Jag, recruiting, infantry etc.

[svtjones]

I am currently Infantry...11B1P. I am an E-4 and I am about to take a recruiting spot. I still have about 1.5 years left on my college first. I assume that will be put on hold for me while I am recruiting. I will still be finishing my degree while recruiting. I hope to have my criminal justice degree this time next year by taking a few extra hours. I would like to recruit for as long as it take me to get my degree and then attend law school.

Law school requires a lot of time. I also have three kids which take time. My question is would I be able to recruit for a while as planned and then use the remaining 1.5 years of college first to get atleast half of law school done. I love the infantry but I also love the criminal justice field. I read online that a Jag officer direct commissions as a 1st LT. and can be a Captain in 6 months. That seems like a good fit for my family and I. I would like to retire with the guard and this would yield a good reitrement. I am in Texas... how difficult is Jag to get into? Is there a great need for Jag officers? What are the possibilities for career advancement in the Guard via Jag?

Ok, I will hold off on more questions until I get some answers on the previous ones. Thanks

[matthew.ritchie]

Your life has quite a few moving parts, and I don't think this forum will give you the guidance you need. Your best bet is to have a conversation with your state's Officer Strength Manager (OSM).

For appointment as a JAG, you'll need to complete not only your JD but pass the bar as well. I'm highly confident that you'll have a slot if you're qualified.

[WJH]

There are approximately 30 or so JAG slots with the Texas Army National Guard. As of about six months ago, a number of these were vacant, so yes, there is a need for Judge Advocates. As you've probably seen from the JAG recruiting website, Judge Advocates are commissioned as 1st Lieutenants and upon completion of their initial training (BOLC, OBC, DCO) they are eligible for promotion to Captain. For the Reserves and National Guard there is also a 12 month actual time in grade requirement.

For more info, I recommed that you contact MAJ Jim Carney at either 512.782.5588 or James.Carney@tx.ngb.army.mil. He's the officer strength procurement officer for Texas.

Hope this helps.

[dancersoldier]

What's JAG?

[Airman1030]

Judge Advocate General