How do I get a federal lawyer (JAG) to look at my case of racial and sexual orientation bias which has led to my separation from the ANG?

A1C Ian Williams — Tue, 22 May 2018 14:36:29 -0400

I'm Disappointed. As a young child growing up in America, I grew up on the legends of Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong. I wanted to be an astronaut. I took my AFOQT, qualified to be an officer and a pilot. Then I come across Captain Fetterman of the Lackland Air Force Base who used his position to impede a person of colour from reaching his goal of working with NASA to the great American goal of putting a man on Mars. He had an issue with me choosing to be an officer and being intelligent. He thought I was above my place and also took issue that my father was an immigrant (he's a citizen now). This is not the Air Force I've cared about and not something shared by the many people that I have met along the way who acted so honourably to all races. However, with a dead mother who wanted to see her son become an officer and help America's space program, I wonder if I really know how much my branch cared about me if it can so callously throw me aside. Today, I saw a man with a NASA shirt and I thought, there are people with dreams but more than they they have hope. I have hope as well. If anyone knows of a way to find a federal lawyer to fight this injustice and violation of my rights to equal protection from a system that just says, "No, we just have an issue with bisexual intelligent men of colour amounting to more than what they started out as"

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made May 22 at 2018 2:43 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 22 May 2018 14:43:17 -0400

Ian, you are a wonderful man. I love you; regardless of your race and sexual orientation. So does GOD. A1C Ian Williams

Response by GySgt Bill Smith made May 22 at 2018 2:56 PM

GySgt Bill Smith — Tue, 22 May 2018 14:56:51 -0400

What is stopping you from trying again? How do you know it had to do with race or sexual orientation? Sounds like an EO investigation to me.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made May 22 at 2018 3:13 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Tue, 22 May 2018 15:13:44 -0400

ACLU

Response by SSG Warren Swan made May 22 at 2018 3:14 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 22 May 2018 15:14:30 -0400

Don’t take this as me being an asshole, but I think what you should do is look into what appeals you’re authorized. If you’re no longer a SM, that shouldn’t stop the dream, but should only fire it up more. I also think you left some of this out. You talk about a dream, how someone took it, and mention at the end you’re Bi. I DGAF about your sexuality now anymore than I did with Joes when DADT was in effect. But there HAS to be a paper trail, some means of accountability than what you’re telling us here, and without that important part, there is nothing anymore can do for you. Either lay it all out, or don’t mention it. We’re just throwing shit out hoping something sticks. You imply you were forced out. What discharge, RE code, what were you counseled on prior to discharge, and where was your NCO support?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 4:06 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 16:06:59 -0400

There is a lot about this that doesn't make sense. One person alone can not get you thrown out of any service, there are boards and paperwork. Also, if you contacted EO then there would be an investigation or some kind of paper trail. SO much about this is being left out...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 4:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 16:38:58 -0400

A1C Ian Williams if I may be direct... if you’re looking for the best advice from a community setting, you need to provide details of your separation. The entire original post offers no concrete details for which the collective knowledge on RP can offer advice and perspectives.

The entire tone of your postings in your thread is to the tune of, “they just didn’t like me for x y z reason, and robbed me of my dreams.” Intentionally or otherwise, it just seems to attempt to pull on heart and pity strings as opposed to just laying out the how’s and why’s of what happened.

Now, to be quite honest. On a public, professional forum, your main photo is in a tank top with your armpit prominently displayed. To me, (especially with the lack of any other substantial facts of your situation), that indicates that you may be lacking in better professional judgement from time to time. It’s entirely possible, that that lack of judgement bled over into your time in the military. (Again without more facts of the situation, as opposed to ‘they hated me, I got f*cked’, there isn’t much to go on here). Lack of better judgement in the military can often lead to separation.

I’m well aware that all branches are no strangers to absolutely sticking it to troops. However, my advice to you would be that if you want the best collective advice that RP can provide, instead of, “well the CPT said xyz, and hated me, etc”, you need to give specific details of your situation, your separation code, chapter proceedings, other paper work, etc. Its entirely possible that You got f*cked. But without details, it just sounds like griping.
Respectfully

Response by Maj Rob Drury made May 22 at 2018 4:44 PM

Maj Rob Drury — Tue, 22 May 2018 16:44:38 -0400

Besides not fulfilling your dream of becoming an astronaut, I hope you never had aspirations of becoming a fiction writer either. Your story isn't remotely believable.

