The 185th JAOBC graduated.  Arguably the finest collection of men and women to complete the Judge Advocate’s Basic Course in years finished up on Wednesday.

The week was a short one.  Monday was a great day.  It started with ultimate Frisbee and ultimate Football (for lack of a better term).  The CG came out as well as some other staff, to play with our class.  We had a couple of final classes and completed some administrative work as well.  Monday night was capped off with our Dining-In.

Let me say a few words about the Dining-In; fun, fun, fun.  The CG, former CG, department Chairs and selected staff joined us for a good meal, and more importantly some great Army tradition.  The evening was capped off with some entertainment.  For those with a sense of humor, especially about themselves, it was a very good time.

Tuesday was more administrative work, followed by equipment turn-in and graduation practice.  For those looking to find out how they stacked up academically, graduation practice is where you find out if you are part of the group whose Academic Evaluation Report (AER) will note “exceeded course standards”.  The class also presented our cadre with gifts to acknowledge all of their assistance and leadership.  I had never seen a First Sergeant cry….and this occasion was no exception.

Wednesday was Graduation.  The ceremony took a little over an hour, mostly because of the length of remarks by speakers.  The actual “stage crossing” goes very quickly.  After it was over, mostly everyone made tracks for transportation, as that marked the beginning of the transition to Fort Benning – which meant some time with family or a road trip with classmates.

When the class gathered at Fort Lee three months ago (though it seems like a year) we were given 5 Keys to Success: have a positive attitude and be a team player; give 100% effort; ask questions; pass the APFT; and meet academic standards.  Those really are the keys to success.  The course can be simple if you follow the rules.

We were also given 5 things to avoid: DUIs; fraternization/adultery; cheating on course work; failing the APFT; and the loss of military bearing.  Again – too easy.  Falling into one of those traps is a speedway to problems.  Just don’t do it.

We report to DCC on Sunday.  That means we are six (6) weeks from being ready to assume our positions and to joining the fight.