I asked this question before but didn't really get alot of answers. I am 29 years old and a 8 year Navy vet. I am currently in my second year of law school. I also have a family.
I am applying for the air force JAG Corps as I want to go back into the military. I can retire in 12 years. If I am not selected for the JAG, I am still considering going for the Air Force ROTC. Doing so would mean that, although I would graduate with a J.D. I wouldn't be able to practice law, possibly for 12 years.
However, my family would be taken care of and I could possible retire in 12 years. Not to mention there is a chance that my last year of law school could be paid for and even receive a monthly stipend...
I would appreciate any and all "helpful" advice.
2007-12-31 09:08:34 · 7 answers · asked by WannagoAF 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Forgot to mention a couple of things. 1) I want to eventually become a prosecutor and even if I did retire for the military I would really like to use my law degree.
2) I don't know if there is a regulation that would bar me from using my law degree even if I was just a reg AF officer, other than I would have to pass the bar.
2007-12-31 09:57:57 · update #1
I did mean ROTC... I can do ROTC and I can get some school paid for AND receive a monthly stipend... This would seriously help cut my law school debt..
Also, I could still apply for the JAG program while in ROTC..
2007-12-31 10:01:59 · update #2
More::::
I am applying for the JAG One Year College program.. My app is due by Feb 1st. I am only talking about a backup plan should the JAG not accept me. I have a relatively good ranking in law school.
I guess I should be honest and say that I am worried about an Article 15 I received in 2000 hurting me for JAG.. I did, however get the best RE code possible. The ROTC det has pretty much stated they will accept me if I pass the AFOQT which I think I might have.
2007-12-31 10:12:04 · update #3
If it were me, I'd get over to an ROTC det asap and see what they could do for me. There is a program for cadets who want to go to law school. If you can graduate law school...the Air Force is going to want you to practice law....they will not stick you in Supply.
2007-12-31 10:04:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cut your debt any way you can. That's the way to get ahead long term; regardless of earning power. Every financial advisor will tell you to cut your debt first, or your positive cash flow will always suffer.
2007-12-31 10:04:39 · answer #2 · answered by Xanadu 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While you could conceivably "moonlight" as an attorney on the side, it would be problematic. You'd need to take the bar in whatever state you were assigned, plus keep up malpractice insurance.
You couldn't take ANY cases against the U.S. (officers and employees of the United States are forbidden by law to represent others against it).
That 12 year hole in your legal resume would be extremely problematic in job hunting.
Suggestion: Use veteran's preference and apply for civil service positions as an attorney (if you're a federal gov't attorney, any bar membership will cover you). Your 8 years would count toward civil service retirement, and you would have a jumping off point if applying for a JAG commission. You could even get reinstatement rights to your GS job if you did 4 with the JAG and didn't like it.
2007-12-31 10:01:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
2nd year of Law School? Then why is Gods name would you sign up for ROTC? Could you have meant OCS?
get accepted as an Officer, pass the bar somewhere and hang your shingle out after you retire as an 0-4 with 20 years.
Simple fall back plan
Ret. USAF SNCO
2007-12-31 09:57:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would think you have several options and several willing branches in need of JAG Officers. Don't see why the Air Force would not put your J.D. to work for them.
The AFROTC has an objection to using your degree upon going active??
I met a Navy Vet (enlisted) working on an accounting degree. He said he was going back in the Navy, with a commission, once he got the degree. I did not ask him any questions but I got the impression he had this worked out with a recruiter and would be getting his commission based on the degree. I am guessing that it is similar to the manner in which medical/law pro's get commissioned. As he is "prior service" the Navy will take him up to age 42.
I think your going to get the commission in JAG, ROTC or not. I also think they might fight over getting you. For now you could look for a reserve unit that will get you some JAG exposure. When I was in the Army Reserve we shared a building with a "Command" unit. They had all assets needed to takeover a post, JAG, IG,MP and AG. I would guess units like that still exist.
Good luck.
2007-12-31 09:50:48 · answer #5 · answered by Stand-up philosopher. It's good to be the King 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are just looking for a retirment check the military retierment plan is not that good. You will get a check but will need another job if you want to do anything but sit around. The benifets are nice if you retire but not good enough to retire and never have to work again. Become a normal Lawyer and make your money that way and then retiere with more money then you would in the military.
2007-12-31 09:48:28 · answer #6 · answered by Deleted one 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Look in to the reserves or guard. They still have JAG positions and granted while your retirement will not be as great you can still retire in 20, and with your 8 years active duty you will still get a good check, and practice law full time.
2007-12-31 09:15:50 · answer #7 · answered by satcomgrunt 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