Do JAGs have ranks?
Asked by: Cloyd Pouros Jr. | Last update: November 7, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (56 votes)
Though “JAG” is a popular descriptor for a servicemember lawyer, the Army prefers “Judge Advocate” or “JA” instead. There are over 1800 JAs in the Army worldwide, ranking from First Lieutenant to Lieutenant General.
Are all JAG officers Navy?
Today, the JAG Corps consists of a worldwide organization of more than 1,000 commissioned officers serving as judge advocates, 550 enlisted members (primarily in the legalman rating), and nearly 700 civilian personnel, all serving under the direction of the judge advocate general of the Navy.
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.
Are JAG lawyers in the military?
We are over 1,000 attorneys based throughout the world who practice law, support the Navy, and serve our nation ashore and at sea. As commissioned naval officers, we are the uniformed lawyers of the U.S. Navy. We are members of the Navy's Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps.
Do jags see combat?
While JAG lawyers are not traditional combatants, their military roles often involve them in combat zones. There, they provide essential legal support to ensure that military operations comply with international law.
Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps
Where do most Jags get stationed?
- 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?
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 rank are Jag attorneys?
“JAG” stands for judge advocate general. These are servicemembers who are also lawyers. Though “JAG” is a popular descriptor for a servicemember lawyer, the Army prefers “Judge Advocate” or “JA” instead. There are over 1800 JAs in the Army worldwide, ranking from First Lieutenant to Lieutenant General.
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.
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.
What is the age limit for the JAG Corps?
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). Waivers for those exceeding the age limit are considered in meritorious cases.
Do JAGs get deployed?
JAGs in this field deploy with operational units, where they provide vital legal services to the combat leadership and Airmen. These Judge Advocates advise commanders on the lawfulness of targets and help ensure that the weaponry use complies with international law.
Do JAG officers go to bootcamp?
As a Judge Advocate, you won't participate in the Basic Training that enlisted Soldiers complete. 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.
Do Navy JAGs go on ships?
As a Navy JAG, you'll have opportunities to serve in exciting and diverse assignments around the world. Depending on your role, you may spend time in a more traditional office environment or working on a ship.
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.
What rank do you start as a jag?
What rank will I begin at? Air Force: First Lieutenant (O-2) (typically promoted to Captain (O-3) after six months). Army: First Lieutenant (O-2) (typically promoted to Captain (O-3) after six to nine months).
How long do jag officers serve?
Some Judge Advocates serve for four years, while others serve more than twenty years and earn a full retirement.
Do jags go to combat?
Air Force JAG Corps Contributions to Major Missions
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.
How selective is JAG Corps?
Acceptance into the Army JAG Corps is highly selective with an acceptance rate between 4-7%. In 2017, the Army JAG Corps accepted 200 out of 4,000 applicants. Initial entry training into the JAG Corps is composed of two phases: 6-week Direct Commission Course (DCC) at Fort Moore, Georgia.
How long is the 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.
Do jag officers carry guns?
Generally, in non-combat zones, JAG officers do not carry firearms as their primary role focuses on legal matters. However, in combat zones or hostile environments, they may be issued firearms for self-defense and unit security.
What MOS sees the most combat?
The Army and the Marine Corps are usually the first to be deployed and typically experience the most combat among all branches. However, this doesn't mean that other branches like the Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard do not see combat. They do, but the nature of their work might be different.
What rank are Navy Jags?
Student Program officers will serve as ensigns (O-1) (in a non-paid status) during law school and will promote to lieutenant junior grade (O-2) after passing the bar exam and upon starting active duty.