What is the life of a JAG?
Asked by: Dr. Karl Turner | Last update: August 10, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (54 votes)
As a member of the Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, you'll experience the most diverse legal practice available to an attorney. Working in locations around the world, you'll get hands-on experience in everything from international law to civil litigation and
How long do you serve as a jag?
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.
What is a jag salary?
South San Francisco, CA. $120,921.
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)
What is the max age for Navy JAG?
be younger than 42 years of age at the time of commissioning; If an applicant is over 42 years of age, a waiver may be authorized. See Application Process for details.
Major Differences Between a Military Legal Career and a Civilian Legal Career | JAG Corps
Do JAGs have to pass the bar?
Because we must wait on you to become a licensed attorney before scheduling you for officer training, you will not become a servicemember until after the bar exam results are released and you are licensed to practice law. If you are a law student or ROTC cadet, you may apply for internship or externship opportunities.
How hard is it to become a Navy jag?
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).
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 acceptance rate for Navy JAG Corps?
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.
How often do JAGs deploy?
Typically, Judge Advocates rotate legal disciplines every one to two years, and move to a different installation every two to three years.
Is becoming a jag difficult?
The JAG application process is competitive, rigorous and highly selective.
Do JAGs live on base?
You'll start your career as a JAG with a training regimen, both in the ways of military life and military law, beginning with Officer Training School (OTS) and followed by the Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course (JASOC). Throughout this training, you'll live at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, in the on-base dormitories.
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.
What rank do you start as a jag?
What rank will I begin at? Air Force: First Lieutenant (O-2) (typically promoted to Captain (O-3) after six months). Army: First Lieutenant (O-2) (typically promoted to Captain (O-3) after six to nine months).
How long does jag last?
You need the jag (injection) every 12 weeks. Make your next appointment with the doctor or nurse before you leave. You need to remember to get your jag (injection) every 12 weeks.
How fast do JAG officers get promoted?
Officers in the Navy JAG Corps presently serve approximately six‐eight years as LTs before they are eligible to promote to lieutenant commander (LCDR). LCDRs serve approximately four‐seven years before they are eligible to promote to commander (CDR).
What rank is a Navy JAG officer?
The Navy JAG Corps includes a cadre of over 1,000 uniformed attorneys in the United States Navy who are commissioned naval officers in pay grades ranging from lieutenant junior grade (LTJG) through vice admiral (VADM).
Are Navy Jag internships paid?
Is the internship paid? At this time, all internships and externships are currently unfunded. While our office attempts to acquire funding, we encourage applicants to also seek out scholarships or grants that may be offered by their law schools, bar associations or other public interest-related organizations.
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.
How long is naval justice school?
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.
Do JAGs 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.
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.
How long is a Navy JAG contract?
They will then proceed to the ten-week Basic Lawyer Course at Naval Justice School (NJS) in Newport, RI. Upon graduation from NJS, new judge advocates return to their permanent duty station and are committed to four years of active duty. For more information, visit the Path of a Navy JAG Corps 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.