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made May 22 at 2018 4:49 PM

LCpl Cody Collins — Tue, 22 May 2018 16:49:45 -0400

O applaud your drive to reach for the stars. I also was blatantly told yo my face, back in late 83. I black army recruiter in St. Louis Missouri, refused to sign me up for the ( then ) new Black Hawk helicopter program. They were looking for people that wanted to fly and would be promoted to Warrant Officer. That recruiter told me to my face that he could not see himself saluting me and refuse to enlist me. He was black and I'm also African American, I was in total shock and to add insult to injury once I found out I will be leaving the Marine Corps in coming over to the army he really adamantly refused to enlist me. So I went back to the Marine Corps Re took the ASVAB TEST and score exceptionally high enough to join the Marine Corps air wing. Now in your case you talk about the sexual orientation element as well as a racial element to your situation, I've read so many horror stories that gays in the military as soon as they find out someone they're working with or that is above them in the chain of command are born again christians or someone who believes in Jesus Christ . Next thing you know that Christian is real rode it for perceived discrimination against gays. So I'm asking you is the individual that you are referring to are they a born again Christian are someone of faith whose believes do not a spouse to the acceptance of homosexuality? These days so many people cry fire when there is no smoke, I could not get to fly helicopters in the army when I got the air wing of the United States Marine Corps. If I'm not mistaken any military branch that has an air wing division , You can use that Avenue to pursue a career with NASA. Or do what some professional football players do, You can be a walk on. Don't let anyone stop you and don't use any of societies perceive slights as an excuse to keep you from achieving your goal. What there are a few holes in your story that need to be filled for anyone to get an accurate picture of what you are saying.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 5:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 17:01:53 -0400

I find it hard to believe that in 2018 there is a piece of Air Force paper saying you can't do something because of your race and sexual orientation. That's not to say you won't run into some people in the service that don't like you. But that's way different from being forced out and denied opportunity based on what you're saying it's being based on. Your posts in the past talk about being a pilot, yet you're over the age limit for that. I get that you are determined and that's commendable. But at some point reality has to set in. If being an astronaut is predicated on being a pilot, and being an Air Force pilot isn't possible, then you need to set your sights on a new goal. Also, you haven't been in a long time. The longer you're in, the more experience you get. The more experience you get, the more doors will open to you.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 22 at 2018 5:08 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 22 May 2018 17:08:30 -0400

Didn't see the question answered directly. A federal lawyer, i.e. JAG, represents the Government, not you. About the only thing you can challenge is a process bust, not a decision that was made at the right level. You obviously don't like the decision, but this stuff comes under administrative procedures, so an appeal would be the procedures were not properly followed. If successful, the remedy would be to review the case again, apply the correct administrative procedures, and then reach a conclusion that most likely will be the same answer. Any suit absent you following first step first will get tossed as you didn't follow the process for corrections. If the administrative appeal fails, then the issue becomes was the appeal process followed correctly by the Government? Again, conclusions, etc. reached by deciding officials which are in the range of reason are not appealable and courts don't insert themselves into administration. You don't have many of your "Constitutional Rights" under administrative procedures. Easiest example is you're suspended for 2 weeks, the company rethinks and fires you. Double Jeopardy is quite permissible under administrative procedures. Someone is doing a JAGMAN and you "Plead the Fifth". You will be punished for not fully disclosing as this is administrative, not criminal. All the MIL side has to say is procedures were followed and otherwise keep their mouths shut. That's the JAG and/or DOJ lawyer weighing in making sure the Government liability is limited as much as possible.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made May 22 at 2018 6:11 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Tue, 22 May 2018 18:11:54 -0400

First, I would not put people's names that you feel did you wrong in a public forum. 2 wrongs don't make a right. Understand that you are upset at your Chain, but if it goes to a trial of any sort, your case is severely weakened when their lawyers pull stuff like this up. And they will.

Second, I find it very hard to believe that someone told you you couldn't serve because you have an accent.

