Becoming a JAG

WestPointHopeful03

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Hello all,
What is the best way to become a JAG? From what research I've done it seems like ROTC isn't the best way to go about this, is this really true?
For clarity, I'm an incoming college freshman, the majors I'm interested are I think well suited for law, and I would say being a JAG is far and away the main thing I want to do in the military, and despite my username was not accepted to USMA although at least I got the nomination :(
Also, are there significant differences between the branches I should know about?
Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Hello all,
What is the best way to become a JAG? From what research I've done it seems like ROTC isn't the best way to go about this, is this really true?
For clarity, I'm an incoming college freshman, the majors I'm interested are I think well suited for law, and I would say being a JAG is far and away the main thing I want to do in the military, and despite my username was not accepted to USMA although at least I got the nomination :(
Also, are there significant differences between the branches I should know about? I know the Marines and Coast Guard don't have their own separate JAG officers.
Thanks!
Marines most definitely do.
Your research assignment: watch “A Few Good Men.” Extra credit: Find the Marine JAG in the old TV series, “JAG.”

The Services get the majority of their JAGs through direct commission programs via civilian undergraduate and law schools.

Edit: mind meld post with @Devil Doc !
 
Whoops, let me edit that. Having seen the film in question more than once, I stand corrected. I guess you would get there through the Navy program?
 
Whoops, let me edit that. Having seen the film in question more than once, I stand corrected. I guess you would get there through the Navy program?
No. Don’t guess. Google “Marine Corps JAG.” Look for primary source articles.
 
The Services get the majority of their JAGs through direct commission programs via civilian undergraduate and law schools.
Yes, by far the most. The services get plenty of law school graduates who want to join the JAG Corps because the legal field is flooded with graduating law students competing for a limited number of jobs.
 
Kevin Bacon said, huh
Loved Kevin Bacon in “A Few Good Men.” He’s arguably the best supporting actor of our time. He did play a leading role — again as a Marine officer — in the great movie “Taking Chance.” Should be required viewing for all with an interest in our military.

(Mods, feel free to move this comment to the bacon thread, if it’s better suited there. 🤣)
 
There are many ways to go into the JAG Corp. For the Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps (JAGC) you can certainly go the ROTC route and request an educational delay upon commissioning so you can go to law school. Then you would have to apply to the JAGC - it is not guaranteed. Or you can go to college, complete law school and apply for a direct commission into the JAGC. Additionally, you can do ROTC, get a commission in your basic branch and apply for the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) after spending 2-5 years on active duty. This is where the Army pays for your law school. You will remain in the Army and spend your summers as an intern at an installation Army Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. Recommend you research each branch’s JAGC to determine what path interests you the most.
 
Loved Kevin Bacon in “A Few Good Men.” He’s arguably the best supporting actor of our time. He did play a leading role — again as a Marine officer — in the great movie “Taking Chance.” Should be required viewing for all with an interest in our military.

(Mods, feel free to move this comment to the bacon thread, if it’s better suited there. 🤣)
He wears the Marine class A uniform like a Marine. He's really good in that role.
 
There are many ways to go into the JAG Corp. For the Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps (JAGC) you can certainly go the ROTC route and request an educational delay upon commissioning so you can go to law school. Then you would have to apply to the JAGC - it is not guaranteed. Or you can go to college, complete law school and apply for a direct commission into the JAGC. Additionally, you can do ROTC, get a commission in your basic branch and apply for the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) after spending 2-5 years on active duty. This is where the Army pays for your law school. You will remain in the Army and spend your summers as an intern at an installation Army Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. Recommend you research each branch’s JAGC to determine what path interests you the most.
Thanks for the detailed info. Certainly some things to look into there.
 
Also, does anyone know if this previously posted info from a few years ago is still accurate?
"It is very difficult to become a JAG officer if you start as a line officer (read, SA/ROTC/OTS/OCS graduate). This does not mean it's impossible; but, speaking from my experience in the USAF, only a handful of officers are selected to attend law school at the military expense every year. The program in the AF is called FLEP (funded legal education program), and you have to be at least a First Lieutenant to apply (I think, although senior 2LTs might be able to), so you generally need at least 2 years of active duty in another career field to even be considered.

Generally speaking, it is easier to already be a law student and/or have your JD/bar admission to get picked up as a JAG. Really, I don't believe any service academy allows for a direct entry into law school. Years ago, ROTC students could go to law school on an educational delay; however, it was at the expense of the student. I'm not even sure that is available now (although it might be).

