Get involved in legal side of AF

  • Published
  • By Courtesy of 56th FWJA
  • 56th FWJA
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, arizona --  Cross-training in the Air Force is an opportunity made available to most enlisted Airmen. There are many fields available and many can be the start of lifetime careers as they easily cross over into the civilian world. One such is specialty code 5J0X1 Paralegal.

"If you're interested in a career change that is both challenging and rewarding, you should consider retraining into the paralegal career field," said Master Sgt. Deanna Commack, 56th Fighter Wing Legal office superintendent. "This profession provides a great environment for those looking for a career that offers a sense of pride, independence, personal growth and accomplishment at the end of each work day."

The Air Force enlisted legal career field was established on May 1, 1955, and continues to play a prominent role in The Judge Advocate General's Corps, according to Commack. "TJAGC's primary mission is to provide legal counsel to commanders, first sergeants and other key personnel on a broad spectrum of legal and quasi-legal matters," she said.

The paralegal has a direct impact on all facets of the legal field. This includes military justice, claims, civil law, legal assistance, contracts, environmental and operations law to name a few. Within these divisions, paralegals conduct legal research, interview victims and witnesses, and team with attorneys to draft opinions and other documents. They also support investigations of serious events, such as aircraft, missile or rocket incidents.

Those interested must be eligible to retrain into the paralegal career field by meeting certain criteria, which include the ability to type a minimum of 25 words per minute, a minimum general AQE score of 51, have very little to no derogatory information in their records, and obtain recommendation letters from their leaders. In addition, a two-part interview session will be completed with the staff judge advocate and law office superintendent. Fiscal 2016 retraining quotas were released July 16.

"They typically fill up quickly," Commack said. "To submit your retraining application, contact the retraining section of the military personnel section or see a Luke Air Force Base career advisor."

For more information about the paralegal career field or to set-up an informal interview, call Commack at 623-856-9537.