Can I study law in the Air Force?
Asked by: Dorothy Howe | Last update: October 25, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (54 votes)
Enlisted personnel have the opportunity to apply to commission as an officer and attend law school through FLEP. Airmen and Guardians continue to serve on active duty, receive full pay and allowances, and benefits while attending law school. The cost of tuition, fees, and books are paid by the Air Force.
Can you study law at the Air Force Academy?
Cadets who choose the Legal Studies major will build expertise in the study of law and its role and function in both American society and the international community.
Can you go to law school while being in the military?
Yes you can. The military would even pay you and pay your tuition. Your duty station would be the town in which your law school is in. The catch is you will have to extend your time in the military by six years after law school.
What are lawyers in the Air Force called?
Over 1,300 active duty military attorneys, called judge advocates (JAGs), have discovered that service as a commissioned officer in the Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps) has much to offer. Our legal practice is challenging and offers early opportunities to litigate in a variety of forums.
How hard is it to become a jag in the Air Force?
The JAG application process is competitive, rigorous and highly selective. We evaluate each candidate using the "whole person" concept, which means we look at academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record (if any) as well as work and leadership experience.
How to Become an Attorney in the Air Force | Air Force JAG Corps | Air Force Attorney
Will Air Force pay for law school?
The Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) provides a unique opportunity for service members to attend law school fully funded by the Air Force and become judge advocates. Enlisted personnel have the opportunity to apply to commission as an officer and attend law school through FLEP.
Does Jag pay well?
The Navy JAG Corps offers active duty judge advocates a competitive starting salary, ranging from $80,000 to $108,000, depending on duty location. Your initial pay rapidly rises as you promote, reach longevity milestones, and become eligible for continuation bonuses.
Will the military pay for a law degree?
Service members interested in joining the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC) may be eligible for the Army to cover the cost of law school using the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Service members continue to serve on active duty and the Army covers the cost of tuition.
What happens after 4 years in the Air Force?
Qualified individuals who enlist for four years active duty will incur an Inactive Ready Reserve obligation of four years. Qualified individuals who enlist for six years active duty will incur an Inactive Ready Reserve obligation of two years.
How do I become an Air Force lawyer?
- Knowledge of military and civilian law.
- Current admission to the bar of a Federal Court or the highest court of a state.
- Designation by The Judge Advocate General as a judge advocate.
- Completion of Officer Training School (OTS)
- Must be between the ages of 18 and have not reached your 42nd birthday.
Should I join the military before law school?
Military service shows law schools that you can accomplish long-term goals. Use that to your advantage. This commitment sets you apart from traditional law school applicants and prepares you for dedicating yourself to the rigorous study and practice of the law.
What rank do jag officers start at?
If you were selected under the Student Program, you will be commissioned as an Ensign in the inactive Navy Reserves (non-paid, non-drilling status). If you were selected under the Direct Appointment Program, you will be commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade.
Can I go to law school while in the military?
If you are selected to participate in FLEP, you'll receive your tuition, fees and a book allowance from the Air Force while continuing to serve on active duty. This means you'll get full pay, allowances and other benefits while you attend law school.
What GPA do you need to go to the Air Force Academy?
You should also have a 3.8 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as United States Air Force Academy, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.
Is dating allowed in the Air Force Academy?
An unprofessional relationship includes one carried out via electronic communication. Fraternization, including dating officers, enlisted personnel, USAFA cadets, or Preparatory School Staff is prohibited.
What disqualifies you from joining the Air Force?
Un-united fractures, history of instability of a major joint, certain retained orthopedic fixation devices, severe scoliosis, or any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, wearing of military equipment, or detract from military bearing and appearance ...
What Air Force jobs deploy the least?
Specific roles like Navy Systems Administrator and Air Force's Cybersecurity & Network Roles also tend to be less deployable. 3. Non-combat roles: Positions like medical personnel, mechanics, and logistical support often have a lower likelihood of being deployed abroad.
How much money do you get after 20 years in the Air Force?
For example, retiring with 20 years of service means your retirement pension will be 50% of the highest 36-month pay average. Waiting to leave after 40 years will make your pension 100% of your monthly pay average. You may also receive additional payments from your Thrift Savings Plan, if you have chosen to contribute.
Do military lawyers get extra pay?
Military Justice Career Litigation Track (MJCLT) attorneys are eligible for an additional $10,000 bonus at each payment phase.
Do law degrees pay off?
Among the 20 law schools whose 2022 grads were paid the most in full-time private sector jobs, the median salary was more than $182,200. An employment and salary report from the National Association for Law Placement indicated that the J.D. class of 2022 had an employment rate of 92.1% – the highest in 35 years.
Will the military pay off law school debt?
Eligible military servicemembers can avoid this debt burden by using the GI Bill to help pay for law school. For graduates who have already incurred law school debt, the military's various student loan repayment and other debt-relief programs are additional options to alleviate student debt.
Is being a military lawyer worth it?
As always, there is a cost to service in the military, but the reward for your service — experience in different areas of the law, a decent salary and benefits, and the pride of serving your country — may be well worth the sacrifice.
Which military branch is best for Jag?
Furthermore, Air Force bases are often considered to have better facilities and are located in more desirable locations. The Marine Corps JAG program tends to be smaller than the others, offering a tight-knit community and more hands-on experience early on.
Do military lawyers get deployed?
Operational and International Law: Marine Judge Advocates maintain the same readiness and training standards as every Marine Officer and are deployable worldwide. Marine Judge Advocates have opportunities to deploy with scalable Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTF) around the world.