Military Law Forum

[ArkansasFan]

I'm not there yet, but is it rational and sane to go to law school in your mid fifties ? Probably not, but if I don't I'll never forgive myself and I'll just be dipped in brussell sprouts if I'm going to allow that to happen ! I want to practice criminal law. Bring on the DUIs, druggies and the like. Also, I'd like to do some work for The Innonence Project. I'm not a bleeding heart liberal, but if someone is wrongfully imprisioned then I must help exonerate them.

You know I was talking to a Mesquite, TX cop turned Little Rock defense lawyer yesterday. He gave me some PR doodads, and he went about his way. I've always wondered how people make the transition, other than dollar signs, from law enforcement to personal defense. I could understand going into prosecution, but that's not for me because 1) litigation doesn't seem to wow me, and 2) there are ample offenses that go thru the court docket that I think are so petty they should have never even been charged in the first place. I'd feel bad prosecuting people for certain things just as I would defending people for certain things.

[texaslawyer]

Arkansasfan I can understand and appreciate your views on this. Yes, the courts are clogged up with many petty offenses that a fine, slap on the wrist and told that they were bad should be all that's done. In a perfect world, this would happen. However the world isn't perfect and this mundane stuff does happen. It is about money on some level or these things wouldn't be done. Litigation does light me up. I love getting up in front of groups and performing, making a presentation, etc. In high school I was a rarity, an athlete and an actor. You don't see that very often. People asked me which venue gave me the biggest thrill, the stage did. Being on stage, every light on you and 600-1000 people watching you. HOT DAMN WHAT A KICK IN THE PANTS ! WWOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! IT'S QUITE A RUSH ! Now let's be frank, it's an ego trip for sure. If a person isn't an egotistic SOB, then they need not be a litigator. Period. Particularily in criminal defense. We moved to Florida from Dallas when I was 15 and I tell you the legal talent down here is truly amazing. These guys know their stuff and you better bring your "A" game or you're toast. Texas also has some good ones. Same thing applies out there as well.

[ArkansasFan]

Yeah, I'm not a performer. I don't mind it, and I'm not shy about it. In fact, I actually do like giving speeches, etc. You know one of my academy instructors was a college drama major / team linebacker. He left college, got into SWAT and such then went on to instruct so you're not the only actor/athlete out there. There are others besides the famous guys on tv.

[Patrick Bateman]

This would be an awesome correspondence via email or private messages instead of triggering my Topic Reply Notification every five minutes.

[iagolives]

I hear being a JAG in the Coast Guard isn't a bad deal. They are much smaller and from what I've seen this makes them more close knit. They do go to sea more than the Navy and they do go overseas and they do go in harm's way. They had a much larger presence in Vietnam than most people are aware of. However, they don't promote very quicly and most officers retire at Lieutennant Commander, maybe Commamder but you can't pretty much forget about Captain or Rear Admiral. Also, it helps to have gone to the Coast Guard Academy. Although these observations are quite dated and things may have changed.

Well, obviously I'd have to go in under a direct commission. Having scrutinized their areas of legal expertise the realm of "operational law" is what appeals to me - environmental, intelligence, investigation, law enforcement, border protection, advice to command, etc. It's the kind of venue I'd like to put into practice as an attorney - heightened application of law and procedure somehow coupled with investigations and field work although I must say I don't know if I'd do that as a USCG JAG, or if I'd even care in three years. I can't be a federal officer because I am red-green color blind so there's no point in me examining the federal LE agencies further. I just left district court an hour ago, and I do not want to be a court room lawyer. I've actually never lost a case of my own so I have no ill feelings towards any attorney but that kind of law isn't my idea of fun or a career.

Hey, I might be wrong, but I believe that the coast guard website says that you need normal color vision to get a commission to the coast guard. I'm not positive but I'm fairly confident, so you might want to look into that if you are really interested. Good luck!

[E\/ERLAST]

I hear being a JAG in the Coast Guard isn't a bad deal. They are much smaller and from what I've seen this makes them more close knit. They do go to sea more than the Navy and they do go overseas and they do go in harm's way. They had a much larger presence in Vietnam than most people are aware of. However, they don't promote very quicly and most officers retire at Lieutennant Commander, maybe Commamder but you can't pretty much forget about Captain or Rear Admiral. Also, it helps to have gone to the Coast Guard Academy. Although these observations are quite dated and things may have changed.