Third, SpaceX is hiring. Not astronauts yet, but they are doing more than anything NASA is. BTW, I have a couple of friends who were NASA, and they left to go to SpaceX because SpaceX is actually doing space work.

Response by SGT Victoria Belbusti made May 22 at 2018 6:30 PM

SGT Victoria Belbusti — Tue, 22 May 2018 18:30:15 -0400

https://www.outserve-sldn.org/

Check them out.

Response by SN Greg Wright made May 22 at 2018 6:42 PM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 22 May 2018 18:42:30 -0400

You do realize that there are more civilian astronauts than there are military ones, right? If one road is closed, there's others. Find one.

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made May 22 at 2018 6:59 PM

SGT Matthew Sesar — Tue, 22 May 2018 18:59:51 -0400

Keep fighting!

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made May 22 at 2018 7:14 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 22 May 2018 19:14:26 -0400

Colour?

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made May 22 at 2018 7:25 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Tue, 22 May 2018 19:25:40 -0400

A1C Ian Williams always trying to be the voice of reason, but unless the person came right out and stated all you are accusing in this post you will need more than a lawyer. I don't think the full story is here and one guy really can't stop a dream. They can slow roll you, but there are many avenues to take. Just taking the AFOQT and wanting doesn't qualify you for the program. I am sorry you feel this has happened but this is not the Guard doing this as a whole. I know I had questions when you were talking about being a pilot before- but the issue was age related and your responses did not really answer my questions. That is pretty much in stone and has science behind it and not age discrimination. Not everything is tied to being discriminated against.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made May 22 at 2018 7:32 PM

SGT Aric Lier — Tue, 22 May 2018 19:32:47 -0400

so you want to do what exactly? do you want to rejoin and serve your country without bias?? it is doable but not without certain discrimination. yes today we should say its not there , but it is. period! you want to sue for damages? not going to happen....and if thats the case and you are happy I mean truly happy, move on with your life...... nobody owes you, but you owe yourself!

Response by SFC William Farrell made May 22 at 2018 8:00 PM

SFC William Farrell — Tue, 22 May 2018 20:00:03 -0400

I am sorry you to had to experience any of that A1C Ian Williams. I can imagine just being a person of color in the military was difficult, than you have your sexual orientation and it may have been too much for many to handle. I’m white and heterosexual but that does not give me the right to discriminate against anyone nor would I ever want to. Life here on this earth is far too short. We need to embrace each other while we have the time. All the best in your pursuit.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 22 at 2018 8:51 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 22 May 2018 20:51:57 -0400

My wife fought the VA for a wrongful termination. However, the cost was $25,000 using a civilian attorney.

Response by LTC David Brown made May 22 at 2018 9:27 PM

LTC David Brown — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:27:46 -0400

I occasionally comment on medical issues and I have trepidation. My final word of advice is “ get It checked with an appropriate professional”. Legal matters and procedures are the same. We can’t see the records, read the files, and have a brutally frank discussion with you. You can get a general sense but issues can be very very complex. A good example. About 20 years ago at the VA a young fellow came in to be seen by anesthesia for a minor surgical procedure. He played basketball ball regularly and appeared in excellent health. He had an EKG with some subtle minor irregularities. Being thorough I sent him to cardiology. Three days later he was having an Aortic root aneurysm being operated on. The point is it took a specialist to diagnose. That was expertise beyond what I was capable of. So fork out some bucks for appropriate professionals with expertise in the field you need help in.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made May 22 at 2018 10:04 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 22 May 2018 22:04:41 -0400

Man you could really make this easy as hell by just posting they type of discharge you got, and your RE code. If you got RE1, you can come back in with no problems. Other codes mean different requirements to reenter service. If you got an Honorable with a RE code other than 1, you're going to need help to come back in. If you got a General discharge, you still can come back, you need some additional help and waivers. If you got an OTH or Ad Sep, there are some serious issues that are not being fully addressed. You need to be more upfront in what you're asking, not use names (being like another post where someone else was being booted, but refused to give all the pertinent details, also not realizing that the military is BIG, but once you start dropping names, it becomes quite SMALL). Everyone knows someone. You're really making this hard on yourself. Again not to be "that guy", but I know personally how it feels to be on the wrong side of a chapter, the wrong side of a possible admin sep, but while I was mad in the beginning, I had to seriously do that check up from the neck up and realize the part I played that got me in both of those situations, and how I had to get myself out of them.

