Military Law Forum

DEG1989 · Post by **DEG1989** » Thu May 15, 2014 10:58 pm

OUS8E wrote:Anyone else a Navy JAG Alternate (this cycle or in the past)? I'm working on the process, but wondering (a) what my chances are, and (b) when those Professionally Recommended start withdrawing. Anyone know?

I'm also an alternate. I went through MEPS a week ago, now I'm just waiting for the phone to ring. My recruiter was optimistic, but didn't have much to offer in terms of what timeline to expect.

coffee282 · Post by **coffee282** » Fri May 16, 2014 10:11 am

has any of the air force interns got their start date yet?

JAG Dog · Post by **JAG Dog** » Sat May 17, 2014 5:42 pm

So, I've now done everything on my end and my file is in the hands of the SG for a waiver, and I'm wondering about the role of the waiver process. I was told by the doc at the MEPS that there were no issues and that he was recommending a waiver. If this is the case, is a waiver a formality, or do might they use the waiver process to control accessions based on need? What's the likelihood of getting denied if there's no longer any medical reason to disqualify me?

Pdk7 · Post by **Pdk7** » Sun May 18, 2014 4:22 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.

Nobody can force you to enlist into an MOS that you don't want. If you want to do MI, and they have slots available, they'll put you in those slots as long as you're eligible. Period. I was MI during my original enlistment and there was a guy in my AIT class who had been a practicing defense attorney before enlisting to do intel work. When I did my JAG internship I met two captains who had been prior enlisted MI guys and both of them had been practicing attorneys before enlisting. In the Army, just because you're qualified to do something doesn't mean that you're going to do it. A lot of the time its quite the opposite. And as far as doing cool intel stuff, the only enlisted MI personnel I knew who spent their careers doing nothing were analysts. I loved MI when I was doing it, and frankly if I hadn't have gotten my JAG position I think I would want to go back to it. As an enlisted person.

Bottom line is, if you want to enlist as MI as a person with a J.D. and experience then do it. They may try to talk you into 27D but ultimately they cannot force you. If you want to switch to JAG later on, then do it. Its not impossible. I made the switch from MI enlisted to JAG and I know several others who have as well.

nclwyr · Post by **nclwyr** » Mon May 19, 2014 11:21 am

anyone know when army reserve results will be posted? it's gotta be soon right?

cg95 · Post by **cg95** » Tue May 20, 2014 12:41 pm

nclwyr wrote:anyone know when army reserve results will be posted? it's gotta be soon right?

For what it's worth, over 14 weeks passed between the application deadline (09/16) and the posting of results (12/27) for the Fall (2013) Army Reserve Board. Of course, JARO was clearly busy at the time, dealing simultaneously with AD, FLEP, Intern, ARNG, and perhaps budgetary concerns. That said, if the Spring Board takes about the same time, I would expect results shortly before or around 07/04.

Still the process seems relatively opaque, at least to outsiders, and I know past boards have been much faster.

Regardless, best of luck in the selection process.

DannyBoy31 · Post by **DannyBoy31** » Tue May 20, 2014 6:03 pm

Can anyone who was selected as a 3L and has been through the process please let me know me at what point you received your base assignment? I've heard both after MEPS is cleared and after bar results come back. Thanks.

Fed_Atty · Post by **Fed_Atty** » Tue May 20, 2014 6:23 pm

DannyBoy31 wrote:Can anyone who was selected as a 3L and has been through the process please let me know me at what point you received your base assignment? I've heard both after MEPS is cleared and after bar results come back. Thanks.

Which Service?

howell · Post by **howell** » Tue May 20, 2014 7:15 pm

DannyBoy31 wrote:Can anyone who was selected as a 3L and has been through the process please let me know me at what point you received your base assignment? I've heard both after MEPS is cleared and after bar results come back. Thanks.

