Day 1

The 185^thArmy JAOBC class reported for duty at 1200 hours.  Wearing summer Army Physical Fitness Uniforms (APFUs or PTs), 118 men and women checked into for the beginning of what will be 18 weeks of Army training.

For those unfamiliar with the program, newly assessed Army Judge Advocates spend a week and a half at Ft. Lee for Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course (JAOBC) Phase I, followed immediately by ten and a half weeks of instruction at The Judge Advocate General Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS).  The majority of students will then spend six weeks at Ft. Benning, GA, for Direct Officer Commissioning Course (DCC).

Our class was introduced to the student detachment’s commander and its other cadre.  We were given a list of keys for success, as well as a list of things to avoid.  Both lists were straightforward and 100% achievable.  It all boils down to committing to the training, having the right mental attitude, and holding yourself out as a serious, disciplined Army Officer.

We have a large number of National Guard and Army Reserve members.  Well over half the class is from those two categories, with the remainder being Active duty.

Lots of paperwork followed; things ranging from travel card material, medical enrollment, and oaths of office.  None of the paperwork is overly complicated – but it does take time.  We got some initial equipment issued meant to keep us safe and hydrated.

The Cadre announced the Student leadership chain and then divided the class into two platoons.  Within each platoon there are four squads, and each squad has a few teams.  This process establishes a chain of command, and offers good opportunity for new JAGs to get used to the way that the Army functions.

We were also given a training schedule for our time here at Ft. Lee, and needless to say that each day is 10-12 hours long with plenty of tasks to accomplish.

By 1700 our first day was over and we were released to return to our quarters, grab some chow, purchase necessary uniform items, or to simply relax.  Day 2 starts early - with accountability formation beginning at 0515 for Physical Fitness (PT) instruction.

What can I say about the first day?  For those with prior experience the day was slow and repetitive of what many already feel they know.  For those without prior experience there were probably a few tense moments as these new officers got a taste of Army discipline.

Keep in mind that the cadre monitors what is published here.  As such, you aren’t going to see me criticize them in a public forum.  I have no cause for complaint, but if and when I do, a public forum will not be my outlet for dealing with it.  With that having been said, I will try to paint a somewhat realistic picture of our training environment.

The cadre is a positive group – with a serious job to do.  The class members outrank three-quarters of the cadre but a class member won’t be “pulling rank” on any of them.  The cadre is carefully chosen and they are well aware of their function – to train new JAGs.  Class members are treated with respect, but the cadre isn’t above straightening out an officer when he/she isn’t doing what needs to be done.

The first few days are spent in APFU, so no one on post knows what rank the class members are, and the class members are advised to let the enlisted soldiers alone.  No “smoking” the junior enlisted is allowed.

For those readers without experience in the military keep something in mind if you consider joining JAG as a fresh law school graduate.  The Army requires that everyone demonstrate respect to your fellow service members.  One demonstration of that respect is a custom where juniors salute seniors (junior being lower in rank/senior being higher in rank) – but that has nothing to do with the person wearing the rank.  A new JAG is at least a First Lieutenant (1LT) which means that he/she “outranks” every enlisted soldier and every Warrant Officer as well as every Second Lieutenant (2LT).  However, barring other Army experience, almost every JAG 1LT’s junior has more Army knowledge and experience.  Respect is a two way street.  Respect the junior’s achievement, knowledge and experience, and seek to earn their respect of you as an Officer not just your senior rank.  That is what this training is all about – giving the new JAGs to tools, standing, knowledge and physical fitness to earn that respect.