Well, obviously I'd have to go in under a direct commission. Having scrutinized their areas of legal expertise the realm of "operational law" is what appeals to me - environmental, intelligence, investigation, law enforcement, border protection, advice to command, etc. It's the kind of venue I'd like to put into practice as an attorney - heightened application of law and procedure somehow coupled with investigations and field work although I must say I don't know if I'd do that as a USCG JAG, or if I'd even care in three years. I can't be a federal officer because I am red-green color blind so there's no point in me examining the federal LE agencies further. I just left district court an hour ago, and I do not want to be a court room lawyer. I've actually never lost a case of my own so I have no ill feelings towards any attorney but that kind of law isn't my idea of fun or a career.

Hey, I might be wrong, but I believe that the coast guard website says that you need normal color vision to get a commission to the coast guard. I'm not positive but I'm fairly confident, so you might want to look into that if you are really interested. Good luck!

This would make sense with port and starboard lights being green and red.

[Rotor]

Color blind requirement may be for line officers. May not apply for JAGs, but you'll need to check with your recruiter, regardless of service.

[ArkansasFan]

I hear being a JAG in the Coast Guard isn't a bad deal. They are much smaller and from what I've seen this makes them more close knit. They do go to sea more than the Navy and they do go overseas and they do go in harm's way. They had a much larger presence in Vietnam than most people are aware of. However, they don't promote very quicly and most officers retire at Lieutennant Commander, maybe Commamder but you can't pretty much forget about Captain or Rear Admiral. Also, it helps to have gone to the Coast Guard Academy. Although these observations are quite dated and things may have changed.

Well, obviously I'd have to go in under a direct commission. Having scrutinized their areas of legal expertise the realm of "operational law" is what appeals to me - environmental, intelligence, investigation, law enforcement, border protection, advice to command, etc. It's the kind of venue I'd like to put into practice as an attorney - heightened application of law and procedure somehow coupled with investigations and field work although I must say I don't know if I'd do that as a USCG JAG, or if I'd even care in three years. I can't be a federal officer because I am red-green color blind so there's no point in me examining the federal LE agencies further. I just left district court an hour ago, and I do not want to be a court room lawyer. I've actually never lost a case of my own so I have no ill feelings towards any attorney but that kind of law isn't my idea of fun or a career.

Hey, I might be wrong, but I believe that the coast guard website says that you need normal color vision to get a commission to the coast guard. I'm not positive but I'm fairly confident, so you might want to look into that if you are really interested. Good luck!

Yeah, I saw that earlier, lol. No point in going further. I didn't see if it applied to JAGs or not.

[ArkansasFan]

I hear being a JAG in the Coast Guard isn't a bad deal. They are much smaller and from what I've seen this makes them more close knit. They do go to sea more than the Navy and they do go overseas and they do go in harm's way. They had a much larger presence in Vietnam than most people are aware of. However, they don't promote very quicly and most officers retire at Lieutennant Commander, maybe Commamder but you can't pretty much forget about Captain or Rear Admiral. Also, it helps to have gone to the Coast Guard Academy. Although these observations are quite dated and things may have changed.

Well, obviously I'd have to go in under a direct commission. Having scrutinized their areas of legal expertise the realm of "operational law" is what appeals to me - environmental, intelligence, investigation, law enforcement, border protection, advice to command, etc. It's the kind of venue I'd like to put into practice as an attorney - heightened application of law and procedure somehow coupled with investigations and field work although I must say I don't know if I'd do that as a USCG JAG, or if I'd even care in three years. I can't be a federal officer because I am red-green color blind so there's no point in me examining the federal LE agencies further. I just left district court an hour ago, and I do not want to be a court room lawyer. I've actually never lost a case of my own so I have no ill feelings towards any attorney but that kind of law isn't my idea of fun or a career.

Hey, I might be wrong, but I believe that the coast guard website says that you need normal color vision to get a commission to the coast guard. I'm not positive but I'm fairly confident, so you might want to look into that if you are really interested. Good luck!

This would make sense with port and starboard lights being green and red.

Yeah, I had to learn that for boating enforcement. Just made guesses, lol.

[J-Rod]

For those that are still curious, the Army recently published their updated financial incentive changes on JAGCNet.



New financial incentives were recently approved for Judge Advocates. Summaries of the new benefits are below; please follow the links for more information.

1. Student Loan Repayment Program. For the first time, the JAG Corps is offering a loan repayment program. This program will offer up to $65K in loan repayment, over three years. It will not extend new Judge Advocates' initial service commitment (new JAs must serve 4 years on active duty).