It looks like you just got selected by the AF, so congrats! You should get your base assignment shortly after you receive your bar results. I received my bar results on October 26th and my base assignment on November 7th the year I was selected.

If you're in law school now, you will accomplish MEPS over the summer. The timeline on that will depend in part on how much medical history you have to track down and/or explain.

If you haven't already, it would help others if you could go to airforceots.com and enter your stats in this thread.

DannyBoy31 · Post by **DannyBoy31** » Tue May 20, 2014 10:05 pm

Thanks howell. Yes, it was AF JAG and I have already shared my stats on the OTS site (which is another great resource). I was only selected as an alternate for the Navy, so it probably makes sense to just withdraw now. I was going to wait until I cleared MEPS for AF, but if that doesn't happen I'm guessing Navy wouldn't clear me either. Best of luck to other applicants out there. I know it's been said multiple times on here but perseverance is crucial.

mlittle5 · Post by **mlittle5** » Wed May 21, 2014 9:49 am

I received an unexpected call from JARO yesterday. Apparently, I was selected as an alternate for the Spring 2013 Reserve board and they are in a position to make me an offer! I never knew I was an alternate for that board. In fact, I had applied to the Active Duty board later that year but was not selected. I was hoping for AD, but I feel fortunate to be offered anything in the JAG Corps. I was dinged three times by Navy AD and three times by the AF DAP.

This forum has provided a wealth of information. I would be happy to add to its knowledge base as soon as I get more details on timeline, etc. Best of luck to all those out there still waiting on results!

JAG Dog · Post by **JAG Dog** » Wed May 21, 2014 4:41 pm

mlittle5 wrote:I received an unexpected call from JARO yesterday. Apparently, I was selected as an alternate for the Spring 2013 Reserve board and they are in a position to make me an offer! I never knew I was an alternate for that board. In fact, I had applied to the Active Duty board later that year but was not selected. I was hoping for AD, but I feel fortunate to be offered anything in the JAG Corps. I was dinged three times by Navy AD and three times by the AF DAP.

This forum has provided a wealth of information. I would be happy to add to its knowledge base as soon as I get more details on timeline, etc. Best of luck to all those out there still waiting on results!

Congrats! Good luck with everything.

Puttanesca · Post by **Puttanesca** » Thu May 22, 2014 8:26 pm

Just curious to know if anyone else's recommenders were contacted for the AF DAP April Board (or any other board). One of my recommenders mentioned to me that he was contacted (and I guess asked questions about me). I don't know whether my other recommenders were contacted or not. I didn't know that the AF called recommenders.

JAG Dog · Post by **JAG Dog** » Fri May 23, 2014 4:20 pm

After almost exactly 6 months from my selection, I finally got my medical waiver. I was told the next available COT is 15-01 in October. No dates yet. Here is my timeline for what it's worth. I was selected DAP as a practicing attorney.

9/2013: Submitted my first application.
11/20/13: Got selection phone call.
12/12/13: Went over medical prescreen with MC at accessions
2/4/14: All medical records finally submitted to local MEPS
2/10/14: CMO at MEPS requested supplementary medical checks
3/18/14: Officially medically disqualified; File submitted to SG for review for waiver
4/8/14: SG requests additional supplementary medical evaluation
3/7/14: Cleared to go to MEPS
3/14/14: MEPS
3/20/14: Waiver
"Sometime in July": Commission
"Sometime after that": Receive assignment
10/14: COT
No word on JASOC, but I'm guessing Jan or Feb?

howell · Post by **howell** » Fri May 23, 2014 4:31 pm

Congrats, JAG Dog! And yes, it's likely you would go to COT in October, then to your base for a couple of months, and then to JASOC in January.

fivesolas · Post by **fivesolas** » Fri May 23, 2014 5:44 pm

Puttanesca wrote:Just curious to know if anyone else's recommenders were contacted for the AF DAP April Board (or any other board). One of my recommenders mentioned to me that he was contacted (and I guess asked questions about me). I don't know whether my other recommenders were contacted or not. I didn't know that the AF called recommenders.

