What advice do you have on continuing my military career as an E4 in the IRR?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 19:09:57 -0500

To make a long story short. I joined the guard in 2013. Did my 6 years included in that a deployment to Iraq and Kuwait. I wanted to re-enlist when 2019 came however my bonus and re-enlistment were messed up due to the laziness of retention I would’ve had to extend a year to reclass and get the bonus I wanted because they were trying to rush paperwork 3 months before I ETS even though I’d came to them over a year prior. I got out into the IRR and then switched to the Army reserves, but I plan on going to law school next fall. My question pertains to paying for law school. I’m thinking of doing ROTC to pay partially for school at this point so do you guys think doing ROTC during law school would be okay for me? I’m fine with not getting JAG but could I get JAG at a later time? I’m just up in the air about my career at this point and not sure which direction to go. Ultimately I want to be an officer but I’m wondering if I should just ditch the reserves and transfer back to the IRR or if staying in the reserves would be worth it while I continue my education.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 16 at 2019 7:37 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 19:37:05 -0500

You need to contact the PMS at the college you intent to enroll in order to get the latest and greatest!

Response by SPC Devin Young made Dec 16 at 2019 8:05 PM

SPC Devin Young — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 20:05:34 -0500

If your not absolutely sick of it or have another plan, I’d get back in and reclass

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 16 at 2019 8:40 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 20:40:36 -0500

Find a JAG officer and talk with them. They should have recruiting of their own and can tell you what you need. It should be a direct commission and not require ROTC.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2019 9:51 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 21:51:24 -0500

I have a friend that went through the JAG route about two years ago. He commissioned from our program in 2017. So getting JAG is a competitive process. You need to apply and get accepted into a law program, as well as pass your LSATs. If you do get JAG straight out of commissioning, the Army will send you and more then likely pay for your law school. You’ll end up having to drill with a Guard/Reserbe unit during law school. After graduation you’ll be an official JAG officer.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 16 at 2019 10:25 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 22:25:33 -0500

Get your 20 years... no breaks... or bad years....

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2019 3:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 03:55:58 -0500

Also consider FLEP

Response by COL David Turk made Dec 17 at 2019 2:52 PM

COL David Turk — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 14:52:17 -0500

Unless things have changed, JAG has a separate program which is not ROTC. While you may enroll in ROTC as a graduate student, I’m not sure that applies to law school. Check out the link below. It has a wealth of info.

https://www.goarmy.com/jag.html?iom=AFTU-20-980_N_PSEA_ [login to see] 9740362_ [login to see] 89198_ [login to see] 0521727_ [login to see] 8687816_army+jag+program&gclid=CJ6ggoy6veYCFYJwgQoda7MJQg&gclsrc=ds

US Army JAG Corps

U.S. Army JAG Corps allows you to serve as an Army Officer while developing legal skills. Learn about becoming a lawyer with the Army at goarmy.com.