George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School

Militias Recruit Veterans

Written By Spring 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor.

During his confirmation hearing Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III promised to “fight hard to stamp out sexual assault, to rid our ranks of racists and extremists, and to create a climate where everyone fit and willing has the opportunity to serve this country with dignity.” Read more

UCMJ Jurisdiction for Retirees

Written By Spring 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor Brady Clapp.

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (“UCMJ”) is the Congressionally enacted set of federal laws that governs criminal law for the military.[1] Beyond simply listing the various crimes punishable by military law, the UCMJ also sets forth the scope and jurisdiction of military law. Read more

Man’s Best Friend: A Quick Guide to Service Dogs for Veterans and Servicemembers with PTSD

Written By Spring 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor Samantha E. Lewis.

Introduction

Hound, puppy, pooch, doggie, man’s best friend… dogs sure do carry many names. Other than being cute and fluffy companions, dogs can potentially serve many other important purposes, and the research on what they can do for those with mental health conditions is ever evolving. Read more

“Liberal Consideration” and Discharge Review Boards

Written By Spring 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor Arianna Drerup.

The Hagel Memorandum, and subsequently the Kurta Memorandum, require the Discharge Review Boards (DBRs) to give “liberal consideration” to “veterans petitioning for discharge relief when the application for relief is based in whole or in part on matters relating to mental health conditions, including PTSD [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder]; TBI [Traumatic Brain Injury]; sexual assault; or sexual harassment.” Read more

The National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service: Background, Findings, and Prospects

Written By Spring 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor Henry Chen.

In March 2020, the congressionally chartered National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service released its Final Report.[1] The report recommended requiring women to register for selective service, while also proposing various efforts to expand voluntary military and national service opportunities. Read more

THE 90/10 LOOPHOLE: REST FOR THE WEARY?

Written By Spring 2021 M-VETS Student Advisor John R. Wilson.

The current loophole within the Higher Education Act’s 90/10 Rule incentivizes proprietary schools, or for-profit institutions, to view veterans and servicemembers as merely dollar signs in uniforms.[1] “Our commitment to care for our veterans is a sacred obligation and ensuring their hard-earned GI Bill benefits are safeguarded is part of that sacred obligation.” Read more

Multilevel Marketing Schemes: A Threat to Veterans and Dependents

Written By Fall 2020 Student Advisor Andrew Quillen.

Introduction

Multilevel Marketing companies (MLM), also called direct selling or network marketing, are businesses that create revenue by using a non-salaried workforce (“sellers”) to sell products or services directly to consumers.[i] The trick is that sellers generally pay a membership or recruitment fee, and they must purchase the inventory they will sell with their own funds. Read more

Newly Passed Legislation Addresses Inequities and Barriers Women Veterans Face When Accessing VA Health Care and Benefits

Written By Fall 2020 M-VETS Student Advisor Jeremy Hall.

Amidst—and perhaps overshadowed by—the chaos surrounding the presidential transition, President Donald Trump signed a significant veterans benefits bill into law on January 5, 2021. The more than 300-page bill, titled the “Johnny Isakson and David P. Read more