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It’s not a lottery win, but a terrific opportunity nonetheless. The Office of the Judge Advocate General is now accepting applications for the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program.
***image1***The program allows officers in the rank of second lieutenant through captain to obtain a law degree at an approved civilian law school at government expense. The program begins in the fall of 2009 and lasts for three academic years.
“Considering the cost of a legal education these days, this is a tremendous opportunity for promising young Army officers,” said Stephen Smith, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s special assistant to the staff judge advocate.
Col. Corey Bradley, the 21st TSC’s staff judge advocate, considers FLEP a win-win proposition, with having a law degree paid for while remaining on active duty the obvious benefit for selected officers.
“The value for the JAG Corps lies in that the program permits us to take officers from other branches of the Army,” said Colonel Bradley. “The experience and expertise these officers bring to the JAG Corps allows us to better serve our customers.”
The JAG Corps’ seal serves as a clue to the attributes contenders should possess.
“The pen crosses over the sword, indicating the pen is mightier,” Mr. Smith said.
Therefore, promising young Army officers with excellent writing and analytical thinking or advocacy skills should consider a career in the JAG Corps, he added.
***image2***The 21st TSC’s Office of the Staff Judge Advocate is a member of the largest law firm in the world, known as the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. The 21st TSC’s OSJA employs more than 120 personnel in six offices in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Interested officers should review Chapter 14 of Army Regulation 27-1 (The Judge Advocate General’s Funded Legal Education Program) to determine their eligibility. This program is open to commissioned officers in the rank of second lieutenant through captain. Applicants must have at least two, but not more than six, years of total active federal service at the time legal training begins. Eligibility is governed by statute (10 U.S.C. § 2004) and is non-waivable.
Eligible officers interested in applying should immediately register for the earliest offering of the Law School Admission Test. Applicants must send their request through command channels, including the officer’s branch manager at AHRC, with a copy furnished to the Office of The Judge Advocate General, ATTN: DAJA-PT (Yvonne Caron-10th Floor), 1777 North Kent Street, Rosslyn, VA 22209-2194, to be received before Nov. 1. Submission of the application well in advance of the deadline is advised.
Interested officers should contact Lt. Col. P.J. Perrone, deputy staff judge advocate, 21st TSC, at 484-8747 or 0631-413-8747 or by e-mail at pj.perrone@eur.army.mil.
