Curious about Military JAG jobs

I've recently heard about JAG jobs in the military and want to learn more. What exactly do Military JAGs do, and how would transitioning from high school to a role in military law work? Any advice on this career path?

Military Judge Advocate General (JAG) positions are indeed exciting careers where you can serve your country while exercising your legal skills. JAG officers are essentially lawyers for the Armed Services. They execute a variety of legal duties, such as conducting court-martial proceedings, providing legal counsel to military commanders, handling servicemember's legal problems, and even advising on rules of engagement in combat situations.

To become a JAG officer, you'll need to have a law degree. There are different pathways to achieve this. One popular route is the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program in college, followed by attending law school (many students use the GI Bill for this purpose). On successful completion of law school, you would apply to an officer candidate school for your desired military branch, complete the training, and then pass on to the JAG program.

Another route is to attend a military academy like the U.S. Naval Academy or West Point. After graduation, you'd apply to law school on your own or through a funded military program. Upon completion, you’d already be an officer and could transition into the JAG program.

A third option could be to attend law school as a regular student, and upon graduation, apply directly to one of the military's JAG programs.

Regardless of the pathway, all prospective JAG officers must pass their state's bar exam.

Keep in mind, that a military law career is a significant commitment. Be sure you are comfortable with the military lifestyle before making your decision. All branches have JAG officers, so you may want to investigate the differences between the branches as well before committing. Potential applicant's physical fitness and moral character are also assessed in the process.

This is a brief overview of the process and duties, but it would be useful to connect with a current JAG officer or a military recruitment officer for a more detailed insight into the career. You could also seek guidance from a high school or college career counselor. They can offer valuable resources and contacts in the field.