What rank do you start in Jag Corps?
Asked by: Miss Trisha Schoen | Last update: September 17, 2025Score: 5/5 (70 votes)
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).
What rank does a JAG officer 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 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.
How hard is it to get into the 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.
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.
JAG Careers with Professor Josh Kastenberg
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.
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 GPA do you need for JAG?
The characteristics that will make you a good candidate for a JAG position are common across all branches. There are no stated GPA minimums, but your academic performance will be a factor.
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.
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 being a jag worth it?
Becoming a Judge Advocate is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. In addition to your salary, the JAG Corps offers student loan repayment and other benefits that will help you build your future. You will receive both tangible and intangible benefits not offered by other employers.
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.
What is the age limit for the JAG Corps?
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). Waivers for those exceeding the age limit are considered in meritorious cases.
How selective is JAG Corps?
Acceptance into the Army JAG Corps is highly selective with an acceptance rate between 4-7%. In 2017, the Army JAG Corps accepted 200 out of 4,000 applicants. Initial entry training into the JAG Corps is composed of two phases: 6-week Direct Commission Course (DCC) at Fort Moore, Georgia.
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 a Jag contract?
Active Duty: Active Duty Judge Advocates incur a four year Active Duty service obligation, followed by a four year period in the Individual Ready Reserve (an inactive, non-drilling military status). Army Reserve: Army Reserve Judge Advocates incur an eight-year service obligation.
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 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.
Do jag students have an than that of the average U.S. high school senior?
National and affiliate data measure JAG's impact to ensure our students' success. Our 96% graduation rate far exceeds the national average. More than 84% of JAG students secure full-time employment, while others pursue a college education and military service.
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.
How often do JAGs deploy?
In terms of deployment, it honestly varies and there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Some JAGs may never deploy, while others may deploy multiple times during their career.
Do jag officers 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 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.