The JAG Corps is a wide ranging practice that includes military law, criminal prosecution, international law and legal assistance in the United States and abroad.
JAG Corps offers the opportunity to serve one’s country as an Officer, in the Army while quickly developing professional skills. Attorneys gain a valuable career edge because they are are exposed to a wide variety of legal work with wide reaching impact in just a few short years. There are different options within the program. such as; JAG Corps Attorneys can choose to serve full time in Active Duty, or part time in the Army Reserves. The JAG Corps is more than the legal arm of the Army it opens numerous doors and is an excellent starting point for a variety of careers including public service.
Benefits
JAG Corps Attorneys benefit from serving their country while practicing different types of law. You will be able to work in a positive environment that fosters your personal and professional growth. Some of the many benefits include:
- Immediate Experience
One of the major reasons attorneys choose the Army JAG Corps is the opportunity to gain experience quickly. A JAG Corps Attorney is almost immediately given the responsibility it takes their former classmates years to achieve. Members also receive experience through valuable mentoring from superiors, and the opportunity to work with talented dedicated people in service to their country. - Money and Rank
- Begin Service as an Officer
- Enter the Army at an advanced pay grade
- Receive a promotion within 6-12 months of being commissioned
- Positive Work Environment
An important benefit of the Army JAG Corps is the positive work environment. Unlike some civilian firms, the Army provides a refreshingly supportive atmosphere. Instead of taking a background role in legal proceedings, you will be deeply involved in the intricacies of the law. You will be accompanied by senior Officers with years of experience who will mentor you, offering encouragement and constructive criticism. Your growth as a Soldier Lawyer is paramount.
Additionally, the Army JAG Corps proudly supports employment equality because diversity is an important part of the Army experience. -
Education Opportunities
Once you’re accepted into the JAG Corps , you will have the chance to expand your legal knowledge and professional growth through many educational opportunities. Members are also given many continuing legal education opportunities,A few of these include:- Continuous Legal Education (CLE)
- Masters of Laws (Military Law)
- Masters of Laws (Specialized)
- Command and General Staff College
- Special Military Training (Airborne, Ranger and Air Assault Schools)
- Long Term Career Opportunities
For JAG Corps Attorneys who decide to extend their tour of duty beyond their three year commitment, the Army offers a wide array of growth opportunities. With continuing education, JAG Corps Attorneys can achieve varied experience in a number of capacities: - Supervisory positions
- Appellate practice
- Military judges
- Teaching
Requirements
Because there are many more applicants to the JAG Corps than openings, the Army is looking for the best and the brightest. In addition to academic requirements, candidates are expected to exhibit the qualities befitting an Officer in service to their country, such as leadership, physical fitness, commitment and professionalism. Among other things, a qualified candidate must:
- Be mentally and physically fit
- Be of good moral standing and character
- Pass security clearance and citizenship requirements
- Have graduated from an ABA approved law school
- Have been admitted to the bar of either a federal court or the highest court of any state in the United States or the District of Columbia
- Be 34 years of age or younger at the time he or she is commissioned in the JAG Corps
Once selected, applicants who accept a direct commission in the JAG Corps serve a three year tour of duty. Officers choosing to continue their career in the JAG Corps will find many opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Training
After you accept your assignment to the JAG Corps, your continued education will begin immediately. You will attend the 14 week JAG Corps Officer Basic Course (OBC) which is divided into two phases.
Instead of going through basic training JAG Corps Attorneys attend a four week Military Orientation Phase at Fort Lee, VA, that provides an overview of Officer responsibilities and basic Soldiering skills. Training includes physical fitness, weapons familiarization, deployment skills and a field training exercises that give candidates the opportunity to employ their new skills in the field.
The next 10 weeks will be spent in the Military Law Phase that is taught at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center School, U.S. Army (The JAG Corps School) in Charlottesville, VA. It is the only ABA approved law school in all of the military services. The Military Law Phase is a combination of substantive instruction and practical exercises. Students receive training in research and communication skills, enhancing those skills already learned in law school, and are introduced to formats and resources used in military practice.