A prospective Judge Advocate read my last post and had a few questions regarding the JAG Corps Reserve Component and I thought it would be a good idea to share the nuts and bolts of my experience as a Judge Advocate/private practitioner in the Reserves. **These are only my opinions and suggestions based off of my experiences.** I joined the JAG Corps as a reservist because I wanted to use my professional skills to serve America and her troops in the midst of two wars. I was knee...read more

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I never imagined… A year and some change ago, I never imagined I would be where I am right now. About fifteen months ago, I was getting closer and closer to making one of the best decisions I have made: applying for a reserve commission in the JAG Corps. I had it all figured out: I would become a reservist, complete my Officer Basic Course and then return to my firm and partners and pick up where we left off. I knew I would like being a soldier. I knew I would...read more

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MACP Level 3 Certification Week 2 This may be a bit out of sequence but please bear with me…I was introduced to the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP) by my AWESOME cadre (SFC Thomas, SSG Schippel, SSG Stalinski, etc.) during Direct Commission Course (DCC) at Fort Benning, GA this past summer. I didn’t realize at the time how cool/effective MACP was at the time…due largely in part to us “rolling” in the Georgia heat in combatives uniform....read more

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On 16 Aug 10, I began my Army Combatives Level 2 certification class at Fort Sam Houston.The class was instructed by SFC Klein and it was awesome. We were taught advanced techniques that built upon the ones we learned in level 1. In addition to these techniques, we were also taught a little "stand up" game and sparred with blauer suits on. During the two week course, we did a ton of "rolling" (grappling for submission or points) and learned how to think one move ahead of...read more

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Well I made it back home from DCC, since my last post I qualified with the M4 rifle and passed land nav. I also built some friendships that I'm sure will last throughout my career (shot out to my battle from NY 2LT Eric Kucich). Anyway I made it back home and managed to get the opportunity to enroll in Level 1 Modern Army Combatives Program course. The class was awesome and our instructor (see picture above in the front middle) was equally awesome. I'd also like to thank my...read more

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Our internet access at DCC is sporadic so I am posting blogs that I wrote regarding our training from 9 May to 18 May 2010....So here we go: 8 May 10 Alot has happened since my last post. On 5 May 2010, students of the 181st Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course became official Judge Advocates. The night before we had a memorable dining in that entertained all in attendance. My mother was able to fly in from Houston to see me and my battle buddies graduate. Although Aliya...read more

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Hello to all: I have been MIA for about a month and for that I apologize. I once learned that "Excuses are monuments of nothingness that build bridges that lead to nowhere; those who use these tools of incompetence are master of nothing." Therefore, I will give none. With that said, alot has happened during this last month: 181st JAOBC Blues Reception, PT, Criminal Course of Instruction, PT, Advocacy Week, and......PT. The Blues Reception was a great...read more

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Wow! Phase 1 of my JAOBC training has come to an end and alot of things about the past 12 days stand out to me. First and foremost I am almost certain that 20 years from now (LORD willing Im still here) when I look back what I'll remember most is that Ft. Lee was cold as hades!! Despite the weather, Ft. Lee was an enjoyable experience. We spent three cold days in the field learning basic warrior tasks such as, first aid, requesting medevac (medical evacution), how to effectively apply camouflage...read more

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What's up peeps?! I've been here at Ft. Lee (Prince George, VA) for about two days and it has been full go from day one! We have been filling out a ton of paperwork and (for those of us with no prior service) trying to learn Army courtesies and customs on the fly. I'm meeting alot of my classmates and it seems we are a very diverse group. Dont hold me to this number but its about 110 of us from all over the country and from all practice areas. The weather is...read more

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Hello to all! I am 1LT (First Lieutenant) Earl Wilson, III. I am originally from New Orleans, La. (Geaux Saints!) and I am presently gearing up to leave my comfortable home and job in Houston, Texas in pursuit of the "road less traveled":THE UNITED STATES ARMY! Hooah! I was fortunate enough to receive a comission as an officer in The Judge Advocate General's Corps., so I figure I am about to get the best of both worlds: priceless experience in my professional discipline (MOS) and the...read more

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