Make an immediate impact.
Counsel commanders, represent Soldiers and influence decisions that drive readiness and mission success.
Become a JAG Officer
Serve Justice. Strengthen the Guard.
Use your law degree to protect Soldiers, support commanders and serve your state and nation as part of the Army National Guard Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG Corps). As a JAG Officer (JAG Corps Attorney), you’ll take on meaningful legal work from day one while gaining experience that translates seamlessly to your civilian career.
What You’ll Do as a JAG Officer
The JAG Corps delivers legal support across all aspects of military operations. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor and advocate in matters that affect Soldiers, units and the Adjutant General.
Take on diverse casework.
You’ll practice in many of the same areas as civilian law — plus unique military disciplines such as:- Criminal law and military justice
- Legal assistance for Soldiers and families
- Civil and administrative law
- Labor and employment law
- International and operational law
- Contract and fiscal law
Advise. Prosecute. Defend.
Your responsibilities may include:- Prosecuting Uniform Code of Military Justice violations
- Representing Soldiers at courts-martial
- Providing legal reviews, ethics guidance and policy advice
- Assisting Soldiers and families with legal documents
- Training legal professionals in the U.S. and abroad
Eligibility Requirements
To become a National Guard JAG Officer, you must:
Graduate from an ABA-accredited law school (3Ls may apply)
Be admitted to the bar and serve in the Guard of that same state
Be a U.S. citizen
Meet medical, physical and moral standards
Obtain a Secret security clearance
Skills That Set You Up for Success
- Self-discipline, confidence and sound judgment
- Ability to perform under pressure
- Quick, informed decision-making
- Capacity to manage multiple responsibilities
Benefits of Serving in the JAG Corps
Serve part-time while advancing your civilian legal career. Benefits include:
Monthly officer drill pay
Excellent medical benefits
Low-cost health insurance for you and your family
Up to $400,000 in low-cost life insurance
Retirement pension after 20 years
Tax-free shopping at commissaries and exchanges
Space-available military air travel
Access to recreation facilities on military installations
training you’ll complete
All JAG Officers complete the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course (JAOBC) in two phases.
Phase I: Direct Commission Course (DCC)
6 weeks — Fort Benning, GA Training includes:- Physical fitness and field training
- Land navigation
- Weapons and marksmanship
- CBRNE operations
- Combat skills
- Leadership exercises and confidence courses
Phase II: Charlottesville Phase
10.5 weeks — The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, Charlottesville, VA Covers:- JAG Corps mission and structure
- Military justice
- Administrative and civil law
- Operational and international law
- Core Army legal disciplines
Your Civilian Career Advantage
The leadership and casework experience you gain as a JAG Officer directly supports your civilian legal path. Many JAG Officers move into roles such as:
- Prosecutor or defense attorney
- Civil litigator or government counsel
- Corporate, labor or employment attorney
- Judge, magistrate, or administrative law professional
explore related careers
Explore additional legal career paths within the Army National Guard.
Administration
270A Legal administrator
Responsible for ensuring that all orders, legal records and processes comply with legal mandates.
Administration
27D Paralegal specialist
Provides legal/administrative support in areas of criminal law, family law, international law, contract law and fiscal law, assisting judges, Guard lawyers and unit commanders with legal matters and judicial work.