2. Judge Advocate Continuation Pay. This is something that has been offered in different forms over the last decade or so. The program has been changed to offer a $60K bonus (in two installments), offered after the initial term of service in exchange for another 4 year commitment.

3. Critical Skills Retention Bonus. This is another new program and will offer another $60K (in 3 installments) to Majors who have completed the Graduate Course. Again, this will require an additional four year service commitment.

These programs are designed to work in concert to help keep good officers in the Army. A full summary of pay and benefits for Judge Advocates is available here. The JAG Corps is a great place to develop skills that firms, agencies, and private organizations are looking for. Judge Advocates who choose to leave the Army are in demand wherever they go. These programs are designed to ensure Judge Advocates have the financial freedom to continue pursuing a career with the JAG Corps and are not forced to the private sector due to the burden of law school debt.

[iagolives]

For those that are still curious, the Army recently published their updated financial incentive changes on JAGCNet.



New financial incentives were recently approved for Judge Advocates. Summaries of the new benefits are below; please follow the links for more information.

1. Student Loan Repayment Program. For the first time, the JAG Corps is offering a loan repayment program. This program will offer up to $65K in loan repayment, over three years. It will not extend new Judge Advocates' initial service commitment (new JAs must serve 4 years on active duty).

2. Judge Advocate Continuation Pay. This is something that has been offered in different forms over the last decade or so. The program has been changed to offer a $60K bonus (in two installments), offered after the initial term of service in exchange for another 4 year commitment.

3. Critical Skills Retention Bonus. This is another new program and will offer another $60K (in 3 installments) to Majors who have completed the Graduate Course. Again, this will require an additional four year service commitment.

These programs are designed to work in concert to help keep good officers in the Army. A full summary of pay and benefits for Judge Advocates is available here. The JAG Corps is a great place to develop skills that firms, agencies, and private organizations are looking for. Judge Advocates who choose to leave the Army are in demand wherever they go. These programs are designed to ensure Judge Advocates have the financial freedom to continue pursuing a career with the JAG Corps and are not forced to the private sector due to the burden of law school debt.

Wow, those incentives aren't that bad.

[Patrick Bateman]

For those that are still curious, the Army recently published their updated financial incentive changes on JAGCNet.



New financial incentives were recently approved for Judge Advocates. Summaries of the new benefits are below; please follow the links for more information.

1. Student Loan Repayment Program. For the first time, the JAG Corps is offering a loan repayment program. This program will offer up to $65K in loan repayment, over three years. It will not extend new Judge Advocates' initial service commitment (new JAs must serve 4 years on active duty).

2. Judge Advocate Continuation Pay. This is something that has been offered in different forms over the last decade or so. The program has been changed to offer a $60K bonus (in two installments), offered after the initial term of service in exchange for another 4 year commitment.

3. Critical Skills Retention Bonus. This is another new program and will offer another $60K (in 3 installments) to Majors who have completed the Graduate Course. Again, this will require an additional four year service commitment.

These programs are designed to work in concert to help keep good officers in the Army. A full summary of pay and benefits for Judge Advocates is available here. The JAG Corps is a great place to develop skills that firms, agencies, and private organizations are looking for. Judge Advocates who choose to leave the Army are in demand wherever they go. These programs are designed to ensure Judge Advocates have the financial freedom to continue pursuing a career with the JAG Corps and are not forced to the private sector due to the burden of law school debt.

As much as I hate the Army, I have to say these are incredible. The Air Force better get on board and quick.

[J-Rod]

For those that are still curious, the Army recently published their updated financial incentive changes on JAGCNet.



New financial incentives were recently approved for Judge Advocates. Summaries of the new benefits are below; please follow the links for more information.

1. Student Loan Repayment Program. For the first time, the JAG Corps is offering a loan repayment program. This program will offer up to $65K in loan repayment, over three years. It will not extend new Judge Advocates' initial service commitment (new JAs must serve 4 years on active duty).

2. Judge Advocate Continuation Pay. This is something that has been offered in different forms over the last decade or so. The program has been changed to offer a $60K bonus (in two installments), offered after the initial term of service in exchange for another 4 year commitment.

3. Critical Skills Retention Bonus. This is another new program and will offer another $60K (in 3 installments) to Majors who have completed the Graduate Course. Again, this will require an additional four year service commitment.

