What rank are lawyers in the military?

Asked by: Meghan Bernier  |  Last update: October 26, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (1 votes)

In the U.S. Army, JAG officers typically start at the rank of First Lieutenant (O-2). If you have prior commissioned service or substantial legal experience, you might enter as a Captain (O-3).

What is a lawyer called in the military?

Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) | U.S. Army.

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.

What rank is a bar in the military?

Bars: Officers in the lower pay grades wear bars. Officers at the O-1 pay grade wear one gold bar, O-2 wear one silver bar, O-3 wear two silver bars and warrant officers wear striped bars. Oak leaves: Officers at the O-4 pay grade wear a gold oak leaf, and officers at the O-5 pay grade wear a silver oak leaf.

Which military branch is best for lawyers?

I vote for the Air Force because of the diversity of opportunities for lawyers. Air Force has criminal law opportunities like all of the other services.

Become a Lawyer in the Military - Ohio Army National Guard

27 related questions found

What rank are Army lawyers?

“JAG” stands for judge advocate general. These are servicemembers who are also lawyers. Though “JAG” is a popular descriptor for a servicemember lawyer, the Army prefers “Judge Advocate” or “JA” instead. There are over 1800 JAs in the Army worldwide, ranking from First Lieutenant to Lieutenant General.

Do military lawyers get deployed?

They are usually assigned to military bases for two years at a time, with possible deployments to other locations during that time. Family members can typically accompany the attorney to their assignments, but not on deployments, which can be for several months at a time.

What are the 13 ranks in the U.S. Army?

The U.S. Army has 13 enlisted ranks: private, private second class, private first class, specialist, corporal, sergeant, staff sergeant, sergeant first class, master sergeant, first sergeant, sergeant major, command sergeant major and sergeant major of the Army.

Do military lawyers have to pass the bar?

Every attorney, whether in the civilian or military sector, begins their journey with rigorous legal education and passing state bar examinations.

What is an E7 in the Army?

E-7. Army. Sergeant First Class (SFC)

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 is a lawyer in the Navy?

The Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps Direct Appointment Program (DA) permits attorneys to be appointed directly into the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps as lieutenants (junior grade) in the U.S. Naval Reserve for eight years and serve on active duty for at least the first three or four years of that obligation.

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).

Do Jag lawyers 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.

What branch are military lawyers?

Each branch of the U.S. military has a Judge Advocate General's Corps that operates like both a court system and a full service law firm. The licensed lawyers are referred to as Judge Advocates. They represent their particular branch of the military and its personnel in military and civil legal matters.

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. LL.

Do JAG officers get deployed?

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.

How much do you get paid in the JAG Corps?

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.

What is the age limit for military lawyers?

Law students may apply as early as their final fall semester of law school. 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.

What is the lowest rank in the Army?

Enlisted Ranks
  • Private. A trainee starting Basic Combat Training. ...
  • Private. Second most junior rank in the Army, and the first at which a Soldier wears rank insignia. ...
  • Private First Class. Start BCT with experience or prior military training. ...
  • Specialist. ...
  • Corporal. ...
  • Sergeant. ...
  • Staff Sergeant. ...
  • Sergeant First Class.

How fast can you rank up in the Army?

Junior Enlisted Army Ranks

Privates (PVT), or E-1's, advance to Private 2nd Class (PV2), or E-2, after six months of service. While Private 2nd Class personnel typically attain the rank of Private First Class (PFC), or E-3, after reaching 12 months of service and four months in their grade.

What rank is E9?

First sergeants (E-8) and sergeants major (E-9) serve as senior enlisted advisors assisting the commanding officer in matters of discipline, administration, and the morale and welfare of the unit.

What are military lawyers called?

The Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG or JAG Corps) is the military justice branch or specialty of the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. Officers serving in the JAG Corps are typically called judge advocates.

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.

Is becoming a jag hard?

Getting into JAG requires more than just a law degree. You'll need to meet stringent academic standards, pass rigorous physical tests, and demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities.