Specialty Officer (5:24)

Warrant Officer - Special Programs (5:05)

Guard 101 - What Is The Guard? (1:31)


Judge Advocate General (JAG Officer)

In 1775, President George Washington established the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General (JAG Officer), making it the oldest law firm in the United States. Today there are about 500 JAG officers in the Guard who not only protect our rights and laws, but also advise and defend our Soldiers.

JAG Corps officers investigate, prosecute and defend those charged with crimes in the military, provide legal advice for Soldiers and work with international contracts. As an officer in the JAG Corps and a practicing attorney or judge, your responsibilities will cover a wide range of practices including military law, criminal prosecution, international law and legal assistance, both in the U.S. and abroad. The JAG Corps deals in all the same areas of law as civilian practices, making the transition to a civilian legal career effortless. You'll be able to have varied and developmental practice opportunities during your JAG career:

  • Criminal Law
  • Legal Assistance
  • Civil Litigation
  • Administrative Law
  • Labor Law
  • International Law
  • Operational Law
  • Medical Law
  • Contract Law

JAG Officer Benefits

Whether you’re looking toward college or already in law school and want to do more than work in a private firm, the Guard can help you achieve your legal career goals.

As part of the JAG Corps, you’ll begin your service as an officer—receiving officer pay—on top of your other Guard benefits, like:

  • Monthly drill pay
  • Family medical and insurance benefits
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Montgomery G.I. Bill
  • A retirement pension plan at the completion of 20 years of part-time service

JAG Eligibility Requirements

In order to become a JAG officer, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

  • Have graduated from an ABA-approved law school
  • Been admitted to the Bar and serve in the National Guard of the same state
  • Be mentally and physically fit
  • Be of good moral standing and character
  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Receive a security clearance
  • Be able to serve 20 years of active commissioned service before reaching age 62

JAG Officer Training Requirements

Direct Commissioned Officer Course: A six-week course focusing on initial officer education and training requirements.

JAG Basic Officer Leadership Course: An 11-week Military and Operational Law Course conducted in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Special Branch Officer General Eligibility Requirements:

  • Meet the prescribed medical and moral standards for appointment as a commissioned officer
  • Be a United States citizen
  • Have completed an accredited qualifying degree program.
  • Be 21 years of age
  • Be able to obtain a secret security clearance

All Special Branch Officers Other Benefits

  • Medical and dental care for you and your family (Tri-Care Reserve Select)
  • Up to $400,000 in low cost life insurance
  • Discounted and Tax-Free grocery and shopping privileges at post exchanges and commissaries
  • Free Military Air flights based on space availability
  • Free academic testing and counseling for spouse
  • Access to recreational facilities on military installations
  • A retirement pension plan at the completion of 20 years of part-time service

If you don't have your degree, see how you can serve in the legal field as a Paralegal Specialist.


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