In the mid 1960's, the Navy had trouble recruiting attorneys, so a direct commissioning program was started. We were the first group of lawyers recruited, and I went to the federal building in Pittsburgh, raised my right hand and instantly became a Lieutenant, Junior Grade.

Meanwhile, the last group of lawyers recruited under the prior system were finishing 16 weeks of Officer Candidate School, working hard to earn their LTJG silver bar insignia.

Both groups moved into the BOQ at Newport, us to begin an indoctrination school, a watered down version of OCS, our predecessors to begin Justice School.

We all quickly learned that, by a twisted quirk of fate, we new guys, not even owning uniforms or knowing who to salute, were two days senior to the men who spent 16 tough weeks earning their commissions

Go figure.