The 185^thJAOBC class finished Admin Law – Client Services this week and began our last block of instruction – International and Operational Law.

The class started off the week with a PT test.  As I have written before, passing the PT test (and the accompanying height/weight/tape testing) is a requirement to meet course standards.  Failure to do so causes the class member to have their Academic Evaluation Report noted with “marginally achieved course standards”.

We have three extended days this week so we could get the remainder of Admin Law finished.  Admin Law had a number of exercises which had to be completed outside of class.  Outside work isn’t uncommon, but everyone is the class has hit a wall, so the extra work tends to wear class members down a little more.

International and Operational Law is the highlight of the class for many.  It is the kind of work that many JAGs dream about – being in the room and advising the Commander on which targets are acceptable, what tactics are appropriate, and what weapons can be employed in a particular engagement.  It is strategically (my guess) taught at the end to motivate and pump the class up before graduation.

Next week is the flag football game between the faculty/staff and the 185^th.  There is a lot of trash talking going on (both ways) and we are told that the faculty/staff are tough competitors.  The class is fielding a good team, and we are hopeful that the class will prevail.

Next week is also the last full week of instruction, last week with any organized PT, and our last exam.  Needless to say, the class is excited to move on to the next phase but at the same time Ft. Benning isn’t going to be nearly as luxurious (relatively speaking) as C’ville has been.  Barracks versus hotel; commercial restaurants versus DFAC and MREs; walking/driving to class versus marching almost everywhere we go.  However, it will also be a lot more of the warrior tasks that JAGs don’t always get to take part in.  We will spend a week plus with weapons, a week with land navigation, convoy operations, squad movements, etc.  Hooah!

We cap off our instruction with the “Gauntlet” next Friday.  Without spoiling anything for future students, the gauntlet is a long day with plenty of physical exertion in the morning as teams followed by a number of simulations meant to gauge the class members’ ability to apply the International and Operational Law we will have just finished.