Two people cannot "put you out". There is a clear cut process that is in all branches, made by regulations that if you do not know how to look up for yourself, you're doing yourself a disservice. NO ONE gets "put out" without a paper trail. You WERE counseled on something in order for that to happen. There is NO LEGAL WAY it can happen any other way. Again I've been there, so you cannot say there is. Ad sep under a year is usually "failure to adapt". Not always, but quite often. I've been following this today, along with the responses, and at no point have you provided anyone with anything to help or assist you. You're not being upfront in what the problem is, and it seems you (like many others) need to have that check up from the neck up. This is coming down to either you're lying your ass off looking for attention (hope not), too stubborn or new to the system to properly ask for assistance (hopefully it's this simple), or just need to let go (hardest thing ever). You should rephrase the question asking WHAT AFI'S cover X,Y, and Z. Read what you're told, and come back here with what you read and how you interpreted it. IF you took the time to do that, even if you're DEAD WRONG in your interpretation, you'll be amazed at how many will want to go the extra mile to help you. None of us are perfect (especially this asshole talking to you), but usually we'll bend over backwards to help our own.

The longer you deflect on what your discharge is, post either random or not random names to bolster what you think is the problem, refuse to post your RE code (you do not need to post your discharge or 214 here, just honestly say WTF it is; you'll have to present it later no matter what to the person(s) who might help you), the more you can expect those in a position to help to turn away. Being out, doesn't mean you don't know folks who are still in. The longer you deflect, this dream you have will soon become a faded memory. I strongly suggest you pull your head out of your fourth point of contact and reassess the situation, what it means to you, how far are you willing to go to make it a reality and either shit or get off the pot.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2018 10:20 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 May 2018 22:20:18 -0400

A1C Ian Williams Your post does not make a lot of sense. If you want to work for the Space Program, what is stopping you? Research the position that you want, obtain any needed training and then go get the job. I wanted to work for the Space Program, so when I was discharged, I started working full time and went to school, In five and a half years, when I obtained my degree, I started work on the Space Shuttle Program, where I stayed until the program ended. If you want it bad enough, do it. Review the profiles of the NASA Astronaut's and you will find that they are all extremely accomplished individuals. Your odds of working on the Space Program are much higher than becoming an astronaut.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made May 23 at 2018 12:18 AM

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Wed, 23 May 2018 00:18:02 -0400

Since you are officially separated, an active duty Navy lawyer (JAG) cannot work with you. As you have identified yourself in the LGBTQ community, you should contact a support organization for your community and present this issue. LGBTQ has federal protections, thereby having resources to move you in the right direction. It doesn't sound to me that you will find successful advocacy alone on this mission. I wish you well A1C Ian Williams.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made May 23 at 2018 12:30 AM

LTJG Richard Bruce — Wed, 23 May 2018 00:30:07 -0400

I always wanted to be President. I meet all of the qualifications, but I don't have the job yet. Must be discrimination.
I personally know an astronaut. Based on your brief profile, you are not even close to meeting the requirements of a military or civilian astronaut. My friend has a BS in electrical engineering, MS in Aeronautical Science, is a Blackhawk pilot/instructor/engineer. He flew three space mission.
Go to https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/candidates to compare your qualifications.

NASA Astronaut Candidates

NASA.gov brings you the latest images, videos and news from America's space agency. Get the latest updates on NASA missions, watch NASA TV live, and learn about our quest to reveal the unknown and benefit all humankind.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 23 at 2018 12:47 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 23 May 2018 00:47:22 -0400

http://www.afpc.af.mil/Separation/Discharge-Review-Board/

Discharge Review Board

Air Force Discharge Review Board

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made May 23 at 2018 12:58 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Wed, 23 May 2018 00:58:42 -0400

Accept it as bias and move on; the military is immune to discrimination and applicable rules. Be prepared for the IG to claim it investigated your case and found nothing wrong. Later, expect the IG to claim there was a mistake and the Commander pleaded ignorance or that your case is an administrative error at best. Expect the IG to turn the tables and claim you were a substandard Airman, etc. I say this with experience Ian. Be careful and stay atop of your case, if you decide.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made May 23 at 2018 7:33 AM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Wed, 23 May 2018 07:33:39 -0400

Took the AFOQT and qualified to be an officer and a pilot, but you're an A1C. "Capt Fetterman" used his position (position as what?) to impede your goal achievement (how?) None of what you relate makes much sense.

