This weekend was my first "drill" weekend. I met the commanding officer and the other JAGs. I really had no idea what it would be like or the reception that I'd receive. It was incredible, actually. The guys were great. Very welcoming...much more than I could have imagined. The unit has around 20 lawyers and 6-7 paralegals.
I am the only immigration lawyer in the bunch and it was obvious that they were excited to have someone with experience in the subject...mostly so that they can stop having to answer (and research) immigration questions!
The weekend mostly consisted of powerpoint presentations on different subjects...wills, military criminal code of justice and first aid for burns/injuries. Apparently, each unit has to cover these (and other subjects) annually as part of their readiness training.
I am going to be the 1st in the unit that has to complete the new required training. The 6 week Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC II) at Ft. Benning (1st 4 weeks at Benning are Direct Commission Course (DCC) which is actually prep for the BOLC II) is a new requirement for JAGs. So none of them have ever done it. Got lots of questions about that...so in that respect, I'll have some experience that they do not have.
So a great entry into this strange world of "yes, sir/thank you, sir" world!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Training and afterwards...
The training is essentially 3 phases...
Phase I is a 2 week orientation at Ft. Lee, VA. "Yes, Sir; No, Sir" kind of stuff.
Phase II is a 10.5 week course at the military law school on the campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Karina and the girls will be with me for this part.
Phase III is a 10 week officer basic training at Ft. Benning, GA. This is the real grueling "army" type stuff. Karina and the girls are going to Mexico for this part as they cannot stay with me.
Once done, I return to my job at Catholic Charities. Then it is 1 weekend a month (not overnight) with the Boston unit (about 30 lawyers) and 2 weeks of training in the summer. Deployment is always a possibility, but as I am brand new and know nothing, it is unlikely to happen for awhile.
Phase I is a 2 week orientation at Ft. Lee, VA. "Yes, Sir; No, Sir" kind of stuff.
Phase II is a 10.5 week course at the military law school on the campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Karina and the girls will be with me for this part.
Phase III is a 10 week officer basic training at Ft. Benning, GA. This is the real grueling "army" type stuff. Karina and the girls are going to Mexico for this part as they cannot stay with me.
Once done, I return to my job at Catholic Charities. Then it is 1 weekend a month (not overnight) with the Boston unit (about 30 lawyers) and 2 weeks of training in the summer. Deployment is always a possibility, but as I am brand new and know nothing, it is unlikely to happen for awhile.
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