Active Duty Applications Now Open
Advance your career and your life in the Army Reserve. Learn valuable skills and serve close to home while continuing your civilian career or education.
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.
Serving in the Army Reserve in the JAG Corps is a perfect option for those who wish to maintain their civilian employment and serve their country. Over 1,800 Judge Advocates serve part-time in the Army Reserve.
Army Reserve Judge Advocates practice in diverse areas. They may prosecute, defend or judge courts-martial, negotiate and review government contracts, act as counsel at administrative hearings, or provide legal advice in such specialized areas as international, labor, regulatory, patent or tax, family law and estate planning, all while maintaining their civilian careers. Army Reserve Judge Advocates train and prepare for missions in the same manner as their Active Duty counterparts.
Leadership, physical fitness, 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 backgrounds and experiences of all Judge Advocates.
Army Reserve Judge Advocates are initially assigned to a Troop Program Unit (TPU) located near their home. A typical year in a TPU includes training one weekend a month and 15 days of continuous annual training. Army Reserve Judge Advocates earn pay and accumulate points toward Army Reserve retirement benefits.
Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Judge Advocates are assigned to an Active Army unit and complete 12 days of annual training each year, while earning pay and retirement points. IMA Judge Advocates earn additional retirement points by completing Army correspondence courses or individually assigned legal tasks throughout the year.
Army Reserve Judge Advocates have opportunities to serve on Active Duty for certain periods throughout their career. Army Reserve Judge Advocates mobilize and deploy in support of Army legal operations both in the U.S. and abroad.
Becoming a Judge Advocate is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. In addition to your salary, the JAG Corps offers financial incentives, wellness programs, and other benefits that will enable you to build your future. You will receive both tangible and intangible benefits not offered by other employers.
Army Reserve Judge Advocates serve at most major Army installations and additional locations throughout the United States and overseas.
New Army Reserve Judge Advocates are generally assigned to the unit located closest to their residence.
All Army Reserve 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.