vagabond

This happened only last night, when one of my volunteers said he's going to Reno next week. I asked him what the heck he was doing in Reno and he said it was stuff he had to do with the Army Reserves. The discussion then changed to ME joining the reserves. Apparently, lots of lawyers and judges are members, and they go to Japan and other exotic locales; however, he did not say what they do while over there.

As it turns out, it is something I have thought of, but doubt any branch of the military will want an annoying old bag like me. The Air Force is out since I can't fly straight. The Navy is out because I can't swim. I am in ok shape, but don't think I can survive basic training (not even sure what all that entails). I have poor eyesight, dislike guns, and worst of all, don't take commands from someone else very well. I'm used to giving commands, not taking them.

Can anyone please elaborate what joining the Reserves will involve? Is it a waste of my time to pursue? Should I go talk with a recruiter? There is a recruiting office near the local mall. Maybe I can stop there tomorrow.

JDriver

You should speak to an Officer Recruiter about serving as a JAG (Judge Advocate General). You will not be required to go through the same ass pain basic training as most of the folks do. There is a kinder & gentler commissioning source for doctors/nurses/lawyers/chaplains. The recruiter will be able to answer most of your questions. Additionally, ask the recruiter for the number to the local JAG so that you can speak directly to them about what they do.

jdt30

The Air Force Reserve is always looking for attorneys. I tried to set up a link that might answer some of your questions, but for some reason the site is not responding.
The first step is contacting a reserve recruiter and explaining your qualifications. (be patient this may take a while) After being accepted you will be sent to a shortened OTS course, filled with fellow attorneys and doctors. The ages of the candidates ranged from 24 to I'm guessing upper
40's. I attended OTS for dummies (pilots) so I'm not sure what the progression is from there.
Try this website for some reason it isn't working for me.
jagrecruiting.law.af.mil/

SaltyDog

vagabond,
The military reserves are often interested in certain professionals like MD's, Nurses, and potentially Judge Advocate General (JAG) Atty's. Often, the age is not the same as your warfighting skillsets (even though you can end up anywhere the military is deployed).
The Army says "JAG Corps officers prosecute, defend, and judge, courts-martial, negotiate and review government contracts, act as counsel at
administrative hearings, and provide legal advice in such specialized areas as international, regulatory, labor, patent, and tax law, while effectively maintaining their civilian careers."
Army: IN GENERAL, APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Be at least 21 years old and for appointment as a first lieutenant be younger than 33, and for appointment to captain be younger than 39 (waivers for those exceeding age limitations are available in exceptional cases). http://www.goarmy.com/jag/procres.pdf

The Navy does not take JAG officers in the Reserves without first being on Active duty. They take JAG officers up to 42 years old though. http://www.navyreserve.com/opportuni...icer/legal.jsp

Not sure of USAF/Air NAtional Guard nage requirements though they have reserve JAG's. There websites don't open for me either, but it might be because the internet knows I am a squid. <g>]

Good luck

vagabond

Thanks to all for this great information. I have yet to talk with a recruiter, but will carve out some time to do so.

What happens to people who are older than 39? Is that where the waiver comes in? What are you waiving? I guess the question really is whether there is an upper age limit, after which a person will never be considered. According to SaltyDog, the Navy will not take anyone older than 42.

I'm glad to hear about the easier physical requirements. I can run a mile, but it'll take me 40 minutes with several bathroom, water and milkshake stops.

I'd really like to fly the F-18 for someone.

SaltyDog

You are asking the particular service to waive their age limit. If they need you this is a formality. If they are OK, then you must ask, and show why you are a benefit to the military with your expertise in law. The reason they have age limits is because the government fundamentally wants all servicemembers to have a theoretical opportunity to earn a retirement after 20 years of service (active or reserve duty). The reserve earns retirement starting at age 60 if they have 20 years service. My father in law was an MD who joined the Navy at 52 because they needed MD's. He ended service after 10 years.
Also, each service is different regarding waivers. Even the Navy likely allows reserve JAGs, just not today. Tomorrow may be different. Often is with the military. Thanks for considering helping out in the military regardless of direction.

Clue32

Here is something to consider. Army Brigades have staff JAG's for all sorts of legal matters. Army Brigade (NG and Reserves included) deployed to contingency theater, JAG goes too. Then what do you do with your private practice for the 15-18 months you are activated for training, deployment, and reintegration?

If you want to go to cool destinations, take a vacation. That whole "Join the military, see the world" ideal is a fantasy. Join the military, see Iraq/Afghanistan/Kosovo, period.

vagabond

I am not considering joining up to go to cool destinations (or for the retirement). With the exception of Africa, I pretty much have been all over the world and seen more than I really thought possible, all on my own dime.

I no longer am in active private practice, but will need to discuss any deployment with the Chief Judge so that my cases are covered.

However, I haven't even yet talked with a recruiter so all this might be premature. And it's a moot point altogether if nobody wants me!

jdt30

Vagabond, this website is actually working now.

http://jagrecruiting.law.af.mil/

tomgoodman

Honorable Hornette, Esq.:

If you were assigned to the the Navy JAG office, snagging an F-18 "incentive" ride might be fairly easy.