Why do you want to become a JAG officer?

Asked by: Ruthie Rath  |  Last update: July 24, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (71 votes)

As a JAG, you'll be able to travel as well as live and work in exciting locations all over the world. And while you're serving your country, you will have the opportunity to continue your education through specialized training in an array of legal fields.

What is unique about JAG positions?

In addition to acting as paralegals to military attorneys, JAG enlisted often provide limited paralegal services such as drafting commonly used legal documents for service members and their families, providing guidance to unit commands regarding the administrative and disciplinary procedure, and acting as notaries.

Why is Jag so important?

JAG Specialists provide individual attention to students to overcome barriers that prevent them from taking advantage of their high school education, completing requirements for a high school diploma and/or securing employment or pursuing a post-secondary education leading to a career after high school.

Why join the Navy JAG?

"The Navy JAG Corps is the most exciting, rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling opportunity a young attorney can have straight out of law school and throughout their career. As Naval officers and judge advocates, we practice law throughout the world in an environment that is unlike any other.

What is it like to be a jag officer?

Serving in the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) requires wearing two hats: an attorney and an officer. A JAG officer's practice is varied, and that officer could be asked to practice any area of law. The responsibilities also vary, ranging from litigation to international law.

Ask An Airman - What is the process to become a JAG?

25 related questions found

How competitive is Army JAG?

While some judge advocates have prior enlisted or commissioned experience, most are direct commissioned and have no prior military training or experience. Acceptance into the Army JAG Corps is highly selective with an acceptance rate between 4-7%.

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.

What rank are JAG lawyers?

Judge Advocates enter active duty as first lieutenants (O-2) and are promoted to captain (O-3) after six months. View the typical base pay for Air Force personnel. Judge Advocates are not required to live on base, although those with families may choose to do so depending on availability and preferences.

Do jag officers ever see combat?

JAG officers are attatched with infantry unit on getting commissioned. That's the only place they may see some action.

Do Army JAG officers see combat?

2. Do you ever get deployed or have to go to war? Yes, JAGs do get deployed to areas all over the world.

What are the six core competencies of JAG?

The six core competencies are:
  • Career Development.
  • Job Attainment.
  • Job Survival.
  • Leadership and Self Development.
  • Personal Skills.
  • Basic Skills.

What inspired JAG?

Veteran television writer Don Bellisario is known for creating and writing some of the most memorable series on television including Black Sheep Squadron, Quantum Leap, JAG, and NCIS.

What is JAG based on?

Like the hit TV series Law and Order, Jag is also based on real-life instances pulled from headlines that reference aspects of actual incidents and cases related to American Naval Law.

Do JAG officers get extra pay?

Navy JAG Corps officers are eligible for a total of $110,000 in retention bonuses, paid over three installments are different career milestones (at approximately the five-year mark, eight-year mark, and 11-year mark).

What are the benefits of National Guard JAG?

JAG OFFICER BENEFITS

Low-cost health insurance for you and your family. Up to $400,000 in low-cost life insurance. A retirement pension plan at the completion of 20 years of part-time service. Discounted and tax-free grocery and shopping privileges at post exchanges and commissaries.

Is being a jag stressful?

Yes. You are going to deploy if you join the JAG Corps. For some JAGs, this is an insanely stressful but incomparably rewarding experience. For others, it's just insanely stressful.

Do jag lawyers travel?

JAG attorneys will likely not live in one location for long. They are usually assigned to military bases for two years at a time, with possible deployments to other locations during that time.

How long is a JAG contract in the Army?

How long is the initial service commitment? Each branch of the military, with the exception of the Marine Corps, requires that commissioned officers serve four years on active-duty. After leaving the branch following this commitment, you must remain for four additional years in inactive status.

What branch pays Jags the most?

Because branches have different starting ranks, the 2018 salary at the rank of O-1 for newly commissioned JAG officers in the Army is $37,292. The salary for Marines, Air Force and Navy JAG officers at O-2 rank is $42,966. The salary in the Coast Guard at O-3 rank is $49,727.

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 is the oldest age to join the JAG officers?

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 GPA do you need to be a JAG?

There are no stated GPA minimums, but your academic performance will be a factor. In addition, the Corps will consider your legal experience, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military work record (if any), and leadership experience.

What is the salary of a jag in the army?

How much does an Army Jag Officer in Los Angeles, CA make? The average Army Jag Officer in Los Angeles, CA makes $58,858, 3% above the national average Army Jag Officer salary of $57,121. This pay is 16% lower than the combined average salaries of other metros Washington, DC, Dallas, TX and Denver, CO.

Why should I be a jag?

A LEGAL CAREER LIKE NO OTHER

As a JAG, you'll be able to travel as well as live and work in exciting locations all over the world. And while you're serving your country, you will have the opportunity to continue your education through specialized training in an array of legal fields.