Legal Careers in the Military

Hey everyone. I'm interested in the law and the military. I found out about JAGs - Judges Advocate General's Corps - but I'm not sure which branch has them. Anyone knows which branch of the military has JAGs and how to get into that career path? Thanks!

Each branch of the U.S. military has its own Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), so you can choose the branch that aligns with your personal preferences. You can serve as a JAG officer in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or even the Coast Guard. Each one has its own specific set of requirements, training programs, and missions, but all offer significant opportunities for practicing law, gaining courtroom experience, and serving your country.

As for getting into the career path, you generally need to have a law degree and pass the bar exam before you can be commissioned as a JAG officer. Some branches, such as the Air Force and Navy, offer programs that allow you to enter while still in law school, like the JAG Student Program and Navy Law Student Program respectively. These programs provide funding opportunities and job assurance upon graduation and bar passage.

After meeting the academic requirements and being accepted for service, you then attend an Officer Training School or a Basic Course that each branch has for its JAG Corps. These courses typically covered military procedure, legal assistance, defense and prosecution functions, and administrative and civil law.

Remember, each branch has slightly different requirements and the career path can be competitive, so it's important to have strong academic and physical fitness levels. It's also recommended to speak with a recruiter and perhaps a current JAG officer to get a better sense of life in the military and in the legal profession within the military. This can give you the most accurate and up-to-date advice.