Response by Barry Davidson made May 23 at 2018 8:16 AM

Barry Davidson — Wed, 23 May 2018 08:16:35 -0400

Unfortunately, the only rights you have are given by the UCMJ. No civilian authority has any jurisdiction in matters military Courts Martial (Dynes v. Hoover). While Article 125 may have been repealed Bowers v. Hardwick is another precedent about rights. If we're talking First Amendment then Goldman v. Weinberger sets the stage.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 23 at 2018 8:45 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 23 May 2018 08:45:55 -0400

There is a lot missing here- 1 person can not force a separation because it has to go thru several layers of command as well as JAG review. Have you exhausted all of your appeals? If you were still in then JAG should have been the 1st people to approach. I am not a lawyer, so no legal advice, but there are many lawyers out there who specialize in the military justice system. What you have presented has left me confused, I hope it works better with a lawyer.

Response by SGT David T. made May 23 at 2018 10:34 AM

SGT David T. — Wed, 23 May 2018 10:34:22 -0400

Up front, your branch (or any branch) doesn't care about you per se. You are a capability to them, a tool to be used, abused, and discarded when no longer useful. It isn't personal, it is just the way it is. If they punted you out, they at least had to have a justifiable reason since if I recall the process correctly, it would have to be vetted through legal. I also find it very difficult to accept that the Captain would be so stupid to actually put that on paper. Officers are very good at covering their asses, so this doesn't make sense.

All of that aside (assuming there isn't more to the story), so what if someone impeded you. Happens all the time to just about everyone. You have two choices. You can play the victim which will get you pretty much no where. Or you can pick yourself up, dust yourself off and achieve your dream. NASA has civilian astronauts. Find out what they require, get qualified and go for it. If that doesn't work, try one of the commercial space companies. Point is, you decide your own path. If life puts a roadblock in your way, you can let it stop you, go around it, go over it, or crash through it. The choice is yours.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 23 at 2018 2:38 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 23 May 2018 14:38:57 -0400

A1C Ian Williams "Captain Fetterman of the Lackland Air Force Base"
By chance do you remember the captains first name and his unit of record?
Lackland post locator is having a hard time finding a listing for him.
Baring that, I'll try and stop by Lackland when Im in SA this week

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 3:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 15:16:00 -0400

Until you explain the timeline and situation a bit more coherently, no one can advise you where to seek help.

JAG only helps those in the military. You are not in the military. You will have to find a private attorney (which aren't cheap).

Curious can A1C's test to be an officer and/or pilot? Seems a bit odd.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 8:21 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 20:21:57 -0400

This sounds like a fight you should have taken up while still in the military. You could petition for records correction. The Army has Army board of corrections review board. The AF should have the same. If you really want to pursue this you might have to hire a lawyer. But consider that maybe your actions may have not been compatible with military service. I guess even the Air Force has standards.

Response by MSgt Walter Thomason made May 24 at 2018 4:19 PM

MSgt Walter Thomason — Thu, 24 May 2018 16:19:58 -0400

Being an investigator, this post raises some red flags for me. In particular, how it is written and the content of what is written. To be blunt, I don't think you grew up in America because of a few contextual anomalies. One of the things that came across as particularly odd, as SSG Warren Swan pointed out was the mentioning of you being Bi. It had nothing to do with the problem you started with. I as I read down further, I noticed you didn't pull the wool over anyone's eyes.

So my question to you is this: What are you really after?

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 27 at 2018 11:55 PM

SSG Brian G. — Sun, 27 May 2018 23:55:22 -0400

Something does not track. It takes more than that to get discharged, a lot more. There has to be a clear paper trail that demonstrates a clear reason to separate and in a non-active component such as the ANG that is never quick. Heck it only drills 13 times a year. Not to mention the AF is notoriously hard to get removed from unless there is a serious reason.

