User]

Hello all. I had a question about Army medical waivers. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2017 and stopped taking medication in 2018. I was in a very high stress law practice and after I joined another firm I found that I didn't need the medication anymore to focus. Can anyone provide any insight on what the waiver process is like for folks such as myself?

[15atay]

Hi all,

Long time lurker on this thread. I'm a rising 3L at T6 school, female, and I did three years in the Army national guard in college/1L. I want (so so much) to be a public defender but I'm already seeing PD'S offices budgets get slashed due to everything going on and I'm getting worried. I have been mulling JAG around in my head since before law school (gone and visited their booths at fairs, I even had a meeting with the Marines) but I am worried about 2 things and wonder if anyone has any insight.

1) I want to be a public defender and thus I want to work in military justice. In all the promo videos of all the branches they show JAGs in the courtroom but which branch am I most likely to be assigned there? I know the needs of the force always come first. I'm ok also serving as a prosecutor if I am also able to be a defender in those 4 years.

2) I found my 3 years in the Army NG so boring and frustrating. For reference, I was a 42A and graduated as the distinguished honor grad without almost any effort, I feel like I read a book a day waiting on everyone else. And at my unit, they didn't even have enough computers for us to attempt to do our job so I just sat around doing homework or trying to look busy. Were these all functions of being enlisted/in the national guard. Or is it more of the same?

Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

Should be an easy waiver. You just have to show you’re able to function without meds for a year. Pull the instruction (I’m only familiar with the Navy’s but Army’s should be similar). If they permanently DQ’d everyone who has had ADHD then they wouldn’t be able to fill the ranks. If they give you a hard time, push back, cite the reference, and appeal if necessary.

Hello all. I had a question about Army medical waivers. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2017 and stopped taking medication in 2018. I was in a very high stress law practice and after I joined another firm I found that I didn't need the medication anymore to focus. Can anyone provide any insight on what the waiver process is like for folks such as myself?

[howell]

1) I want to be a public defender and thus I want to work in military justice. In all the promo videos of all the branches they show JAGs in the courtroom but which branch am I most likely to be assigned there? I know the needs of the force always come first. I'm ok also serving as a prosecutor if I am also able to be a defender in those 4 years.

I'm not as familiar with your odds in the Navy, but of the rest of the services, I would go with the Air Force. The Army rotates you through a different section in each of your first 4 years, so you might be doing only legal assistance for your first year. Then maybe admin law for another year. Then maybe the courtroom. I hope we have people to correct me if I am wrong, but there is not much certainty that you will see a lot of courtroom action as a Marine or Coast Guard JAG. It can certainly happen, though.

In the Air Force, you will be a prosecutor your first 2 years. You will juggle other duties at the same time, but you will be in the courtroom. Currently, many have the option to switch to defense in their second assignment (each assignment being 2 years). I've known only a few people who couldn't make the switch to defense if they really pursued it. Just make it known from the time they are finding your first assignment that you're interested in military justice. And don't be a terrible person. There are no guarantees, but I think your odds are very good of either switching to defense for your second assignment or, at the very least, switching to a larger base and getting even more courtroom experience as a prosecutor.

You might do your 4 and bounce, but you also might find that there is a lot of great defense work to do in the military.

2) I found my 3 years in the Army NG so boring and frustrating. For reference, I was a 42A and graduated as the distinguished honor grad without almost any effort, I feel like I read a book a day waiting on everyone else. And at my unit, they didn't even have enough computers for us to attempt to do our job so I just sat around doing homework or trying to look busy. Were these all functions of being enlisted/in the national guard. Or is it more of the same?

I was active duty Air Force and switched to the Air National Guard. The problems you describe sound more like the challenges I have faced in the Guard. Active Duty JAG life in the Air Force will not be like that. Sure, when you first get to a base, there might be a slow week or two, but you will be very well utilized your first few years.