Active Duty

Active duty is the largest component within the Army. You’ll help the Army perform day-to-day operations with a specialized skillset in a specific field.

FIND YOUR CALLING FULL-TIME

Serving on active duty gives you an opportunity to be a difference-maker for the United States as you pursue your dreams. You’ll have full-time responsibilities to fulfill, but you’ll still have time to strive towards your long-term goals on a day-to-day basis.

PRACTICE WITH A PURPOSE

The Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG Corps) is a different kind of law firm. Since its founding in 1775, the JAG Corps has retained its original mission to represent the legal interests of Soldiers and the U.S. Army with unmatched strength and courage, character and commitment, and unsurpassed knowledge of the law.

In your first four years in the JAG Corps, you will work for an organization that values your contributions. You will be exposed to a broad spectrum of legal practice. You will know your job truly makes a difference in our Army, our nation, and our world.

IMMEDIATE EXPERIENCE

Judge Advocates gain immediate experience during their first four years. Every assignment presents an opportunity for advocacy. The JAG Corps provides early litigation experience, with most Judge Advocates practicing in the courtroom within their first three years.

DIVERSITY OF PRACTICE

A diverse practice provides a Judge Advocate a broad base of knowledge. Typically Judge Advocates rotate legal disciplines every one to two years, and move installations every three to four years.

POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Leadership, physical fitness, diversity, and collegiality are priorities in the JAG Corps. Although new Judge Advocates have autonomy in the execution of their work, every Army legal office operates as a team, and no one is ever on their own. New Judge Advocates receive assistance from their peers and have multiple levels of mentorship and supervision. Supervisors are deeply invested in the development and growth of Judge Advocates as both officers and attorneys. The JAG Corps relies on the contributions of those with differing opinions and perspectives, valuing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all Judge Advocates.

BENEFITS

Becoming a Judge Advocate is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. In addition to your salary, the JAG Corps offers student loan repayment and other benefits that will help you build your future. You will receive both tangible and intangible benefits not offered by other employers.

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LOCATIONS

Army Judge Advocates serve at most major Army installations and additional locations throughout the United States and overseas.

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

All Active Duty applicants must meet the following criteria at the time of entry into the JAG Corps.
Law students may apply as early as their final fall semester of law school.

  • Be of good moral standing and character
  • Be physically and mentally fit
  • Demonstrate leadership potential and a record of proven scholastic ability
  • Meet security clearance requirements
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • At the time of entry onto active duty, hold a JD from an ABA-accredited law school. The law school’s ABA accreditation requirement may be waived where applicants have earned an LL.M from an ABA-accredited law school.
  • At the time of entry onto active duty, be admitted to the bar of the highest court of any State, Commonwealth, or Territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia
  • Be under the age of 42 at the time of entry into the JAG Corps (years of prior commissioned military service will increase the age limit). Waivers for those exceeding the age limit are considered in meritorious cases.