Do jag officers go to bootcamp?

Asked by: Kasandra Thiel  |  Last update: December 18, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (27 votes)

Because Army Judge Advocates are Soldiers, they must remain physically fit according to the Army's standards. Newly commissioned Judge Advocates do not participate in traditional “boot camp” like the media portrays. Instead, Judge Advocates will attend a Direct Commission Course.

Do jag officers have to go to Basic Training?

Before becoming a Navy judge advocate, you must become an officer first. You will not undergo basic training in the traditional sense, but will attend Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, RI.

Where do jag officers train?

The ten-and-one-half-week Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course is held at The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS) in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Do officers in the military go to bootcamp?

While enlisted Soldiers attend Basic Training, those pursuing commissioned Officership go through a different program called Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC), which includes Basic Training, to help them prepare for the Army.

How long is boot camp for officers?

The Standard Format of the Regular Basic Course is delivered in a one-part instructional sequence with a minimum requirement of 664 hours. There are two presentation styles: Intensive and Extended.

Becoming a Lawyer in the Army | JAGS

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What is the easiest branch of the military to get into?

Joining the military can certainly be a fulfilling and honorable path. Based on general consensus, the U.S. Army is often regarded as the military branch that could be the "easiest" to join due to its size and the number of enlistees it takes in each year.

Where do most JAGs get stationed?

MAJOR ARMY LOCATIONS
  • Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (near Baltimore)
  • Fort Belvoir, VA (near Alexandria)
  • Fort McNair, Washington, DC.
  • Fort Meade, MD (near Baltimore)
  • Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA (near Arlington)

Is it hard to get into JAG Corps?

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.

What is the max age to join JAG?

AGE REQUIREMENTS

Active Duty: Be under the age of 42 at the time of entry into the JAG Corps. Years of prior commissioned military service will increase the age limit. Army Reserve: Be under the age of 33 at the time of entry into the JAG Corps. Years of prior commissioned military service will increase the age limit.

What is the acceptance rate for JAG officers?

Acceptance into the Army JAG Corps is highly selective with an acceptance rate between 4-7%.

How fast do JAGs get promoted?

The pay and benefits of joining the JAG Corps are competitive. Attorneys will commission as lieutenants and typically be promoted within the first 6-12 months.

Will Jag pay for law school?

Does the Air Force JAG Corps pay for law school? The Air Force JAG Corps currently does not offer scholarships to pay for law school. The Air Force, however, offers the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) to officers and enlisted members on active duty.

Do Army jag officers see combat?

Throughout the history of the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), deployed judge advocates and paralegals have provided vital legal support to combat operations.

Do JAGs have to pass the bar?

Because we must wait on you to become a licensed attorney before scheduling you for officer training, you will not become a servicemember until after the bar exam results are released and you are licensed to practice law. If you are a law student or ROTC cadet, you may apply for internship or externship opportunities.

How often do JAGs deploy?

In terms of deployment, it honestly varies and there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Some JAGs may never deploy, while others may deploy multiple times during their career.

How long does it take to become a jag officer?

Instead, you'll attend the Direct Commission Course (DCC), a six-week rigorous physical, weapons, and leadership course that will prepare you to serve as an Officer. After completing the DCC, you'll attend the ten-and-a-half-week Judge Advocate Basic Training Course.

Do JAGs live on base?

You'll start your career as a JAG with a training regimen, both in the ways of military life and military law, beginning with Officer Training School (OTS) and followed by the Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course (JASOC). Throughout this training, you'll live at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, in the on-base dormitories.

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.

How long is a Jag contract?

As a JAG you're commissioned as a (second?) lieutenant (or other branch equivalent) after you finish your officer training & JAG school training. You serve for 4 years. After that, you can try to renew for another 4 years.

What rank is a jag?

The Navy JAG Corps includes a cadre of over 1,000 uniformed attorneys in the United States Navy who are commissioned naval officers in pay grades ranging from lieutenant junior grade (LTJG) through vice admiral (VADM).

Which boot camp is the hardest?

The Marine Corps' boot camp often gets discussed as the most physically and mentally challenging. It's noted for its Crucible event, a 54-hour team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits become Marines.

What is the lowest paid military branch?

E-1: $20,340. E-1 is the lowest enlisted rank in the US military: Airman Basic (Air Force), Private (Army/Marine Corps), Seaman Recruit (Navy). Service members usually hold this rank through basic training, and automatically promote to the next rank after six months of service.

Which military branch gives the most waivers?

Different branches have different personnel needs and may approve of your waiver. In general, the Army has the reputation of approving the most moral waivers, while the Air Force and Coast Guard approve the fewest. The Navy and the Marines fall somewhere in the middle. However, this is not always the case.