What was your discharge? What was the RE code listed on your paperwork? You claim bias, what proof do you have of this bias? You claim to have a dream of being a NASA Astronaut, you do know it does not take being military to BE an astronaut right? It helps but is not required, in fact there are many astronauts that are not and never were military or former military. How did this Captain impede you exactly? How many letters of counseling did you receive?

Response by SGT Stephen Jaffe made Jun 4 at 2018 11:46 AM

SGT Stephen Jaffe — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 11:46:03 -0400

You probably should find a civilian lawyer who has experience dealing with the government,especially the military. Many will offer a free consultation. One important point though. You will have to tell this attorney everything and provide all documentation including your full military record.

Response by SFC Dennis Pettitt made Jun 7 at 2018 9:09 AM

SFC Dennis Pettitt — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 09:09:40 -0400

Yeah, if you want to be an astronaut, you should continue in college and apply for a job with NASA or Space X. The USAF is not the only route to space! Further, astronauts are encouraged to tackle adversity and not whine about it on facebook... You got to science the shit out of this!!!

Response by SSgt Paul Mimeault made Jun 9 at 2018 12:09 PM

SSgt Paul Mimeault — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 12:09:43 -0400

LGBT is seen as a mental disorder for a reason. Telling someone who sees white as black or male as female when it isn’t is not doing that person a favor.

The last thing we need is a crew member who has a mental disorder having to make life and death decisions for their crew.

It’s not the popular opinion but it is the realistic one.

Thank you for being honest about your mental state. You probably saved lives by doing so.
SSgt Mimeault

Response by 1SG Terry Gibbens made Jun 23 at 2018 10:01 PM

1SG Terry Gibbens — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 22:01:19 -0400

You got kicked out of the service after one year I don't think it was you're black or gay I believe you must have been a dud. Things like not going to drills malingering things like that. A bad drug test will get you to the door too.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 26 at 2018 1:05 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 01:05:57 -0400

SGM Erik Marquez Great challenge! Way to go!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 2:17 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 02:17:46 -0400

Others have already addressed the scenario's credibility and lack of detail, but let's look at the specific question being asked: How do I get a federal lawyer (JAG) to look at my case of racial and sexual orientation bias which has led to my separation from the ANG?

The short answer is, you do not. While there are a lot of kinds of federal lawyers, the category you mentioned is JAG. What do you think is the role of an attorney affiliated with the judge advocate general branch? The Air Force has a site aimed at selling the idea of joining JAG to lawyers, here: https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/jag/overview. Getting past its salesmanship, it does include one critical line to which I call your attention: "you’ll provide a full range of legal services to the U.S. Air Force and its Airmen."

I will take the risk of Armysplaining what that means, because I think it's important to your situation. You are a civilian with a grievance against the Air Force. You feel that either the Air Force as an institution, or influential members of the Air Force, or perhaps both, have committed a tort and you expressed a desire to have it addressed (presumably in court, based on the desire for a lawyer). In this situation, then, the role of Air Force JAG personnel will be to oppose you. If the U.S. Air Force is compelled to address your claims of institutional wrong-doing, an attorney whose primary responsibility is to the Air Force cannot assist you - no matter how substantive and credible your claims - due to an inherent conflict of interest. No attorney can provide a full range of legal services to the U.S. Air Force and its Airmen, while also simultaneously representing a civilian client who accuses the U.S. Air Force and its Airmen of wrongdoing.

The truth is, you're much better off finding an attorney who is free to focus his or her efforts on your claim and representing your interests. That will inevitably be a private attorney, rather than a federal one, especially not a JAG.

U.S. Air Force

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Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 10 at 2018 10:33 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 22:33:24 -0400

Hiring an attorney to represent you will cost an arm and a leg. My wife an I hired an attorney, and he wanted $20,000. Win or lose.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jul 11 at 2018 12:27 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 00:27:15 -0400

I thinks it time for you to stop complaining and start pursuing your goals. Go to college and then get a commission and apply to flight school. Sorry bro, but playing the race or the LGBT card don't cut it anymore. There are black generals in the military and there was a black president. Its no longer "illegal", and far more socially acceptable, to be LGBT so that's not an excuse either.

