Law Education Programs

[BarrettRC8]

Perhaps a bit of background to begin.

I'm currently 22 years old and hoping to go to USMC OCC on a flight contract when I finish my Masters degree this summer. I've taken the ASTB, done well on the PFT, great LORs, etc... I'm fairly confident that I will be selected, at least according to what my OSO tells me and flying is absolutely what I want to do, no equivocation. Down the road however I would like very much to be able to attend law school which would be commensurate with future aspirations.

I am aware that the USMC currently has two programs, the Funded Law Education Program and the Excess Leave Program-Law. Neither are restricted for any of the possible MOSs I could be assigned provided I pass flight school according to MARADMIN 532/05. I am confused however and would appreciate if someone could help me understand precisely what is intended by the following text...

"3. THE LAW EDUCATION PROGRAM (LEP) FLEP AND ELP PROVIDES AN
OPPORTUNITY FOR OFFICERS TO LATERAL TRANSFER TO PRIMARY MOS 4402."

Should I assume this to mean that once the program is completed you must transfer to MOS 4402, or is is possible to retain your previous MOS?

Also, one more issue I could use a bit of help with. According to the same document...

"FUNDED LAW PROGRAM IS THE ONLY PROGRAM THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE A MINIMUM TIME ON STATION BECAUSE THE STATUTORY TIME IN SERVICE REQUIREMENT IS A MINIMUM OF 2 YEARS AND NOT MORE THAN 6 YEARS ACTIVE DUTY (OFFICER AND ENLISTED COMBINED) WHEN SCHOOL BEGINS."

What is the likelihood that a USMC aviator would be a candidate for the program when taking into account the maximum of 6 years time in service? Taking into account TBS and flight school, that significantly deteriorates the amount of remaining time available.



Much thanks to anyone who can give me some insight to either of the above issues. Also, I made sure to conduct a thorough forum search, in addition to sorting through google for the past few days and was still unable to come up with answers to the above.

 

[Taxman2A]

"3. THE LAW EDUCATION PROGRAM (LEP) FLEP AND ELP PROVIDES AN
OPPORTUNITY FOR OFFICERS TO LATERAL TRANSFER TO PRIMARY MOS 4402."

Should I assume this to mean that once the program is completed you must transfer to MOS 4402, or is is possible to retain your previous MOS?

Yes, you must lat move to 4402. The Marine Corps would not give you a 3 year paid vacation with free law school if they wanted you to stay in your previous MOS.

What is the likelihood that a USMC aviator would be a candidate for the program when taking into account the maximum of 6 years time in service? Taking into account TBS and flight school, that significantly deteriorates the amount of remaining time available.

The MARADMIN also states that "funding is a constraint" and that favoritism will be given to applicants applying to a more affordable school. I would guess that if they are looking at the price of tuition, they are also looking at the price of the Officer they are losing. Clearly, more money is spent training a pilot than most other Officers, so I'm guessing that would count against you. Of course, with every Marine Corps program, you never know until you apply, and you would still be eligible to apply.

One recommendation: Get to know some of the law contracts from TBS, then, when you are thinking about going FLEP, send them an e-mail to see how they like their jobs... I did, and then later on decided I would probably be happier not as a lawyer. My $.02.

 

[BarrettRC8]

Yes, you must lat move to 4402. The Marine Corps would not give you a 3 year paid vacation with free law school if they wanted you to stay in your previous MOS.



The MARADMIN also states that "funding is a constraint" and that favoritism will be given to applicants applying to a more affordable school. I would guess that if they are looking at the price of tuition, they are also looking at the price of the Officer they are losing. Clearly, more money is spent training a pilot than most other Officers, so I'm guessing that would count against you. Of course, with every Marine Corps program, you never know until you apply, and you would still be eligible to apply.

One recommendation: Get to know some of the law contracts from TBS, then, when you are thinking about going FLEP, send them an e-mail to see how they like their jobs... I did, and then later on decided I would probably be happier not as a lawyer. My $.02.

Thank you for tackling this one Taxman. I will certainly heed your advice regarding the law contracts during TBS.