What rank do you start as a JAG in the Army?
Asked by: Prof. Deanna Klein V | Last update: January 17, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (10 votes)
If selected, upon medical qualification, completion of law school and passing the bar, the applicant will be provided a duty assignment. Upon acceptance of the assignment and execution of the oath of office, the applicant enters active duty as a first lieutenant.
What rank do jag officers start at in the Army?
Enter the Army as an officer at an advanced pay grade (First Lieutenant, O-2). Pay information is available HERE. Receive a promotion six to eight months after joining.
What rank do lawyers start in the military?
Marine, Air Force and Navy military lawyers start at the rank of O-2, and Army lawyers start at the rank of O-1.
What is the Army equivalent of jag?
The Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps) is a different kind of law firm. Since its founding in 1775, the JAG Corps mission has been to represent the legal interests of Soldiers and the U.S. Army with unmatched strength, courage, character and commitment, and unsurpassed knowledge of the law.
How fast do Jags get promoted?
The pay and benefits of joining the JAG Corps are competitive. Attorneys will commission as lieutenants and typically be promoted within the first 6-12 months.
Becoming a Lawyer in the Army | JAGS
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)
Do JAGs get paid well?
Income. 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.
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.
Is there a shortage of Jag officers?
However, the JAG Corps routinely receives only 20 applications per year from a pool of nearly 6000 officers!
Do Army JAG officers 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.
What is the acceptance rate for the Army JAG Corps?
Acceptance into the Army JAG Corps is highly selective with an acceptance rate between 4-7%.
What is the highest lawyer rank?
The highest level in a law firm is typically the senior partner, who has significant control over the firm's operations, strategic direction, and client management.
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.
What rank is a lawyer in the Army?
Any rank from 1st Lieutenant to Lieutenant General. Because of the J.D. degree, military lawyers start out one rank higher than the ordinary officer. After that, their rank progression is the same as any other officer's.
Do Jags get military benefits?
Mobilize and deploy to support Army legal operations in the U.S. and abroad. Enjoy flexibility and train periodically, typically just one weekend per month and two weeks during the summer. Get paid for your service and receive many federal benefits, including low-cost medical coverage and retirement benefits.
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.
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.
How long is the JAG contract in the Army?
After the initial four years, you would remain for four additional years on inactive status, during which time you would not be serving in the military but could be recalled should the need arise. JAG members in all branches receive a base salary and employee benefits like health and life insurance.
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 join JAG?
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.
Do jag officers go to bootcamp?
JAGs don't do basic training. For those not already in the Army, there is a direct commission course that you'd do prior to your JAG basic course (Basic Officer Leaders Course, or BOLC).
How much does a first year JAG make?
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.
Is Army Jag competitive?
“The JAG application process is competitive, rigorous and selective,” explained Assistant Dean for Student and Career Services Sarah Dylag Beznoska.
Does Jag pay off student loans?
The highly touted Air Force JAG Corps Student Loan Repayment Program pays eligible JAGs up to $65,000 toward student loan debt. Payments are made directly to a qualified lender over a three-year period, starting after completion of the first year of service as a JAG Officer.