Did you know that the Judge Advocate General’s Corps was founded in 1775? For more than 200 years judge advocates have served our country and helped form the U.S. legal system. If you are interested in practicing law related to the military, we are here to help.
Keep reading to learn about the different types of military lawyers.
- Army
In order to enter the Army JAG corps, it has to be done through Direct Commission which is split into two phases. The first phase is the Direct Commissioned Course (DCC) and it is a six-week basic training for JAGs in Georgia.
The second phase is called the Charlottesville Phase and it is in the University of Virginia for 10.5 weeks. Once the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Traning Course is done then it is time for Active Duty. Active Duty is for a total of 4 years and someone can then hire a Defense Base Act lawyer to fight in their corner.
- Marine Corps
You can enter the JAG Corps as a Marine with either the OCC program or through the PCL program. The first option is like the student entry program where the Officer Candidate School can be completed during the summer before law school or the 1L or 2L.
The second option is open to licensed attorneys that have completed law school already, earned a 150+ on the LSAT, and passed the state bar exam.
- Navy
For the Navy branch, a commission has to be offered where they enter Officer Development School (ODS) and they receive the Ensign rank. This is tailored to those that are planning on entering the Navy as officers.
When they complete the program, they enter Naval Justice School to learn the UCMJ and the types of law that they will have to practice.
- Air Force
There are four different entry programs for the Air Force JAG Corps. The first option is for candidates to apply as either a 1L or a 2L and complete Active Duty as a member of the JAG Corps after they graduate law school and pass the bar exam.
The second program allows licensed attorneys to enter the JAG Corps directly. The third option is for Active Duty military members to go to law school and then return to Active Duty as a JAG Corps officer. Last but not least, the fourth option is for experienced attorneys to work with the Air Force JAG Corps on a part-time basis while they still work their civilian jobs.
No matter the option all the candidates have to attend a five-week Commissioned Officer Training program in order to learn Air Force leadership. This is a must before they begin their four-year Active Duty commitment.
Now You Are Familiar With the Different Military Lawyers
As you can see there are different military lawyers and now you can make an informed decision on which route to take.
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