Legal opportunities for CGOs

  • Published
  • By Capt Mitch Martzen
  • 2d Bomb Wing Judge Advocate's Office
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Captains and Lieutenants,

Did you know that the Air Force offers its junior officers an opportunity to compete for a program where you remain on active duty but attend a civilian law school? Not only do you continue to receive your pay and benefits, but you also receive funds to attend a civilian law school. This program, known as the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) is available to applicants who have no less than two years, and no more than six years active-duty service (enlisted or commissioned) prior to entry into law school. FLEP applicants must also be in the pay grade of 0-3 or below as of the first day of law school.

Additionally, the Air Force offers the Extended Leave Program (ELP), which gives officers an opportunity to receive unpaid leave to attend a civilian law school of choice. ELP applicants must have no less than two years, and no more than ten years of active-duty service prior to entering law school. Additionally, ELP applicants must be in the pay grade of 0-3 (with less than three years in grade) or below as of the first day of law school.

Applications for both programs are due early each year. "Now is the time to start thinking about your application for 2009," according to 2d Bomb Wing Staff Judge Advocate, Colonel David Dales. Officers who apply to the program must balance the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), applications to individual law schools, and their separate application through to JAG Corps. "This process has a lot of moving parts, and the earlier you begin preparing, the better. Plus, it's definitely worth the effort," Colonel Dales said, "because if you get picked-up for FLEP, you're pretty much getting free law school, and you can't beat that." Captain Mitch Martzen, 2d Bomb Wing Assistant Staff Judge Advocate gave his own thoughts on applying to the JAG Corps, "Each step of the process can be a real time-hog, but the end result is worth it. Working in the JAG Corps is a very rewarding experience, and we have great esprit de corps - whether its at the JAG School or our day-to-day interactions in the base-level office with our peers. I highly recommend young officers apply for FLEP and ELP, not only is it beneficial for their own future, but it benefits the Air Force." Officers interested in the program should contact the local base legal office at 456-2562; Capt Eric Merriam, HQ USAF/JAX, at DSN: 224-5368; or visit http://www.jagusaf.hq.af.mil