I'm an attorney currently, and had considered applying for the FLEP while I was on active duty (was a missileer in the USAF). I decided that I'd rather be a civilian attorney; but, I did investigate the available military programs. I think, then, the "best" route (if there is such a thing) is to go to law school after undergraduate school and then apply for JAG as a 2L or 3L, if that is the only thing you want to do in the service. Some branches (Army) do offer loan forgiveness, and some will commission you as an O-1 while still a law student (there would be required summer training with a legal office near to your law school/home of record). From my research (which is a bit dated) the Navy (and maybe Air Force) get so much interest that they do not offer loan repayment (which, given law school tuition, can be substantial). Becoming a JAG is very competitive, as the legal market is saturated, and there are many qualified attorneys who are not accepted (thus, it is somewhat unlike the recruitment of dental/medical officers by the military). This isn't to dissuade you-just something to keep in mind.

Summation-ROTC/SA is not a particularly good route to become a JAG if that is the only thing that interests you. If you don't mind serving in another career field for a few years, it's not a bad way and is technically possible; BUT, it is still a long climb to get the service to pay for law school (they can get attorneys interested in entering the service without having to flip the bill).

This is what I've learned in my experience. Other opinions are welcome."
 
Hello all,
What is the best way to become a JAG? From what research I've done it seems like ROTC isn't the best way to go about this, is this really true?
For clarity, I'm an incoming college freshman, the majors I'm interested are I think well suited for law, and I would say being a JAG is far and away the main thing I want to do in the military, and despite my username was not accepted to USMA although at least I got the nomination :(
Also, are there significant differences between the branches I should know about?
Thanks!
your best way to ensure a JAG assignment is to get your law degree then join the service.
 
If you opt the active duty officer route (ROTC, Academy) thru college, any of the FLEP type programs are VERY selective and you need to be already accepted at a Law School to be eligible (I beleive this is still correct). By far the best route option if you don't want "Combat Arms" for at least three years prior is to graduate college, attend law school, pass the Bar and apply "Direct Commission". The next most likely option is to go ROTC and either Commission Reserve/Guard or get an Educational Delay (that pauses your Service Obligation) and then attend Law School.

Trying to get the military to pay for Law School is difficult. Last I heard over 75% of the military JAG's were Direct Commission. It saves the goverment time and money, and the advancement path is the same. Many AD JAG's end up staying in the Reserves upon completion of their Service Obligation. That way they can do private practice (far more money) while still being able to get a military retirement.
 
FtWorth dd Dad is spot on I think. I looked into USN and USAF options after completing law school. My problem was I wanted to fly with sub 20/20 vision. I ultimately failed in my waiver effort, but from the jump both services were all over me on the JAG option. Since then I've known a couple of MDs and Lawyers who've entered the armed services after completing their degree programs, smooth sailing for them.

If there is a ready supply of professionals in a given area (law/medicine) whose education and skills are 95% transferable to a military service environment W/O additional training; why invest in a JD or MD in an SA or ROTC type in whom there is already significant investment and an existing service commitment. Exceptions? Absolutely...... but not many.

P. S. I've know two EXCELLENT Cost Guard JAG types over the years.
 
Loved Kevin Bacon in “A Few Good Men.” He’s arguably the best supporting actor of our time. He did play a leading role — again as a Marine officer — in the great movie “Taking Chance.” Should be required viewing for all with an interest in our military.

(Mods, feel free to move this comment to the bacon thread, if it’s better suited there. 🤣)

Kevin Bacon can handle himself pretty well as a leading actor as well as being supporting one.

The Showtime series "City on a Hill", seasons #1 & #2, as the lovably corrupt FBI Special Agent Jackie Rohr, comes to mind. "She's Having a Baby", "Stir of Echoes", "The Darkness" had other leading roles.

He played law enforcement officers in a few other fine films, like "Mystic River", "Black Mass", "RIPD", "Patriot's Day", "Wild Things" & "Cop Car".

He's played military characters in "Mr. Roberts", "Taking Chance", "A Few Good Men", "Apollo 13", "Frost-Nixon" and "Animal House" (OK, ROTC).

He's had the guts to play truly despicable characters in "JFK", "Sleepers" & "The Woodsman".

And his performance in 1984's "Footloose" provided the most compelling evidence in cinema history for the absolute need for separation of church & state. Without question. Undisputed.
 
My client who is a lawyer has a son who went JAG after finishing Law School. Dont want to get into specific because it may identify him, but because he had passed the bar from a specific state, they kept him in that state. The problem was that he was working on minor law stuff like divorces and minor crimes. . In other words, legal issues he would see if he worked for any small law firm in the country. Anyway, his branch is somewhat downsizing and when his contract was up, they basically told him they didn't need him anymore. He is out after 4 years or so. While he enjoyed his time there, i don't think he was happy with what he was doing. My son's friend who is in AF OSI (think FBI) isn't exactly fighting Chinese agents either
 
Three of my favorites with Mr. Bacon in a “leading supporting role.” At some point, the Motion Picture Academy man should give the man a lifetime achievement award for supporting actorhood.
“Taking Chance” too! Except he’s the lead.
 
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