How hard is it to become a Navy JAG?
Asked by: Dr. Hans Johnson DVM | Last update: August 19, 2025Score: 5/5 (45 votes)
The initial JAG training can also be difficult for attorneys with families. Training begins with approximately six weeks of officer training focused on leadership skills and military tactics and then approximately ten weeks of JAG school (Marine JAG training is significantly more rigorous).
How hard is it to get into the 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.
How long does it take to become a navy jag?
Navy training begins with the five-week Navy Officer Development School (ODS) training in Newport, RI. After ODS, new judge advocates then report to their permanent duty stations for approximately two months. They will then proceed to the ten-week Basic Lawyer Course at Naval Justice School (NJS) in Newport, RI.
Is it competitive to become a jag?
THE FIRST STEP IN A LONG CAREER. The JAG application process is competitive, rigorous and highly selective.
What is the GPA for Jag?
There are no stated GPA minimums, but your academic performance will be a factor. In addition, the Corps will consider your legal experience, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military work record (if any), and leadership experience.
Navy JAG Corps Training Pipeline
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.
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 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 rank do JAG officers start at?
If you were selected under the Student Program, you will be commissioned as an Ensign in the inactive Navy Reserves (non-paid, non-drilling status). If you were selected under the Direct Appointment Program, you will be commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade.
Does Navy JAG pay for law school?
The Navy pays for tuition each term up to $21,500. Once schooling has begun, you are also eligible for reimbursement of your application, transcript, and eventually bar preparation fees.
Where do Navy JAGs get stationed?
Once you've completed training, you'll receive your first assignment. Common locations include San Diego, CA; Norfolk, VA; Bremerton, WA; Jacksonville, FL; Pensacola, FL; Mayport, FL; Washington, DC; and Pearl Harbor, HI.
Do JAGs ever 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 JAG officers go to bootcamp?
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 you have to take the bar to be a jag?
If selected, you will not enter active duty until you are medically cleared, pass the bar and receive your license and certificate of good standing.
What is the acceptance rate for Navy Jag?
We receive hundreds of highly competitive applications each board and have only a limited number of selection quotas available to offer Professional Recommendations to. The selection rate for the Student Program continues to hover around 5 to 20% for the past 5 years, and even less for our other commissioning programs.
Is being a jag stressful?
Working in the JAG Corps can be high-stress, especially when handling serious criminal cases or advising on critical operational matters. The pressure to perform well can be intense.
Is becoming a JAG worth it?
Becoming a Judge Advocate is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. In addition to your salary, the JAG Corps offers student loan repayment and other benefits that will help you build your future. You will receive both tangible and intangible benefits not offered by other employers.
Where are most JAGs 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)
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.
How long do jag officers serve?
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.
Where is Navy JAG training?
Navy training begins with the five-week Navy Officer Development School (ODS) training in Newport, RI. After ODS, new judge advocates then report to their permanent duty stations for approximately two months. They will then proceed to the ten-week Basic Lawyer Course at Naval Justice School (NJS) in Newport, RI.
Does Jag pay for law school?
Will the JAG Corps pay for my 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 competitive is the JAG program?
However, some general factors to keep in mind as part of the selection process: We receive many of highly competitive applications each board and have only a limited number of quotas available. The selection rate for the In-service Procurement Program continues to hover around 5% for the past 4 years.