Chief Selected for JAG Corps In-Service Procurement Program

UNITED STATES

03.28.2017

Story by Natalie Morehouse 

U.S. Navy JAG Corps

The Fiscal Year 2017 Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps In-Service Procurement Program (IPP) selection board met in February to consider 21 highly qualified applicants and selected Chief Electronics Technician Nuclear Josh Kinning. The board used the “whole person” concept to identify those applicants with the greatest potential for successful service as a Navy judge advocate.

"I think Chief Kinning's experience and leadership in the Chiefs Mess will prove to be invaluable to the JAG Corps--he'll bring a great perspective into the Wardroom," said Command Master Chief Jondell Ritchie, Naval Legal Service Command. "I'm sure the selection was extremely tough--the caliber of Sailors in our enlisted ranks that are applying for this program is extraordinary."

Kinning, a native of Otsego, Mich., enlisted in the Navy in 2008. While in the Navy, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Excelsior College. His first duty assignment after Nuclear Power Training was on the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) as a Nuclear Operator. From September 2014 to present he has been an Instructor at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, where he was named the 2015 Nuclear Power School Instructor of the Year. He is currently working on his Masters of Business Administration Degree from the University of South Carolina. He is a leader in the mess and community as a Chief Petty Officer Association executive committee member and has dedicated many off-duty hours to local non-profit organizations.

“It is a great honor to be selected from such a highly qualified group of enlisted Sailors,” said Kinning. "I believe mission readiness necessitates legal readiness, and I am very excited to contribute to the amazing team of lawyers and legalman that make legal readiness a reality. I look forward to expanding the scope of my Naval service, leadership, and ultimately the positive impact I have on those around me."

Kinning is excited to join ranks with fellow JAG Corp IPP selects. Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Chris Salmon, Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Melisa Wink, and Legalman 1st Class Sharon Soileau played a role in his selection; and he is grateful for their assistance and looks forward to working with them in the future.

“The Navy’s ability to carry out its mission will forever be contingent upon its people and their capacity to operate in an ever-changing maritime environment—an environment further complicated by unique legal challenges,” said Kinning. “Throughout my time in the Navy, I have seen first-hand the impact that legal issues have on command readiness, and as a chief petty officer, I am passionate about helping Sailors. This program gives me the opportunity to use my skills and experiences acquired in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program to serve my shipmates in an area critical to mission success.”

The JAG Corps IPP provides both funded and unfunded paths to JAG Corps commissions. Sailors who have earned a baccalaureate degree may apply for funded legal education; Sailors who have already earned a Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school and a bar license from any U.S. state or territory, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia may apply for direct commission.

The JAG Corps IPP is open to active-duty enlisted personnel and Navy full-time support personnel, in any rating or military occupational specialty, in pay grades E-5 through E-7 with at least two years and not more than 10 years of service at the time of application. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and under the age of 42 by the time of commissioning.

Complete application procedures and education requirements can be found in the “Careers” section of the JAG Corps Web site.

• Date Taken: 03.28.2017
• Date Posted: 03.29.2017 07:39
• Story ID: 228411
• Location: US