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Army Judge Advocate General's Corps Attorney

Legal and Law Enforcement		Next - 31D

Army Judge Advocate General's Corps Attorney - 27A


  • Active/Reserve:Both
  • Officer/Enlisted:Officer
  • Restrictions:None

Overview

Judge Advocates are responsible for offering legal support that involves military operations. They primarily focus on the areas of criminal law, legal assistance, civil/administrative law, labor/employment law, international/operational law, intelligence law, and contract/fiscal law. Duty locations include the continental United States and installations worldwide such as Germany, Korea, Japan, and Italy.

Job Duties

  • Prosecute criminal cases under the Uniform Code of Military Justice
  • Provide legal advice to Soldiers, officers and their families
  • Offer legal reviews, ethics opinions, and advice to commanders and their staff
  • Represent Soldiers at courtsmartial and before administrative separation boards

    • Requirements

    Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Be a citizen of the United States
  • Have earned a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Admitted to the bar for the federal/highest court of any state in the United States or the District of Columbia (note: 3L students may also apply)
  • Be able to serve 20 years of active commissioned service before reaching the age of 62 (under the age of 42 at the time of entry onto active duty)

    • Training

    Training requires completing the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course, which involves two phases:

  • Direct Commissioned Officer Course: The first phase is a rigorous sixweek course in leadership and tactics at Fort Benning, Ga. DCC is designed to challenge new Army officers mentally and physically in the classroom and field.
  • Charlottesville Phase: The second phase is a tenandahalf week academic course at the Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Va. Judge Advocates receive classroom instruction on the organization, function, and mission of the Judge Advocate General's Corps, as well as an overview of the practice of law in the U.S. Army. The course is designed to prepare judge advocates for their first 3 years of practice in the JAG Corps.

    • Helpful Skills

  • Selfdiscipline, confidence and intelligence
  • Physically and mentally fit to perform under pressure
  • Ability to make quick decisions
  • Capable of bearing numerous responsibilities
  • Team player

    • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • No ASVAB

    • Compensation

  • Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, insurance, special pay, and 30 days paid vacation.

    • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.