Anonymous User wrote:Just submitted my AF DAP application and have an interview scheduled. Read thru pretty much this entire thread, but did not see anything about how the AF interview works.
I already know who I am interviewing with. If anyone can give some details on the structure it would be helpful. I know Navy asks the same set of questions to everyone. Is AF the same or is it more of a normal job interview where they ask you questions about your background, leadership, why you want to be in the AF, etc?
Thanks (and thanks for all the great info in this thread).
There is guidance for what areas an SJA should ask you about in an interview, but no prescribed format. At most bases, you will probably meet with some of the Captains for a bit, and maybe go to lunch with them. You'll then be handed off to the SJA for a 30-120 minute interview. At larger, busier bases, it might be more of a cattle call with shorter SJA interviews and time spent touring the base or something. At very small bases, you might just go straight in, interview with the SJA, and leave.
There are no prescribed questions, but there are certain areas you'll have to talk about. Each SJA will be different. Most will want to have a conversation with you and really get to know you. But they all have to write up what they think about your background/experience/training in trial/litigation work and various civil law areas. They'll have to address your interpersonal and communications skills along with your leadership potential. Any prior military experience will be discussed, as will any of the "flags" such as drug use, prior arrests, etc. Beyond that, you will very likely be asked about your thoughts on deployment as well as what you think about the PT requirements.
I believe we've discussed this here before, but PT requirements are a very good example of how you should prepare. If I ask you your thoughts on the PT requirements, and you say you like to run, that's fine. The requirements can easily be located with a quick Google search, however. So a response of "Yes, the requirements for my age and gender are A, B, C, and D, and I gave myself a mock test and scored X," shows that you actually want to be a JAG and aren't just applying in April of your 3L year to get a job. Motivation statements always talk about a life-long commitment to service, how much the applicant wants to be a JAG, etc. But if you don't know we have to run a mile and a half every 6 or 12 months, it calls into question how much you know about what you're getting into. This isn't sink or swim, but just an example of how you can separate yourself from a very well-qualified pack. SJAs often have many very good candidates with little difference between them, so everything counts. And being able to say "She is ready to go today" versus "He has great potential" can be one way to do that.
This thread is probably the most helpful online resource for preparing for these interviews.