When we founded the Order of the JAGWAR nearly 18 months ago, our goal was to cultivate a Corps-wide cultural commitment to molding Judge Advocates--already accomplished lawyers--into accomplished Soldiers. It's thus comforting to know that our mission aligns not just with the JAG Corps motto, but also with Big Army's value of it!
Just over two years ago, an article appeared on Army.mil to praise then-CPT Aaron Lancaster's graduation from the Air Assault School at Fort Hood, Texas. Celebrating CPT Lancaster for "wear[ing] two hats equally well as a man of the law and a Soldier", the article noted that "Fort Sill's attorneys take pride in being Soldiers first and attending to [the] Army's physical way of life."
Roger that. Although the conceptual timeline seems contradictory--and with due acknowledgement that we Judge Advocates are "lawyers always"--the distinguishing feat about JAGs is that BEFORE WE ARE ATTORNEYS, WE ARE SOLDIERS. That's why we wear this uniform. It means something, and it suggests something about us to those who see us sporting them.
CPT Lancaster didn't just graduate from the Air Assault School--he graduated with honors, to wit, as the distinguished Honor Graduate! His words demonstrate how:
"I enjoy both and relish the opportunities to do something like
Air Assault School as it improves soldiering skills in general."
CPT Lancaster further said that Army schools and military exercises, whether field artillery or air defense artillery, give attorneys understanding on weapons systems ultimately making them better advisers should commanders call upon them.
CPT Lancaster is now MAJ Lancaster; he exemplifies the type of leader that the JAGWAR hopes to support in attaining rank within our Corps, so that leaders are positioned to encourage Judge Advocates who seek to better themselves as Soldiers.
Our hats are off to your two hats, MAJ Lancaster. We're impressed with the great things in your past, and expect great things in the future. You, sir, are a credit to our Corps.