Lore of the Corps

This examines the military career and controversial court-martial of George Armstrong Custer, highlighting his initial successes and subsequent failures. Custer, despite being a Civil War hero, faced a court-martial in 1867 due to his reckless decisions during a campaign against Native Americans, leading to his suspension from duty for a year. His lenient punishment contrasts sharply with the harsher penalties faced by other military officers, raising questions about influence and favoritism.

Read Time: < 9 mins

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

This review of David Epstein's book "Range" examines how breadth of experience and interdisciplinary thinking often lead to greater success than early specialization. The article explores research showing that generalists frequently outperform specialists in complex environments and applies these concepts to judge advocates' career development.

Reviewed by Major Ian P. Smith

Naval wargame setup featuring labeled ship models on black bases, protractors, and movement templates on a checkered game board.

Read Time: < 16 mins

Applying Vague Law to Violence: How the Joint Force Can Master Proportionality Before a High-Intensity War

Confusion around the law of proportionality in high-intensity warfare risks operational paralysis. Tramazzo urges senior leader mentorship and scenario-based guides to help U.S. forces make lawful, effective decisions amid the uncertainty of modern, civilian-dense battlefields.

By Major John C. Tramazzo

A temporary warning sign for pedestrians with the words WATCH YOUR STEP and a pictogram of a person slipping against a bright yellow background.

Read Time: < 7 mins

Knowing and Avoiding Professional Responsibility Slips, Trips, and Falls

An overview of frequent professional responsibility pitfalls facing JAG Corps attorneys and paralegals, highlighting misconduct, failure to report, and the “Four C’s”—competency, communication, confidentiality, and conflicts—while emphasizing supervision, ethical obligations, and proactive use of the legal technical chain.

By Colonel (Retired) Thomas Schiffer and Mr. William (Rick) Martin

LTG Risch speaks to members of the George Washington University Law School’s National Security Law Association

Read Time: < 29 mins

Fiscal Implications of Court and Administrative Orders, Settlement Agreements, and Civil Consent Decrees

This article explores the fiscal implications of court and administrative orders, settlement agreements, and civil consent decrees, focusing on their impact on federal appropriations and budgetary constraints. It examines key topics such as the Antideficiency Act, the Judgment Fund, sovereign immunity, and the Miscellaneous Receipts Statute, providing insights into how these legal frameworks interact with appropriations law.

By Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Michael J. Davidson, SJD