The best option I am seeing is 2-4 years after commissioning applying for the FLEP program. (For those curious and unaware, this program allows you to commission as an LT and 2-4 years later apply for the Army to pay for law school incurring a 6-year ADSO, 2 years for each year of law school [ please correct me if I was wrong about any of that] ). Another option is applying for an educational delay which is instead of going Active, Guard, or Reserve, you defer your commitment to pursue higher education and then serve after you complete Law school, Med school, etc. That option from what I have heard is not funded and Cadets would have to seek private scholarships or pay out of pocket which is not ideal. Are there less heard of options for law school or scholarships available for ed delays?
Law School and AROTC
- Thread starter bman2907
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Are you ROTC scholarship? If not, you have the GI Bill to consider.
Option 3 is what I did -- finish your ADSO, leave AD, and go to law school. I drilled with a unit during law school and then went IRR until my total obligation was finished. Nowadays, some states have pretty generous education benefits for veterans, which you might be able to use even if you aren't GI Bill eligible (due, for example, to having had an ROTC scholarship).
FLEP is a great deal if you are committed to a 20-year career. If not, then I think it gets dicey getting up to the 13-year mark and leaving AD, particularly, at that point, just starting a civilian legal career.
I can't really speak to ed delay other than to concur with your observation that paying for law school is a monumental undertaking with, at best, uncertain return these days. And I've never heard of any funding sources for ed delay.
Option 3 is what I did -- finish your ADSO, leave AD, and go to law school. I drilled with a unit during law school and then went IRR until my total obligation was finished. Nowadays, some states have pretty generous education benefits for veterans, which you might be able to use even if you aren't GI Bill eligible (due, for example, to having had an ROTC scholarship).
FLEP is a great deal if you are committed to a 20-year career. If not, then I think it gets dicey getting up to the 13-year mark and leaving AD, particularly, at that point, just starting a civilian legal career.
I can't really speak to ed delay other than to concur with your observation that paying for law school is a monumental undertaking with, at best, uncertain return these days. And I've never heard of any funding sources for ed delay.
Thank you. Our son has had a rich classical humanities education and I think he would do very well getting into law school. He is going to UGA as a four year ROTC scholarship recipient studying business. He is thrilled to serve in active duty once commissioned.
This is what I was referring to in terms of state-based veterans' educational benefits. Texas', for example, (called the Hazlewood Act) is excellent if you qualify, and it can be used for graduate/professional school:
www.legion.org
Veterans Education Benefits by State | The American Legion
Most states offer assistance to veterans and servicemembers Several states offer veterans education benefits and programs of their own, in addition, or as an alternative, to federal GI Bill benefits. In some states, tuition waivers, scholarships or grants are offered for those who do not qualify...
www.legion.org
Day-Tripper
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Of the 80,000 active duty officers in the US Army, roughly 25 get selected for FLEP program annually. You get in-state tuition paid for, so forget Harvard, Yale, Pepperdine, etc. Law school takes 2-3 years. Each year of subsidized law school education requires 2 years of future Army active duty service (8-12 years).
This seems like more of a lengthy commitment than being a pilot.
Sources:
Army military personnel by rank U.S. 2024 | Statista
At the end of the fiscal year of 2024, it is estimated that there will be 15 Generals serving the United States Army, and a total of 354,948 enlisted personnel.
www.statista.com
SERVICE OBLIGATION
The Active Duty Service Obligation is two years for each year of law school completed.
ELIGIBLE LAW SCHOOLS
Officers selected for FLEP will normally attend a state-supported school where they qualify for in-state tuition, or where military members are granted in-state tuition rates.
SELECTION CRITERIA
When considering an applicant's file, the selection board members use the "whole person concept". Board members evaluate the undergraduate and graduate school transcripts, LSAT score, ORB, OERs, SJA interview letter, and the applicant's statement of motivation to attend law school. Applicants with 2 1/2 to 4 years of commissioned service are the most competitive. In 2016, 25 officers were selected for FLEP. The average undergraduate GPA was 3.63, and the average LSAT was 163 (88th percentile). In 2015, 25 officers were selected. The average undergraduate GPA was 3.60, and the average LSAT was 162 (85th percentile).
How about this for an option: Go Army National Guard in a state that offers waiver of tuition-fees (like my own Massachusetts). Use that waiver to attend state university with a law school, while serving in the Guard on weekends & two weeks each summer. Graduate, pass the bar, become licensed counselor-at-law. Become Guard JAG or seek active duty JAG position.
Or stay in Guard & hand your own shingle in private practice. Or work for a law firm that would love to advertise they have an Army guy on their staff. They'll make a big deal out of it on their website where they show their lawyer's biographies. Non-serving types love to show how they "support the troops", partially out of guilt from their own non-service (they'll explain how they injured a knee in high school football which prevented the from signing up.)