One of my recommenders told me she was contacted. She got a voice mail, returned the call and left a voice mail, and that was it. I didn't know the AF called recommenders either and was surprised when she told me.

JAG Dog · Post by **JAG Dog** » Fri May 23, 2014 6:52 pm

Thanks, Howell!

Puttanesca · Post by **Puttanesca** » Sun May 25, 2014 8:47 am

For those of you going through the medical process, I would highly recommend thoroughly reviewing your medical records to check for accuracy. I just received a copy of some of my records, and it appears that a doctor noted some things I did not have and have never had.

JagHopeful3L · Post by **JagHopeful3L** » Sun May 25, 2014 7:53 pm

I apologize, because I know I'm likely asking things that have been asked a ton, but this thread is a beast at this point. I've spent a decent amount of time reading it, but can't get through it...

Some questions:

I'm going to be a 3L next year, at a school just outside of the t14. K-JD. Grades below median, but above bottom 25%.
Do I actually have a legitimate shot at any of these? I understand that Navy is generally out of the picture for 3L's. So yea, not the most impressive resume. No military history, and no one in family has served since grandfathers...

I'm guessing, based on some of the timelines, I need to start the process ASAP?

As far as MEPs, how long until they do the weighing / physical fitness parts? I got pretty out of shape in law school, and while I'm not that far off.. sadly I need to do some training before I'd pass those.. I've seen some comments about MEPs in timelines, and they seem to be months away, is that always true?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

howell · Post by **howell** » Sun May 25, 2014 8:46 pm

JagHopeful3L wrote:I apologize, because I know I'm likely asking things that have been asked a ton, but this thread is a beast at this point. I've spent a decent amount of time reading it, but can't get through it...

I have a OneNote notebook of the first ~75 pages broken down into categories if you're interested. I started trying to get everything in one central location, but I just haven't had time to finish it. Here's a screenshot of the kind of stuff I have:

I'm going to be a 3L next year, at a school just outside of the t14. K-JD. Grades below median, but above bottom 25%.
Do I actually have a legitimate shot at any of these?

People with your grades/school or worse have been selected recently. Just based on what you've said, it's hard to say what your chances would be. Reading through the thread & talking to JAGs will give you a better idea of what they're looking for. My suggestion for getting in is that once you decide this is what you want to do, start constructing the resume that will get you in. Keep doing more things to show your interest, abilities, etc. Understand that you may not get in, may not get in until the end of your 3L year, or may not get in until after law school.

I understand that Navy is generally out of the picture for 3L's.

I have not heard that before. Perhaps it's true.

I'm guessing, based on some of the timelines, I need to start the process ASAP?

I could be off on the Navy, Army, Marines, and Coast Guard, but I think most boards don't meet again until fall. You should have plenty of time to get your materials together. I would suggest going ahead and starting to see if there is anything that will be difficult to get - letters of recommendation would probably be the biggest hold-up. And putting your application package(s) together might tell you where your applications are weak and give you some time to correct those issues.

As far as MEPs, how long until they do the weighing / physical fitness parts? I got pretty out of shape in law school, and while I'm not that far off.. sadly I need to do some training before I'd pass those.. I've seen some comments about MEPs in timelines, and they seem to be months away, is that always true?

MEPS only addresses whether you medically qualify for service - you don't undergo any physical fitness tests there. You will, however, need to make the weight prescribed for your service at MEPS. For the AF, Army, and Navy, you won't take a PT test until you start your officer training. As a 3L, you're over a year away from this anyway (since you have to get your bar results before you can start). I believe the Marines and possibly the Coast Guard require you to do a PT test as part of your application (other service JAGs, please correct me if I'm off).

