What do lawyers in the Air Force do?

Asked by: Jasen Botsford  |  Last update: June 29, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

These highly trained attorneys handle a wide variety of legal issues including international law, operations law, environmental law and military and civilian personnel issues. From trial preparation to post-trial actions, they provide important legal counsel every step of the way.

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.

Can you become a lawyer while in the Air Force?

If you're currently active duty in the Air Force or any of the armed forces, there are many ways you can go to law school and get on track to become a JAG. Whether you're finishing your service commitment or in the middle of it, there is an entry program designed for you.

What do lawyers do in the military?

Military lawyers handle a wide variety of legal issues including international law, operations law, environmental law, as well as military and civilian personnel issues. From trial preparation to post-trial actions, lawyers provide important legal counsel every step of the way.

Do military lawyers get deployed?

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.

How to Become an Attorney in the Air Force | Air Force JAG Corps | Air Force Attorney

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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.

Will the military pay for me to go to 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 hard is it 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.

What benefits do you get after 4 years in the Air Force?

After you complete your initial four-year service obligation, you can qualify for a retention program that allows the service to pay you up to $60,000 if you stay with the Air Force. Sign up for another two years after your initial four-year commitment and you receive $20,000.

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.

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.

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 long is Air Force school JAG?

JASOC is a nine-week course at The Judge Advocate General's School, which is also located at Maxwell Air Force Base. JASOC teaches Air Force officers the basics of serving as a JAG and you will be trained on the various topics of military law.

Do you need to pass the bar to be a JAG?

To qualify for enlistment into the JAG Corps of any branch and practice law in the military, you must pass the bar exam. You may take the exam in any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. While it is not required, you should strongly consider taking the bar exam in the same state you attended law school.

Where do Air Force Jags get stationed?

Air Force: Yes – Newly accepted judge advocates begin their training (Commissioned Officer Training and the Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course) at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.

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.

Is being an attorney worth it?

The median annual salary for lawyers in 2016 was $118,160, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). * For some, the pay is just the cherry on top of a career that allows them to help enforce justice and use their influence to improve their community.

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.

Can you do 2 years in the Air Force?

Two years is the shortest amount of time a new enlistee can sign up for active duty, however, there is a catch. You actually have an eight-year commitment but you can perform this commitment as an active duty member, a Reservist, or Individual Ready Reservist (IRR).

How long do you have to stay in Air Force?

Although the length of commitment depends on a cadet's career and other opportunities, including graduate or medical school, all graduates must serve at least five years on active duty and three as inactive reserve after graduation. Graduates who complete pilot training have a longer service commitment.

Is Air Force ranked?

Enlisted Air Force ranks are broken down into three levels: Airmen (E-1 through E-4), non-commissioned officers (E-5 and E-6) and senior non-commissioned officers (E-7 through E-9). The Air Force is the only one of the five branches of the U.S. military where NCO status is achieved at the grade of E-5.

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 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.

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.