The Judge Advocate General's Corps, also know as JAG or JAG Corps, is the military justice branch of the United States Armed Forces: the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, and Air Force. Judge advocate generals/JAGs are often referred to simply as judge advocates.
Judge advocates are commissioned officers that serve in one of the United States Armed Forces' branches. They serve as law advisors to the command in which they are assigned. They practice a large area of law, and typically serve as prosecutors and defense counsels in courts-martial.
Judge advocates practice the most wide variety of law possible to an attorney. Among others, they practice: Military Justice, Legal Assistance, National Security Law, Administrative Law, Environmental Law, and Civil Litigation.
Being a judge advocate gives young lawyers a chance at practicing law right away. Typically, when young attorneys join a law firm after their graduation from law school, they will not practice law for their first whole year at the firm. They will write reports, or do other work, without practicing law. If they join the military as a judge advocate, however, they are given the chance to practice a wide variety of law right away.
Judge advocates, (with the exception of the Marine Corps) are required to serve 4 years active duty, and 4 years inactive duty. When a judge advocate is inactive, it means that he/she is not currently serving in the military, but may be recalled in case of a war or conflict. Marine Corps judge advocates are required to serve 3 years active duty and 5 years inactive.
Judge advocates are typically promoted 6-12 months after joining. The Air Force's and Army's ranks start at Lieutenants and are usually promoted to Captains; Coast Guards start at Lieutenants; Marine Corps Second Lieutenants; and last but not least: Navy judge advocates start as a Lieutenant Junior Grade and are
typically promoted to a Lieutenant after a year.
There are also age requirements for joining the military as a judge advocate. The Navy is the least imposing, as a lawyer is allowed to join as long as he/she begins active duty when younger than 42. The Marine Corps is the most demanding, as an attorney must be at least 20 and have not reached 29 at the time of commissioning. The Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard are fairly similar in regulations. The age you can/can't become a judge advocate as a Coast Guard is 20-41, the Army is 18-42, and the Air Force is 18-40.
Becoming a judge advocate general is very rewarding. Not only do lawyers have the ability to practice the widest variety of law possible, but they also receive the chance to serve their country, travel, and gain outstanding experience they won't find anywhere else.
very informative post! 🫡 🇺🇸Good job!