What rank is JAG in the Army?

Asked by: Sherwood Cassin III  |  Last update: December 15, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (54 votes)

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 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.

What rank is an Army lawyer?

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).

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.

Becoming a Lawyer in the Army | JAGS

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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?

MAJOR ARMY LOCATIONS
  • 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.

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.

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.

Which branch has the best JAG program?

Best military branch for JAG careers?
  1. Army JAG Corps: The Army provides a diverse range of legal challenges, dealing with everything from military justice cases to international law. ...
  2. Navy JAG Corps: The Navy emphasizes international and maritime law because of its global operations.

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 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 selective is Army JAG?

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.

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 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.

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 are the military ranks in order?

Officer Ranks
  • Second Lieutenant. Typically the entry-level rank for most commissioned officers. ...
  • First Lieutenant. A seasoned lieutenant with 18 to 24 months of service. ...
  • Captain. ...
  • Major. ...
  • Lieutenant Colonel. ...
  • Colonel. ...
  • Brigadier General. ...
  • Major General.

How long is JAG school for the Army?

Army: Yes – New judge advocates begin their training (Direct Commissioned Course) at Fort Benning, GA (six weeks), followed by The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School in Charlottesville (ten-and-a-half weeks).

What is the highest rank a JAG can be?

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).

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 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.

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 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.