How do you get into JAG Corps?

Asked by: Prof. Zetta Pfannerstill  |  Last update: December 11, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (65 votes)

JAG ELIGIBILITY 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.
  5. Be a U.S. citizen.

Is it hard to get into JAG Corps?

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.

Does JAG Corps pay 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.

Is being a 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.

What rank does a JAG 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.

How to Join the JAG Corps | Becoming a Judge Advocate

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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.

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.

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.

Is it competitive to become a JAG?

Consider your career goals.

The Judge Advocate General (JAG) corps of the five military branches is as competitive and demanding as any military career. Along with completing the educational and licensing requirements of the legal profession, you must also be able to meet the same standards as any prospective officer.

Do JAG officers 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.

Do Jags make more money?

US Army Salary FAQs

The average salary for an Army JAG Attorney is $107,278 per year in United States, which is 5% higher than the average US Army salary of $101,845 per year for this job.

How long is a JAG contract?

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.

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.

How long is Army JAG training?

Army: Yes – New judge advocates begin their training (Direct Commissioned Course) at Fort Benning, GA (six weeks), followed by The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School in Charlottesville (ten-and-a-half weeks).

How much do Air Force JAG lawyers make?

The salaries of Air Force Jags in the US range from $10,085 to $237,745 , with a median salary of $42,868 . The middle 57% of Air Force Jags makes between $42,868 and $107,389, with the top 86% making $237,745.

Are JAG lawyers in the military?

These lawyers are uniformed service members and not civilians. They attend officer training required by their branch of service, they have professional military education requirements, and they may be called upon to serve as defense counsel for one case only to serve on the prosecution in another case.

Does military pay for law school?

Yes, through the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP), the Army covers the cost of law school for up to 25 active-duty Officers and non-commissioned Officers every year.

How much does a Marine JAG make?

Judge advocates earn the title “Marine,” while using their legal expertise in support of America's finest. The salary for this position varies based on location, but is generally between $60,764 and $85,848 upon completion of entry-level training, and up to $101,799 after two years of service.

Does Air Force JAG get deployed?

JAG Corps Airmen perform most of their work at legal offices located at Air Force installations and deployed locations around the world.

Do JAG officers travel?

As a JAG, you'll be able to travel as well as live and work in exciting locations all over the world. And while you're serving your country, you will have the opportunity to continue your education through specialized training in an array of legal fields.

What is a Navy lawyer called?

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. Officers serving in the JAG Corps are typically called judge advocates.

How much does an Army JAG Major make?

Salary Ranges for Army Jag Officers

The middle 57% of Army Jag Officers makes between $52,945 and $131,968, with the top 86% making $291,686.

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.

Do JAGs go to OCS?

Marine Judge Advocates (often referred to as “JAGs” by laymen who do not really know the difference) are unrestricted line officers who go through the same initial training (OCS and TBS) as all other officers in the Marine Corps.

How often are JAG officers deploy?

A diverse practice provides a Judge Advocate a broad base of knowledge. Typically, Judge Advocates rotate legal disciplines every one to two years, and move to a different installation every two to three years. Leadership, physical fitness, diversity, and collegiality are priorities in the JAG Corps.