These programs are designed to work in concert to help keep good officers in the Army. A full summary of pay and benefits for Judge Advocates is available here. The JAG Corps is a great place to develop skills that firms, agencies, and private organizations are looking for. Judge Advocates who choose to leave the Army are in demand wherever they go. These programs are designed to ensure Judge Advocates have the financial freedom to continue pursuing a career with the JAG Corps and are not forced to the private sector due to the burden of law school debt.

As much as I hate the Army, I have to say these are incredible. The Air Force better get on board and quick.

If the Air Force and Navy don't get on board quick . . . they're gonna lose consideration from me very quickly . . . I mean, I could serve 10 years in Army JAG now, get $120k in cash, $65k in loan repayment . . . I could pocket the $120k, and let Virginia wipe out the remainder of my debt under LRAP at the 10 year mark . . .

[Patrick Bateman]

For those that are still curious, the Army recently published their updated financial incentive changes on JAGCNet.



New financial incentives were recently approved for Judge Advocates. Summaries of the new benefits are below; please follow the links for more information.

1. Student Loan Repayment Program. For the first time, the JAG Corps is offering a loan repayment program. This program will offer up to $65K in loan repayment, over three years. It will not extend new Judge Advocates' initial service commitment (new JAs must serve 4 years on active duty).

2. Judge Advocate Continuation Pay. This is something that has been offered in different forms over the last decade or so. The program has been changed to offer a $60K bonus (in two installments), offered after the initial term of service in exchange for another 4 year commitment.

3. Critical Skills Retention Bonus. This is another new program and will offer another $60K (in 3 installments) to Majors who have completed the Graduate Course. Again, this will require an additional four year service commitment.

These programs are designed to work in concert to help keep good officers in the Army. A full summary of pay and benefits for Judge Advocates is available here. The JAG Corps is a great place to develop skills that firms, agencies, and private organizations are looking for. Judge Advocates who choose to leave the Army are in demand wherever they go. These programs are designed to ensure Judge Advocates have the financial freedom to continue pursuing a career with the JAG Corps and are not forced to the private sector due to the burden of law school debt.

As much as I hate the Army, I have to say these are incredible. The Air Force better get on board and quick.

If the Air Force and Navy don't get on board quick . . . they're gonna lose consideration from me very quickly . . . I mean, I could serve 10 years in Army JAG now, get $120k in cash, $65k in loan repayment . . . I could pocket the $120k, and let Virginia wipe out the remainder of my debt under LRAP at the 10 year mark . . .

LRAP programs will take notice of this and adjust active duty grants accordingly. I just got my LRAP grant and they considered everything (BAH, BAS, etc), not just AGI (though they only technically consider AGI in coming to their calculation).

[ArkansasFan]

For those that are still curious, the Army recently published their updated financial incentive changes on JAGCNet.



New financial incentives were recently approved for Judge Advocates. Summaries of the new benefits are below; please follow the links for more information.

1. Student Loan Repayment Program. For the first time, the JAG Corps is offering a loan repayment program. This program will offer up to $65K in loan repayment, over three years. It will not extend new Judge Advocates' initial service commitment (new JAs must serve 4 years on active duty).

2. Judge Advocate Continuation Pay. This is something that has been offered in different forms over the last decade or so. The program has been changed to offer a $60K bonus (in two installments), offered after the initial term of service in exchange for another 4 year commitment.

3. Critical Skills Retention Bonus. This is another new program and will offer another $60K (in 3 installments) to Majors who have completed the Graduate Course. Again, this will require an additional four year service commitment.

These programs are designed to work in concert to help keep good officers in the Army. A full summary of pay and benefits for Judge Advocates is available here. The JAG Corps is a great place to develop skills that firms, agencies, and private organizations are looking for. Judge Advocates who choose to leave the Army are in demand wherever they go. These programs are designed to ensure Judge Advocates have the financial freedom to continue pursuing a career with the JAG Corps and are not forced to the private sector due to the burden of law school debt.

As much as I hate the Army, I have to say these are incredible. The Air Force better get on board and quick.

If the Air Force and Navy don't get on board quick . . . they're gonna lose consideration from me very quickly . . . I mean, I could serve 10 years in Army JAG now, get $120k in cash, $65k in loan repayment . . . I could pocket the $120k, and let Virginia wipe out the remainder of my debt under LRAP at the 10 year mark . . .

I would not expect LRAP programs not to take notice of this. I just got my LRAP grant and they considered everything (BAH, BAS, etc), not just AGI (though they only technically consider AGI in coming to their calculation).

