PDO has learned that the U.S. Army JAG Judge Advocate General recently decided that due to fiscal limitations, the Army JAG will temporarily suspend the Spring Active Duty selection board and the 1L internship program. As of right now, this is only for Spring 2012. The 2L summer internship and the Fall (2011) selection board are still in place. However, 3L students who are planning to apply for active duty positions next year must interview with Captain Stephen Smith during Fall OCI on September 14th, as this will be your only opportunity to apply for an active duty selection board until next Fall. If this changes your interviewing plans, please contact Jaclyn Howell-Powers at 801-587-8317, who will assist you in scheduling an interview time on September 14th. Available times are first come, first served.
Please note that all Army JAG positions, whether active duty, intern or army reserve, require an interview with an FSO in order to complete the application. Interviews must be obtained within 12 months of the application deadline.
A word about applications and competition:
The Army has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of applicants applying for active duty and intern positions. However, the number of available positions has not changed. As such, the acceptance rate into the Army JAG program has become much more competitive. This last year alone, the Army JAG Corps received over 1600 applications, but only offered about 150 active duty positions. Students must know that the Army JAG Corps is very competitive and applicants may need to make extra efforts so that their applications stand out from the crowd.
A few points to consider:
1.) Interest in JAG opportunities have gone up significantly in recent years, and commissions within each branch of the military are very competitive. This does not mean that you should not apply–especially if you have prior military experience, are a U.S. Citizen and can pass security clearance requirements, have practical legal experience, are physically fit and medically qualified, and are under the required age limit (among other considerations). Perhaps most importantly, do your research on the JAG to which you are applying! Recruiters encourage students to read everything you can about the JAG, such as what they do on a regular basis and what they have done in recent years, what their part was in specific missions (I.E. Hurricane Katrina), etc. Also, recruiters look at the entire package, including the applicant’s personal life—community involvement (Big Brother/Big Sister, student pastor, volunteer with the special olympics, etc.). Although grades are important, JAG recruiters like to see your extra-curricular activities and will likely ask you about them in an interview. If you are not currently volunteering in any capacity, do so now!
2.) Typically the more you apply if not selected, the better chance you’ll have at obtaining a commission with the JAG Corps of your choosing. Perseverance demonstrates to local and national recruiters that you are serious in your desire to work for the JAG, and they are—in most cases—willing to work with you in order to help you with your application and to become better qualified for selection.
3.) The earlier you begin the application process, the better. Most applications require a personal/motivational statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, security clearance, etc. Unless specifically stated, do NOT wait until the last minute to begin your application!