Judge advocate general’s corps announces law school programs

Eligible officers wanting to become Air Force lawyers can submit applications for the Funded Legal Education Program and Excess Leave Program between Jan. 1 and March 1.

The number of FLEP and ELP applicants selected in any academic year is determined based on the needs of the Air Force. Applicants compete for selection.

The FLEP is a paid legal studies program for active-duty Air Force commissioned officers. The FLEP is an assignment action, and participants receive full pay, allowances and tuition. FLEP applicants must have between two and six years active-duty service, enlisted or commissioned, and must be a captain or below as of the day they begin law school. The FLEP is subject to tuition limitations and positions may be limited due to overall funding availability.

The ELP is an unpaid legal studies program for Air Force officers. ELP participants do not receive pay and allowances, but remain on active duty for retirement eligibility and benefits purposes. ELP applicants must have between two and ten years active duty service and must be a captain or below as of the first day of law school.

Both the FLEP and ELP require attendance at an American Bar Association approved law school. Upon graduation and admission to practice law in the highest court of any state, territory of the U.S., or a federal court, candidates are eligible for designation as judge advocates.

To be considered for FLEP or ELP, applicants must have completed all application forms, applied to at least one ABA approved law school, received their Law School Admissions Test results and completed a Staff Judge Advocate interview. Officers must also provide a letter of conditional release from their current career field.

For more information and application materials, visit www.airforce.com/jag, or contact the 86th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate office at 480-6674.