What it's like to be a jag?
Asked by: Miss Lauriane Heidenreich PhD | Last update: December 8, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (50 votes)
You will be both an Air Force Officer as well as an attorney. We expect our JAGs to continually grow and learn in both fields. You will be required to complete ongoing military education courses throughout your career to improve your leadership, management and professional development skills.
What is life like as a jag officer?
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 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.
How hard is it to be a jag officer?
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.
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.
The Path to Becoming a Navy JAG (Avery Smith)
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 Mos sees the most combat?
The Army and the Marine Corps are usually the first to be deployed and typically experience the most combat among all branches. However, this doesn't mean that other branches like the Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard do not see combat. They do, but the nature of their work might be different.
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 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.
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.
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.
What is the acceptance rate for JAG officers?
Acceptance into the Army JAG Corps is highly selective with an acceptance rate between 4-7%.
Does Jag pay for law school?
Every year, several JAGs are offered the opportunity to return to law school as full-time graduate students. While they focus on their studies, they receive full pay, and the Air Force pays any tuition.
How long is a Jag contract?
As a JAG you're commissioned as a (second?) lieutenant (or other branch equivalent) after you finish your officer training & JAG school training. You serve for 4 years. After that, you can try to renew for another 4 years.
Is it hard to get into 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.
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 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 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.
Do jag officers go through boot camp?
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.
What is the deadliest MOS in the Army?
- Special operations. ...
- Explosive ordnance disposal. ...
- Infantry. ...
- Cavalry. ...
- Artillery. ...
- Medical. ...
- Vehicle transportation. ...
- Aviation.
What is the Army called if the Marines are Jarheads?
Marines - “Leathernecks” or “Jar Heads”. Army - “Doggies” or “Dog Face”. Air Force - “Zoomers” or “Jet Jockies”. This is, of course, assuming you are asking about US Service Members.
What MOS is least likely to deploy?
Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in the U.S. Army: Jobs like Human Resources Specialist, Chaplain Assistant, Legal Specialist, and Financial Management Technician often have lesser deployment rates. These roles focus on support, administration, and logistics and are crucial parts of the military's functioning.