I used to be rather army-oriented. Wanted to do the whole ROTC bag in college, but found myself given an academic scholarship to a college without ROTC so that nixed that. Probably a good thing too really.

[Patrick Bateman]

Some useful information came up in this thread:

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... =5&t=75547

[J-Rod]

If anyone has any more questions on Army JAG I can answer those, and I also met with a CMDR in Navy JAG stationed here, and there is a Captain from the Navy as well, so I have gotten a lot of information from them as well.

The Lt.CMDR who will be running accession boards for the Navy this year will be here in Aug. so I'm going to meet with her as well.

I am meeting with a MAJ in AF JAG later this week as well, so I can post up some of that info this weekend if it is wanted.

[ramjam]

has anyone gone thru the air force's GLP....i very much would like 2 do JAG and have the opportunity to go thru ROTC throughout law school, i was an athlete in college n enjoy the early morning trainin vibe...in general im just wonderin how many ppl usually get choosen 2 enter this program, n what all does ROTC consist of other than mornin trainin and classes...thank u 4 ne input

[J-Rod]

in the AF GLP, you must do the regular ROTC classwork, training, and during one of the two summers in law school, you go to training, so you can go to jump school, etc. you get paid while you're in training as well.

--LinkRemoved--

A lot more information on that page as far as the specifics. You can also look at the AFROTC website as well.

[3milesup]

If anyone has any more questions on Army JAG I can answer those, and I also met with a CMDR in Navy JAG stationed here, and there is a Captain from the Navy as well, so I have gotten a lot of information from them as well.

The Lt.CMDR who will be running accession boards for the Navy this year will be here in Aug. so I'm going to meet with her as well.

I am meeting with a MAJ in AF JAG later this week as well, so I can post up some of that info this weekend if it is wanted.

I'm interested in both Amy JAG & Navy JAG, so whatever you find out would be great.

I recently heard that Navy JAG is going to revise their Senior JAG Appraiser interviews from a one-on-one interview to a board interview. Any further info on that would also be helpful. (In this regard, I am considering the extremely competitive direct appointment route).

As for Army, they are not so stringent in direct appointments, correct?

[Patrick Bateman]

has anyone gone thru the air force's GLP....i very much would like 2 do JAG and have the opportunity to go thru ROTC throughout law school, i was an athlete in college n enjoy the early morning trainin vibe...in general im just wonderin how many ppl usually get choosen 2 enter this program, n what all does ROTC consist of other than mornin trainin and classes...thank u 4 ne input

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=air+force+jag+glp+

HTH.

[ramjam]

master bateman

any educated guess could lead u to assume that i 1) know how 2 use google n 2) have looked at the air force website...the beginnin of my post clearly asked if neone has gone thru the air force's GLP, i see u went thru DA so u could have just so "oh no, i have not done GLP" and so forth, instead of http://lmgtfy.com/?q=air+force+jag+glp+

good day sir

[J-Rod]

master bateman

any educated guess could lead u to assume that i 1) know how 2 use google n 2) have looked at the air force website...the beginnin of my post clearly asked if neone has gone thru the air force's GLP, i see u went thru DA so u could have just so "oh no, i have not done GLP" and so forth, instead of http://lmgtfy.com/?q=air+force+jag+glp+

good day sir

easy there killer, we like to keep things light here in the military thread

[ramjam]

ha im keepin it civil, just was statin that i did ask if neone here went thru GLP

[BHL]

I was in the OYCP for a bit, but lost my spot due to injury. Subsequently, I was accepted through DAP. The workouts were the most enjoyable aspect of ROTC. I didn't like trying to learn the marching stuff and having to attend all of these prep sessions for the field training, which is supposedly far worse than COT. It just seemed like a hassle with law school because the bulk of what you were doing seemed irrelevant for a future JAG. Why do I need to know how to direct people to march around a field? Still, if it wasn't for the injury, I would've finished OYCP. The hassles are well worth it if you know you want to do JAG because you're guaranteed a position so long as you complete FT, and if you do incur an injury, the AF will likely pick you up if your heal and reapply.

As for acceptances, I think very few are extended. I think the OYCP has around 5 per year. I'm not sure about GLP, but I suspect it would be roughly the same. Additionally, you need to know whether your law school has a ROTC near you. Not all schools have AF ROTCs, so this would likely be a huge hurdle if you have to drive a few hours a few times a week to attend ROTC required functions.