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A4 August 27, 2015 www.FortHoodSentinel.comEDITORIAL/OPINION
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COMMAND STAFFCommanding GeneralLT. GEN. SEAN MACFARLAND
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BY BRIG. GEN. MICHAEL DILLARD 310th SC(E) Commanding General
Wednesday, we observed Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the addition of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. This amend-ment states that women are equally entitled to the same voting rights as men. The ratification of that ground-breaking amendment paved the way for equal civil and political rights for all Americans. As we recognize women’s struggles and cele-brate their right to vote, we also acknowledge women in the Army for their tremendous contributions to protect our nation’s freedom and democracy.
I am extremely proud of anyone who puts on the military uniform and raises their right hand to take the oath of service to our nation. Our Army recruits the best talent regardless of gender or race, and ensures the integration of diverse attributes, experiences and backgrounds in ways that enhance decision-making and inspire high performance.
Throughout American history, from the Revo-lutionary War to current Overseas Contingency Operations, women have made tremendous sacri-fices for our nation. Women serve in 78 percent of all Army occupations, and continue to operate in essential roles as an invaluable asset of our fighting force.
After more than a decade of continuous com-bat, our Army has been tested in some of the harshest environments we have ever faced. During our most difficult military operations, women have displayed unparalleled resourcefulness, flex-ibility and adaptability, exemplifying mental and physical toughness and courage under fire. We can sleep soundly at night, knowing that when our freedom is threatened, American women will answer the call alongside their male counterparts.
As the Army transitions into the future, we are focusing on the Soldier 2020 effort to improve force readiness by employing the best-qualified Soldiers for every occupation in the Army. The full implementation of this concept will sup-port the opening of previously closed positions and opportunities for women. Significant strides have been made to support equality for all Sol-diers within our ranks. For example, recently,
two military female Soldiers have made history in August by graduating from the Army’s elite Ranger School.
Again, our women continue to demonstrate that they are qualified and capable of achieving anything that they desire. However, we must also continue to eliminate hurdles that prevent people from achieving their professional goals.
We emphasize the value and importance that the United States Army organization places on diversity. In today’s military, women experience a level of equality and opportunity unparalleled to those available in the larger civilian commu-nity. Opportunities for different jobs and career advancement are plentiful for women in the Army Family. It is important to understand that we are Army Strong because we embrace the strength of diversity within our formations. Reflect upon our women’s sacrifices and the contributions they make while serving our military and protecting our country.
Another opportunity to celebrate women’s equality will take place at 1:30 p.m. today at the West Fort Hood Chapel. The featured guest speaker will be Mary Himic, the Fort Hood deputy garrison commander.
Reflect upon women’s sacrifices, contributions
BY CAPT. CASEY JONESTrial Counsel, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div.
Have you ever thought about going to law school? The Judge Advocate General’s Corps is looking for highly qualified officers from all branches to assess into the JAG Corps and attend law school at no cost.
The Funded Legal Education Program is one of the best kept secrets in the Army. Upon selec-tion into the FLEP, the officer remains on active duty status and attends law school on a fully funded basis. Selected officers get paid their normal salary while attending law school. While attending school, a FLEP officer’s only obliga-tion to the Army is to attend summer on-the-job training at a local JAG office and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Currently the Office of the Judge Advocate General is accepting applications for the Army’s FLEP. Under this program, the Army projects that up to 25 active-duty commissioned officers will be sent to law school at government expense this year. Selected officers will attend law school beginning in the fall of 2016.
Interested officers should review Army MIL-PER Message 15-013 and AR 27-1, Chapter 14 (The Judge Advocate General’s Funded Legal Education Program) to determine their eligibil-ity. This program is open to officers in the rank of second lieutenant to captain. Applicants must have at least two, but not more than six, years of total active federal service at the time legal train-ing begins. Legal training begins the first day of law school. Reserve time is compressed into active duty days for purposes of this calculation. Prior active-duty enlisted service also counts against the six-year cap. Eligibility is governed by the FLEP’s controlling statute (10 U.S.C. 2001) and is non-waivable.
Eligible officers interested in applying should immediately register for the earliest offering of the Law School Admission Test. The LSAT is a pre-requisite for attending an accredited law school, which the FLEP requires, and is also a factor in the selection process. Applicants must send their request through command chan-nels, to include the officer’s branch manager at AHRC.
The applicant then sends the original hard
copy of the application to the Officer of the Judge Advocate General, ATTN: DAJA-PT (Ms. Yvonne Caron-Rm 2B517), 2200 Army Pentagon, Washington, DC 20310, to be received by Nov. 1, 2015.
Submission of the application well in advance of the deadline is advised. Board results are generally published in late December or early January. Selected Officers will PCS to the law school of their choice prior to the start of school in Aug. 2016.
The application process requires applicants to submit prior OERs, LSAT score, undergradu-ate transcripts, a statement of intent, resume and interview with the local division staff judge advocate.
Applicants must interview with their division staff judge advocate prior to submission of the FLEP application.
Interested officers should contact their local staff judge advocate for further information. For 1st Cavalry Division officers, contact Capt. Casey Jones, Office of the Staff Judge Advo-cate, 1st Cav. Div., at 287-9427, or by email at [email protected].
Junior officers: Apply for Funded Legal Education Program
School started this week. What’s the best thing about that for you?
“There ain’t a best part. I’m going to miss my baby.”
Sgt. Jason Ruth, 1st Cav. Div.
“Everything is new and exciting right now…Then they don’t want to go back to school anymore.”
Pvt. Alexander Fontarez, 36th Eng. Bde.
“The first day of school, getting new clothes, shoes and meeting new people.”
Pvt. Christian Ruiz, 1st Cav. Div.
“Seeing my daughters excitement as she goes back to school and sees her old friends.”
Cynthia Shillibeer, Civilian
“My teenagers will be involved in plenty of activities, learning and friends.”
Lt. Col. Bob Brinson, III Corps
Women’s Equality Day:Courtesy photo