How do I get into JAG?

Asked by: Laron Braun PhD  |  Last update: July 28, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (34 votes)

In order to become a JAG officer, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
  1. Graduate from an ABA-approved law school (you may apply in your third year of law school)
  2. Be admitted to the bar and serve in the National Guard of the same state.
  3. Be mentally and physically fit.
  4. Be of good moral standing and character.

Is it hard to get into JAG?

Depending on the service branch, the acceptance rate for JAG Corps applicants is typically between 4-7%. The Army, for instance, receives about 4000 applications every year and only accepts around 200.

How do you get accepted into JAG?

JAG Requirements and Next Steps
  1. Have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
  2. Be admitted to the bar of any U.S. state, commonwealth, or territory.
  3. Be a U.S. Citizen.
  4. Be under the age of 42 at the time of commissioning (age waivers granted on a case-by-case basis)

Is joining JAG worth it?

By becoming a JAG, you are guaranteed a career that has rotating assignments by location and practice area, exposing you to the world and the law in ways you could have never imagined. It provides unrivaled practical and hands-on experience to springboard your career.

Can a civilian be a JAG?

U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps

We are the civilians of the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. The JAG Corps' mission is critical to the success of military operations. JAG Corps civilians perform a wide variety of legal and non-legal roles to ensure the Navy's legal mission is accomplished.

How to Join the JAG Corps | Becoming a Judge Advocate

16 related questions found

What rank do JAG officers start at?

New Army Judge Advocates enter service as First Lieutenants (O-2) and are promoted to Captain (O-3) six to nine months later. Officers receive a raise in basic pay upon promotion to Captain and receive automatic pay increases after serving 2, 3, and 4 years.

Do JAGs see combat?

Yes, JAGs do get deployed to areas all over the world. JAGs serve as legal advisers to military commanders and have many responsibilities, including providing legal opinions on whether military actions comply with the laws of armed conflict to prosecuting or defending service members in courts martial.

Do JAG officers have to go through basic training?

Military officers, including JAG lawyers, do not undertake the same bootcamp-style basic training as enlistees, but they must complete an officer basic course that teaches military protocols and includes physical fitness training.

What branch of the military is best for lawyers?

The JAG Corps is the legal branch of the military, concerned with military justice and military law.

Does Navy JAG pay for law school?

‐ Funded Graduate Education: As part of the culture of learning that the Navy JAG Corps fosters, Navy judge advocates have the opportunity to earn a Master of Law (LL. M.) degree fully‐funded by the Navy.

Is JAG free for military?

There is no charge for services provided by military legal assistance offices. All services provided by a military legal assistance lawyer are free to eligible personnel. If your legal problem involves costs or fees (for example, a filing fee to file a case with the court), you will probably have to pay these charges.

Is JAG Navy only?

The Judge Advocate General's Corps, also known as JAG or JAG Corps, is the military justice branch or specialty of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.

Is the JAG Corps competitive?

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.

How much does a JAG make in the army?

Salary Ranges for Army Jag Officers

The salaries of Army Jag Officers in the US range from $10,917 to $291,686 , with a median salary of $52,943 . The middle 57% of Army Jag Officers makes between $52,945 and $131,968, with the top 86% making $291,686.

How long is a JAG contract?

4. How long is the initial service commitment? Each branch of the military, with the exception of the Marine Corps, requires that commissioned officers serve four years on active-duty. After leaving the branch following this commitment, you must remain for four additional years in inactive status.

Will the Air Force 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 Jags get bonuses?

Retention Bonuses: Navy JAG Corps officers are eligible for a total of $60,000 in retention bonuses paid over three installments at different career milestones (at approximately the four-year mark, seven-year mark and 10-year mark) that can be used by officers to pay off their student debt.

Is Air Force JAG competitive?

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, and work and leadership experience.

How fast do JAG officers get promoted?

Time in Army JAG Ranks

For promotion to company grade ranks – first lieutenant and captain – the time-in-grade requirements are 18 months and two years, respectively. For promotion to each of the three field grade ranks – major, lieutenant colonel and colonel – the time-in-grade requirement is three years.

How long is JAG training?

The course of instruction is nine-ten weeks and covers civil and military law, as well as intensive trial advocacy training.

How long is AF JAG school?

The initial training is the same, requiring eight weeks at OTS, followed by nine weeks at JASOC. There are Reserve and National Guard units around the country.

Is being a JAG stressful?

For some JAGs, this is an insanely stressful but incomparably rewarding experience. For others, it's just insanely stressful. Deployments can cause divorces, missed births of first-born children, missed NFL seasons, and just an overall miserable six months to a year of your life.

Can you be a JAG in the reserves?

Serving in the Army Reserve in the JAG Corps is a perfect option for those who wish to maintain their civilian employment and serve their country. Almost forty percent of the Army JAG Corps serve part-time in the Army Reserve. Army Reserve Judge Advocates practice in diverse areas.

What do JAG officers wear?

Military dress will be the Blue Mess Uniform, the Dress Blue Uniform, or Army Service Uniform (with black bowtie). Civilian dress is black tie. d.