How you look will be part of your interview. If you don't look anywhere close to being able to make weight/pass a PT test, that's not good, and I would be shocked if you got a decent recommendation. A little out of shape is fine, but here's what you do. Go find the PT and height-weight requirements of each service you're interested in. Start working towards those goals now. When you interview, even if you don't look like a triathlete, you can detail your progress and also describe that service's requirements. You can then tell your interviewer, "I could only do 20 push-ups in May, but I see that the minimum for my age is 40 push-ups, and the max is 60. I have worked up to doing 40 since May and am working towards 60." Or whatever it is - running, your weight, sit-ups, etc.

Each of the JAG corps are looking for a certain kind of person. It's a very difficult process to fake your way through. My suggestion would be to become the person they're looking for and show them that.

JagHopeful3L · Post by **JagHopeful3L** » Sun May 25, 2014 10:04 pm

Wow, Howell... Thanks so much for everything you provided.

I'm also very interested in One note book you mentioned. I'll send you a pm with my e-mail

Really appreciate it!

Puttanesca · Post by **Puttanesca** » Mon May 26, 2014 7:08 am

JagHopeful3L wrote:I apologize, because I know I'm likely asking things that have been asked a ton, but this thread is a beast at this point. I've spent a decent amount of time reading it, but can't get through it...

Some questions:

I'm going to be a 3L next year, at a school just outside of the t14. K-JD. Grades below median, but above bottom 25%.
Do I actually have a legitimate shot at any of these? I understand that Navy is generally out of the picture for 3L's. So yea, not the most impressive resume. No military history, and no one in family has served since grandfathers...

As it has been said throughout this thread, JAG is the one place that actually means it when they said they look at the whole person. Your grades by themselves are not going to be a showstopper.

Does your resume demonstrate an interest in public service? Do you or will you have moot court/litigation experience? Have you done volunteer work? What are your leadership activities? Can you max out your letters of recommendation with all solid recs?

There are more, but these are the types of things you need to be thinking about. I only applied to AF, so I don't have any information on the other services. You can PM me if you have questions on the AF application process.

kay2016 · Post by **kay2016** » Tue May 27, 2014 12:42 am

Hey guys.. have read through about 150 pages of this thread, thank you so much to everyone who has contributed!

Checking in! Hoping to start applying for USAF/Navy this fall.. Been thinking about it for a while and I know that this would be my plan A even if it's a long shot!

I'm a rising 2L at a T30, grades aren't great but aren't atrocious especially in related courses (A- in Evidence, B+ in crim law) and will be taking more evidence, trial ad, crim pros this coming year. Interning at a DAs office this summer, don't have my practice card yet but will in the spring if I continue to volunteer.

No military experience in my immediate family.

Not a fatty, but not exactly in the best shape cardio wise so I need to work on that as well.

Thanks again for all the advice ITT!

JagHopeful3L · Post by **JagHopeful3L** » Tue May 27, 2014 3:31 am

Thanks for all the useful help already. I guess I'm going to contact recruiters in all 5 for more information...

Really want this, I have some of the factors mentioned, but not sure what separates me into top 5-8% of applicants or whatever sadly. Going to do everything I can though to improve my chances.

Quick question, should I be contacting e-mails listed on different branchs' jag section, or a local recruiter?

Puttanesca · Post by **Puttanesca** » Tue May 27, 2014 4:37 am

JagHopeful3L wrote:Thanks for all the useful help already. I guess I'm going to contact recruiters in all 5 for more information...

Really want this, I have some of the factors mentioned, but not sure what separates me into top 5-8% of applicants or whatever sadly. Going to do everything I can though to improve my chances.

Quick question, should I be contacting e-mails listed on different branchs' jag section, or a local recruiter?

Contact JAX or JARO or whatever the JAG HQ is called at the service you are looking at.

Military Law Forum

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Register now to search topics and post comments!

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Register for access!

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Register now!

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Register now, it's still FREE!

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Re: Military Law

Seriously? What are you waiting for?