Posted: 12/10/2007 2:53:44 PM EDT
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Greetings all. I left the Army back in 1999 when, well we were not doing very much. I went into the IRR and attended law school. After graduating from law school I tried private practice and did not like it. When the chance to be mobilized came in 2006 I took it. I finally came to the conclusion that at heart I was a Soldier who had legal training and that what I needed to do was join the Judge Advocate General Corps. I put in my application a few months ago and today, just a few minutes ago, I found out I had been selected. I know there has been a great deal of heartburn about JAG officers who seem to know little about what it takes to be a combat Soldier. I pledge to my fellow Soldiers to bring that experience outside the wire to the Army justice system and for you door-kickers, grunts, and HSLD characters to know there are people with your back on the FOB and in garrison. |
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Congratulations! The JAG Corps always needs more people that place the soldier first. If you haven't been there, Charlottesville is a great place. You'll probably get a few years there, between OBC, the advanced course, and teaching. ETA: Here's my advice, which you didn't ask for, but I hope you listen to anyway. Most of it you will already know, as a former commander. 1. Don't be Dr. No. Too many lawyers will say "Nope, can't do it" to the commander. Instead, your job is to find a way to make it happen legally, so the "No" becomes "No problem, but we need to do it this way..." 2. You are only an advisor; the commander makes the decisions. He may occasionally disagree with you and be willing to take the risk that goes with the potential problem. You argue up to the point of decision, and then you fully support him. "You want to donate those computers to an Iraqi school, sir? You do understand that they're on the property books, and that the risks of doing so are ____? All right then, I'll help you carry them inside." I'm not saying cover up clearly illegal actions, but respect that you are only a member of his personal staff and do not have veto power. 3. As a member of his personal staff, you are entitled to direct access to the commander under the UCMJ. This can be problematic on occasion if there's a strong XO or S-3 in the middle. I've had that fight several times where an XO wanted to make military justice decisions, and it's never pleasant. 4. Get out of the headquarters. If you need a commander's signature, go to him in the field, the motor pool, or at the range. 5. If you are a legal assistance attorney, don't underestimate the power of Joe to do stupid shit. One of my clients bought a car at 89% interest and didn't see a problem with it. 6. Don't jump on the opportunity to court-martial a soldier at the drop of a hat. As a trial counsel, your job is to pursue justice, not trial experience or marks in your win column. Much of the time, minor issues are best dealt with using NJP, chapters, corrective training, or simple leadership. Good luck! Edit to fix my dumbass spelling and grammar. |
Thanks for the advice; 1 and 6 were obvious to me but the others make sense as well. Will keep you all updated. |