U.S. JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL'S CORPS (JAG): How Can You Join?

by Michelle Queirolo 
Grad Fellow 
Law Career Services

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a Judge Advocate? JAG Corps is appealing to many law students, and attorneys alike, because it offers a diverse practice - a combination of criminal prosecution, criminal defense, and client counseling - plus the opportunity for national and international travel. In addition, Judge Advocates are officers in the military, so these attorneys not only serve their clients, they serve and represent our country as well. To become a Judge Advocate, an applicant does not need prior military experience. Rather, a prospective applicant must first decide on which of the branches s/he would like to practice and serve in: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard.

Generally, the admission process begins by submitting an application to a specific JAG service. Most applicants send in their applications during the Fall semester of their third year of law school; however, applications are also accepted post law school. Upon submission, the application is considered by a selection board comprised of Judge Advocates. If the board selects an application, then the board will “professionally recommend” the selectee for commission. Note, the deadlines for the application and selection process vary for each service, so be sure to confirm these dates on the corresponding service's website.

Thereafter, the selectee will go through the commissioning process, which consists of a medical examination, background investigation, and reference checks. Some services also require a physical examination. After all of these requirements are met, the selectee is presented with a conditional offer of admission to the JAG program. The condition requires that the applicant pass a state bar of his/her choosing before s/he enters active duty. Generally, if the selectee does not pass the first time, the entry date can be pushed back to allow him/her to retake the bar exam. However, if the selectee does not pass the second time, the offer is withdrawn.

Once admitted to the JAG program, participants will take an oath of office and sign a Service Agreement. Generally, the initial service commitment is for 4 years. Thereafter, participants will begin training, which is different in each service.

Army
In the Army, participants initially attend the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course which consists of two stages. In the first stage, participants receive training through the Direct Commissioned Course (DCC) at Fort Benning, Georgia. This course teaches leadership skills and military tactics. In the second stage, participants continue their training at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia. There, participants learn military law and customs in the U.S. Army.

Once participants become certified Judge Advocates, they will have the opportunity to practice in the following areas: criminal law, civil litigation, administrative law, labor law, international law, operational law, medical law, and contract law. Judge Advocates can also provide legal assistance to soldiers and their families regarding issues like estate planning, immigration, family law, landlord-tenant law, and more. In addition, Judge Advocates can even teach at the JAG school. Check out their website for more information.

Navy
The Navy requires its participants to begin training at the Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, Rhode Island. There, participants learn Navy customs and partake in physical conditioning. Then, participants attend the Basic Lawyer Course (BLC) at the Naval Justice School (NJS) in Newport, Rhode Island, where they learn military law and receive trial advocacy training.

After training and certification, a Navy Judge Advocate will have the opportunity to advise Navy leaders and commanders, practice criminal law, provide legal assistance to soldiers and their families, and practice operational law. Refer to their website for more details.

Marine
In the Marines, participants initially attend the Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia, where they are trained for the physical component of being a marine. Next, participants learn basic Marine Corps customs at The Basic School. Finally, participants attend NJS in Newport, Rhode Island to learn military law.

Once certified, first-time Judge Advocates can practice in three common areas: criminal litigation, operational and international law, and civil law. For more information click here.

Air Force
Air Force preparation begins with Commissioned Officer Training at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. There, participants will engage in physical conditioning and study Air Force customs. Next, participants will begin the Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course at Maxwell Air Force Base, where they are trained on Air Force legal practice and military law.

Upon certification, the Air Force offers practice opportunities in the following areas: air and space law, civil administration, claims and tort litigation, criminal law, cyber law, environmental and real property law, government contract and commercial law, international law, labor law, legal assistance, medical law, and operations law. Learn more from their website.

Coast Guard
In the Coast Guard, participants attend a Direct Commission Officer Course for military training at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Next, participants receive training on board various Coast Guard Cutters in the Operations Orientation Program. Thereafter, participants learn military law through the Basic Lawyer Course at the Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island.

Once certified, a Coast Guard Judge Advocate can practice in criminal law, trial advocacy, tort law, administrative law, maritime and international law, environmental law, labor law, procurement law, law enforcement, and more. Take a look at their website for details.

Note, a Judge Advocate’s education does not end after training. Rather, s/he is required to complete ongoing military education courses throughout his/her legal career (similar concept to MCLE credit).

Internship Opportunities
Law students can also participate in JAG opportunities. For instance, students can obtain unpaid internships in the Navy and Coast Guard services. In addition, students can participate in paid internships in the Army and Air Force services during the summer between their 2L and 3L years. All of the internships expose students to military law. Moreover, prior participation in JAG internships is considered favorably when applicants apply for active duty. Check out each service’s website for more information on their summer internship programs.

Contact LCS
If you are interested in applying for any of the JAG Corps programs, contact LCS at (415) 442-6625 or lawcareer@ggu.edu today!


Disclaimer: This blog post is intended to act as a quick reference for information on JAG Corps opportunities. The information herein is not legal advice. While we believe the foregoing information to be accurate, the reader should independently confirm such information before relying on it, especially since requirements are apt to change.