National Jurist - October 2008 - (Page 26) Armed Forces Advertorial: Air Force JAG Corps By Dan Elkins | Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service professionalism and quality of people you work with make for a true sense of “The level of team and family.” Contribute to Something Greater ike many students in their second year of law school, Afsana Ahmed found herself weighing the pros and cons of electing a professional track in private practice or public service. Having no prior military affiliations, it was with some uncertainty that the University of Illinois student set out to learn more about becoming an Air Force Judge Advocate. She found the process was not as daunting as it had initially appeared. Earning a direct appointment as an officer in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 2003, she is now known as Capt. Afsana Ahmed. She has quickly discovered that military life is not as abrasive as is often portrayed on television. “I wasn’t sure what practice I wanted to pursue after law school, but I knew I wanted something more,” Afsana said. “I found the Air Force fit me perfectly, and I could expand my experience into different areas of practice.” The JAG Corps provides a full range of legal services including defense and prosecution for the U.S. Air Force. In addition to the traditional litigation roles, a JAG’s area of practice can extend to matters involving civil, government contracts, labor, environmental, medical and international law. Captain Ahmed’s love for travel also fits well in the Air Force JAG Corps. “You can experience a new and exciting culture for a couple of years before moving on to your next assignment,” she said. She’s also found that the opportunity for assignments throughout the United States and overseas contributes greatly to the diverse areas of practice and advancement of new skills. In her first two assignments, Afsana’s areas of practice included military justice, labor law and civil law. While deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, for six months, she assisted in prosecuting insurgents as part of the magistrate cell, where she performed initial legal reviews to determine whether a detainee posed a security threat. She is now assigned to the Pentagon where she is responsible for recruiting future Air Force JAG officers who will make valuable and lasting contributions to their nation. From a financial standpoint, Captain Ahmed said many new attorneys find the advantages and benefits available through the Air Force often outweigh the appeal of corporate salaries. “Everyone is concerned about paying off law school debt. While government service looks like it might not compare on paper, the intangible benefits that don’t directly translate into dollars more than make up the difference,” she insists. “You keep more of what you earn, and you don’t have to pay the ever-increasing premiums for medical and dental health coverage.” Other benefits include 30 days of vacation with pay each year, a compensation award for continued service, tax-free housing and food allowances, and a generous retirement plan after only 20 years of service. Captain Ahmed most enjoys the intangible benefits of working for one of the most respected organizations in the world and a genuine sense of contributing to something greater. “The level of professionalism and quality of people you work with make for a true sense of team and family,” she said. “At the end of the day, it just comes down to a lifestyle choice.” As a naturalized U.S. citizen, contributing to something greater is at the root of her decision to serve her nation. Born in Bangladesh and raised in Africa until she was 9, Afsana’s family chose to settle in Chicago because of the greater educational opportunities. Afsana didn’t let the opportunity pass. She completed her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Loyola University Chicago and later her juris doctor degree at the University of Illinois. The Air Force selects approximately 120 people into the JAG Corps each year. Eligibility includes: – U.S. citizenship – Age 35 or younger by the time you’re commissioned as an officer – Graduate from an American Bar Associationaccredited law school – Admitted to the highest court of any state or federal bar There are several avenues for entering the Air Force JAG Corps. The most common is by direct appointment, available to attorneys and students who have completed their second year of law school. Additionally, first- and second-year law students may be eligible to compete for Air Force ROTC programs, provided they successfully complete all program requirements. Second-year students interested in learning more about the JAG Corps may also apply for paid civilian summer internships. Like Captain Ahmed, you too can make a pledge to defend the liberty and freedoms of this nation. Nowhere is it more satisfying to practice law than in the uniform of a respected service whose mission is to defend America against threats in a changing world. Air Force JAG Corps
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