Is there racism and heterosexism? Yes - but what you need to learn is that being black and bi gives you a tougher road but not one you can't travel. You have a choice to make - either you can spend the rest of your life angry and frustrated thinking the world is rigged against you or you can decide you are going to do the best you can and see where it takes you.

Response by MSG Randall Pool made Jul 20 at 2018 8:45 AM

MSG Randall Pool — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 08:45:36 -0400

The JAG office will not assist you because you are no longer entitled to services and that's not how things work. If you believe that you have been wronged, you should contact your local CID office and file a complaint. I too agree that you are not telling the whole story here, in this day and age things like this don't happen. There are so many checks and balances that an individual cannot solely do what you said they did.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2018 3:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 15:12:54 -0400

This story sounds fabricated, things don't add up and your spelling of particular words is the European way and not the American variant.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2018 8:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 08:37:23 -0400

As a senior Non-commissioned officer in the US Army, this post reads more like a work is me story than a legitimate complaint, AND it very openly throws a particular person under the bus.

It is unprofessional, poorly written (as the flow of thought doesn't progress well), and could outright be seen as defamation!

I think I'm understanding why you were removed from service. You seem to have a sense of entitlement and use your color and sexual orientation as a crutch.

I would like to see the documentation that led to your release. I'm almost certain that it has less to do with orientation and ethnicity and more with your attitude.

A Federal lawyer? For what? Did you utilize the EO and IG programs appropriately? What are you seeking money or re-instatement?

Also, if you wanted to work for NASA why would you utilize the reserve to do so?

Response by CMSgt John Fallin made Jul 26 at 2018 12:26 PM

CMSgt John Fallin — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 12:26:00 -0400

As a retired ANG Chief I don't believe that you were put out for the reasons stated. There had to be much more to it. The idea race is a factor is ridiculous and sexual orientation unless you were using it to cause problems . Bottom line even before I retired nobody cares as long as you do what you are supposed to do. I am not saying there is no longer prejudice people in the ANG but not to the point of forcing someone out for the reasons you stated. How ever if you feel you have a strong case hire an attorney .

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2018 10:00 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 10:00:44 -0400

Ian, I agree with the other people who mention that there are things missing from your story, unsure if it's intentional or not. But I do recommend that you remove the names from your comments. If you're replying to someone here in the forum, that's fine, but mentioning third parties is not a very good idea, especially if, during the appeals process, someone does some poking around on social media and sees this.

Response by SFC Michael Eshenbaugh made Aug 7 at 2018 7:11 PM

SFC Michael Eshenbaugh — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 19:11:10 -0400

Sounds pretty fishy. This guy had a lot at his disposal. It is what he has left out that smells. I do not believe him.

Response by PO1 Frank Downs made Aug 19 at 2018 4:24 AM

PO1 Frank Downs — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 04:24:36 -0400

After this long and heart felt story, you never stated any qualifications to be an astronaut or proof that you were a target of any kind of discrimination based on your gender, race or sexual orientation.
Your entitled to equal opportunity not equal outcome that you MUST earn!

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made Sep 1 at 2018 6:02 PM

LCpl Jeff Moore — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 18:02:05 -0400

you know you can become a part of NASA, very few military officer go over to the program nowdays.

Response by CPO William A. Bullard Jr. made Sep 14 at 2018 3:42 PM

CPO William A. Bullard Jr. — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 15:42:36 -0400

This is a 'set-up' and who you do sleep with has one hellofa lot to do with it. Cut the crap here. This is not 1961 when I first came into the Navy; black people are not slotted to Stewards, Stewards Mates and Commissarymen... and "...heyboys.." That crap went out the door almost sixy years ago. Your narrative is so general here and your phrasing, hidden "...he doesn't like me because I am black..." is disingenuous. You have in the Armed Forces Informal/Formal Procedures for Redress of grievance/s; don't tell me that you didn't know; we teach them in Basic in all the Sister Services; I know because I taught them at Great Lakes. You are also given the number of DoD I/G and you can call [drop a dime] to that guy anytime you want and you do NOT have to go through Chain of Command. Straight up, why didn't you follow the proceduresd for Redress of Grievance; this is taught under "Rights Responsibilities and Equal Opportunity"? or were you not paying attention? Your F