Can someone answer my son's questions who is interested in a JAG direct commission?

I'm an Air Force JAG. I direct commissioned out of law school into the Air Force but I interned during law school with the Army JAG Corps and applied and was accepted into both AF and Army programs. It sounds like your son will be following the direct appointment route. All the information necessary can be found here: http://www.airforce.com/jag/ and here: https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/Sites/jaro.nsf/homeContent.xsp?open&documentId=2D551B545751CD3185257B2D0051278C. Moreover, I would be happy to answer any specific questions. You or your son can e-mail me [login to see] .mil.

One last point. For your SA, the application process for DA JAG tracks more closely with the civilian application process than your normal stop in down at the recruitment office path.

Good morning,

Please have your son email me at [login to see] and I'm happy to answer any questions he might have, if I can, with regard to the Army JAG Admissions process. I have been a JA for a little over 3 years now and am currently a Field Screening Officer (interview applicants for JA positions).

I graduated in 2006 and began working as a clerk for a judge. After several years I became a federal agent and did not practice law. A few years back I applied for a direct commission on the USAF reserve (IMA). Once I completed the paperwork and medical in processing, I was sworn in and direct commissioned as a 1st LT. It was about 4 months later that I went to my initial training. I just completed commissioned officer training (COT) last week and will have 9 weeks of JAG school next summer.

If your son is wanting to practice law, this will be the best route. The only other option for him to get this type of experience would be with a prosecutor or public defenders office. I would encourage it heavily. I don't know that there is much in the way of loan forgiveness, I didn't get any. But he will make more as a 1st LT then most assistant prosecutors. And will get raises much quicker and higher as well. He will be a Captian within 6 months if he goes active duty. (1 year in the reserves).

Hope that helps. I don't know much more than where I have made it to in the process so far. All the best!