Becoming a JAG

Someone asked about becoming a JAG after graduating from a SA. I suppose anything can and does happen but the couple of times I worked with an Air Force attorney I learned that they had already graduated from law school and came directly into JAG with no prior AFA or ROTC involvement. As a butter bar, I roomed off base with a Air Force physician who was a fresh off the street Captain. They barely knew how to wear their uniform. I'm guessing that's the 'normal' way most doctors and lawyers enter the Air Force still. I forgot the Dr's exact $ incentive for joining up after their residency was done. Probably a lump sum cash signup bonus along with the immediate rank to Captain. They may have paid off her student loans or something like that.

Anyway, wa la, out of the BLUE here's this new video on facebook from an AF JAG that was just put out. If interested still, here it is...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8M5MlHkVvA

This is awesome, luckymacy! sprog's gonna love this!

I think you are right about most docs and jags doing a direct commission without any prior military experience. Others take varying routes, however. My father did enlisted time between college and med school and, after med school, he entered service as a Captain. My route was different. I did ROTC scholarship at an SMC, then active duty jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, then law school (on loans), and almost re-entered service when the military recruiters started showing up at my law school (while elbowing the FBI recruiters who were also visiting the law school campus!!). But then I got an opportunity to work in the federal court system, and the rest is history.

I especially love her comment "I'm gonna do it better!"

luckymacy said:

I suppose anything can and does happen but the couple of times I worked with an Air Force attorney I learned that they had already graduated from law school and came directly into JAG with no prior AFA or ROTC involvement.

Click to expand...

That is the way it is for the majority of JAG officers. There are some who come from the line ranks, but it is minimal compared to direct accessions.

From what I hear, most AF doctors and lawyers go through the COTS program at Maxwell AFB for their commissioning.