When Lt. Col. Andy Pascual, JD '05, learned he had been selected to attend the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he felt honored.

"I was surprised and humbled," Pascual said. "I am aware that there are extremely talented and experienced JAGs within the Army National Guard, so it is a high honor to be considered for this opportunity."

The distinction is particularly significant because only one residential slot is allocated each year for a National Guard Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer.

"It was also bittersweet, since it would mean time away from my family and my civilian job," said Pascual, who also serves as deputy chief assistant district attorney for Georgia's Columbia Judicial Circuit. "That's one of the sacrifices of being a member of the National Guard." In the Georgia Army National Guard, he recently served as command judge advocate for the 201st Regional Support Group before beginning his studies at the War College.

The U.S. Army War College is widely recognized as one of the military's premier institutions for senior leader development. Over the next 10 months, Pascual will study strategic-level leadership and national security alongside senior leaders from across the military, federal agencies and allied nations.

"It trains senior military and civilian leaders to think on a global strategic level," Pascual said. "Many graduates go on to be general officers, senior civilian executives, or senior government officials for our allied partner nations."

The experience will prepare Pascual for leadership roles within the National Guard, where senior judge advocates advise commanders on complex legal and operational matters.

"The strategic-level training I receive will help me advise higher-level commanders as I transition to more senior positions within the Army National Guard," he said. "Moreover, the relationships I expect to form among all components, sister services, intergovernmental agencies and partner nations will be invaluable in meeting the challenges ahead."

Pascual credits Cumberland School of Law, particularly the trial advocacy training, with providing the foundation for his civilian and military legal careers as a prosecutor and judge advocate. Through mock trial courses and competitions, he developed communication, analytical and advocacy skills that remain essential to his work today.

"Those abilities translated well into the techniques required to advise commanders in rapidly evolving, complex situations," he said. "Ultimately, the commitment to service and justice I formed at Cumberland has endured through my legal practice on both sides."

Pascual's selection also highlights a unique Cumberland connection.

For years, he has worked alongside Major General Bobby Christine, JD '95—first when Christine served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia and now as district attorney for Columbia County. Christine currently serves as the Judge Advocate General of the Army, the service's highest-ranking legal officer.

Pascual says Christine's leadership made a lasting impact.

"I've learned so much from him from both the civilian and military sides," he said. "Some of the major attributes I've learned are to make meaningful connections, support your people and always do the right thing. Through those, you can accomplish any mission."

The connection extends even further. Pascual is only the fourth Georgia National Guard JAG to attend the U.S. Army War College, and the first was Christine.

Their shared Cumberland roots reflect the law school's influence across Georgia's legal community and beyond.

"As a Georgia native, I've been impressed by the representation of Cumberland grads among Georgia law firms, agencies and benches," Pascual said. "MG Christine rising to the top lawyer spot in the Army is a testament to the legal foundation Cumberland provided."

He believes the school's alumni network remains one of its greatest strengths.

"I'm always happy to hear and read about the successes of classmates and alumni around the nation and firmly believe that Cumberland's network can be relied upon for any legal issue, field or sector if needed,” he said.

As Pascual begins his year at the U.S. Army War College, he joins a group of military personnel preparing for significant leadership responsibilities, while carrying forward Cumberland’s tradition of service and professional excellence. Pascual encourages current students to pursue opportunities in military law or public service.

"Our governments at all levels need good lawyers for the public good, and it's rewarding work," he said. "Ultimately, whatever you're interested in, talk to the people who are doing it. Leverage those relationships and Cumberland connections and find out why they do what they do to see if it fits your own path and career goals."