Aimee Rider, Assistant Counsel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Middle East District, was sworn in as an officer in the Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps January 5.
Rider, who graduated from George Washington University Law School in May, joined the MED team in August. She said she knew during law school that she wanted to work for the government, but she didn’t consider joining the Army until she started an internship for JAG.
“I loved my internship with JAG,” she said. “And I’m really interested in government contracts. So I applied for active duty Army and Air Force as well as the Army Reserves and was accepted for all three. I chose the reserves so I can focus on contract work with MED and I can also work for JAG.”
One of the things that made her choose JAG and government service over private firms was seeing how all the JAGS worked very hard, but also took time to have fun. She said one of the highlights of her internship was their Wednesday physical training sessions, when she joined them in playing ultimate Frisbee or football each week.
“I felt and saw a true commitment to the Army mission and lifestyle amongst all of the JAG attorneys,” she said. “It was truly motivating and made me excited to come to work each day to do what I could to help them.”
Col. Patrick Kinsman, the District commander, officiated the ceremony.
“It’s important to recognize the occasions when we make certain commitments in our lives,” he said. “And when you make a commitment to our nation, that is worthy of honor and respect. Thank you for choosing to serve.”
Rider, who grew up on Fort Bragg, N.C., comes from an Army family. Her father retired from the Army in 2011, her grandfather served, as well as an uncle, a cousin and other family members. But she never expected to follow in their footsteps.
“My dad always joked that I should go to West Point, but I was never interested,” she said. “When I went to law school, growing up on Fort Bragg struck a chord with me, so I guess eventually he influenced me.”
The next step for Rider is attending a six-week Direct Commission Course at Fort Benning, Ga. After this, she will attend the Army’s four-week JAG school in Charlottesville, Va. Then she will be ready to begin drilling with her Reserve unit, and return to work full time at the Middle East District.