Do military lawyers get deployed?
Asked by: Mitchell Batz | Last update: November 17, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (20 votes)
They are usually assigned to military bases for two years at a time, with possible deployments to other locations during that time. Family members can typically accompany the attorney to their assignments, but not on deployments, which can be for several months at a time.
Do Army lawyers get deployed?
Being a military lawyer, or JAG (Judge Advocate General), is a unique way to combine a legal career with serving your country. 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.
Do Jag lawyers 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.
What rank do military lawyers start at?
For the U.S. Navy, newly commissioned JAG officers usually begin as Lieutenants Junior Grade (O-2). Like the Army, exceptional experience in legal practice can qualify you for a higher starting rank. Some may enter as Lieutenants (O-3), especially if they have notable professional backgrounds or advanced legal degrees.
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.
Becoming a Lawyer in the Army | JAGS
Do you get deployed as a jag?
If you are eager to play a critical role in the operations of the Air Force, focusing on operations law is a rewarding career path. JAGs in this field deploy with operational units, where they provide vital legal services to the combat leadership and Airmen.
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 is the age limit for military lawyer?
Law students may apply as early as their final fall semester of law school. 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.
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 branch goes into combat first?
The Marine Corps is often referred to as the "Nation's 911 force" or "first to fight" because their units are often the first to be deployed in urgent scenarios, thanks to their readiness and practicing for quick response.
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 becoming a jag hard?
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 long is a Jag contract?
Once you begin active duty at NJS, you will be required to serve four years. After a four-year active duty obligation, your name will remain on a list of inactive reserve officers for four additional years if you choose to leave active duty.
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.
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.
What are military lawyers called?
Each branch of the U.S. military has a Judge Advocate General's Corps that operates like both a court system and a full service law firm. The licensed lawyers are referred to as Judge Advocates. They represent their particular branch of the military and its personnel in military and civil legal matters.
What rank are JAG lawyers?
“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.
How long are jag deployments?
JAG attorneys are required to serve at least four years on active duty and usually four more years on inactive status afterward. The freedom to change jobs, take vacations, and many more aspects of daily life are limited. JAG attorneys will likely not live in one location for long.
Is jag free for military?
Soldiers on active duty and their immediate Families and/or survivors are eligible for free Legal Assistance. highest court of a State or Federal court. Judge Advocates and DoD civilian attorneys assigned to assist eligible individuals with personal legal problems are known as Legal Assistance Attorneys.
How much does a military lawyer cost?
Average Retainer: The average retainer for a qualified military defense lawyer is between $5,000 and $12,000.
Is 45 too old to become a lawyer?
Older applicants should clarify their past career path, their reasons for pursuing law and specific postgraduate goals. It's never too late in life to apply to law school. Although most applicants are under 25, about 1 in 5 are 30 or older and a much smaller proportion are over 40.
Do JAGs get deployed?
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.
Does Jag pay off student loans?
The highly touted Air Force JAG Corps Student Loan Repayment Program pays eligible JAGs up to $65,000 toward student loan debt. Payments are made directly to a qualified lender over a three-year period, starting after completion of the first year of service as a JAG Officer.
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.