Becoming A Jag Officer: A Guide To Practicing Operation Law

Becoming an operational law JAG (Judge Advocate General) is a highly competitive and demanding career path that combines military service with legal practice. JAGs are skilled professional lawyers who handle legal issues under civil and military law, while also undergoing leadership training and serving as officers in the military. To become a JAG lawyer, you must meet the educational and licensing requirements of the legal profession, as well as the physical fitness standards of your chosen branch of the military. Here is an overview of the steps to become a JAG lawyer:

Education and Licensing:

- Obtain an undergraduate degree: A bachelor's degree is required to attend law school. While there are no specific major requirements, a liberal arts degree with a diverse range of courses can provide a strong foundation for your legal education and military career.

- Take the LSAT: The Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) is an important part of your law school admissions package. It consists of multiple-choice sections that test your reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills.

- Attend law school: Enroll in an ABA-approved law school and obtain a Juris Doctor degree or equivalent. This will meet the requirements to sit for the bar exam in any state.

- Pass the bar exam: To practice law in the military, you must pass the bar exam in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. The exam covers various areas of law, including ethics, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, contracts, civil procedure, and legal research.

Military Service and Training:

- Choose a branch of the military: With your law degree and admittance to a state bar, you can apply to the JAG Corps of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard. Each branch has its own specific enlistment procedures.

- Complete officer training: As attorneys in the military are commissioned officers, you will need to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) or a similar training program offered by your chosen branch. This will provide you with tactical and leadership training.

- Enlist in the JAG Corps: Submit your application, which may include educational transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and an interview.

- Undergo JAG training: After being accepted into the JAG Corps, you will receive advanced training specific to your branch of the military. This may include courses on military law, leadership skills, and physical conditioning.

Basic Requirements:

To be eligible for a career as a JAG lawyer, you must typically be a US citizen, under the age of 40-42, eligible for security clearance, and meet the physical and medical fitness standards of your chosen branch.

Pass the bar exam

Passing the bar exam is a crucial step in becoming an operational law JAG. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare for and pass the bar exam:

Understand the Exam Structure:

The bar exam typically consists of a two-day examination. The first day is dedicated to the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), which is a standardized test covering six areas: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. It is a rigorous exam, consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions.

Prepare for the Exam:

Familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions on the MBE. Practice with sample tests and preparation materials available from the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). The more comfortable you are with the exam structure, the better your performance.

Study Smart:

Cover the relevant topics comprehensively. Focus on the areas of law tested on the MBE, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, gain a solid understanding of ethics rules, as the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is almost always a requirement for bar admission.

Time Management:

The bar exam is a lengthy and demanding test. Allocate your time wisely during the exam. Since the MBE is a multiple-choice exam, try not to spend too much time on a single question. Move on if you're unsure, and come back to it later if you have time.

Essay Writing Skills:

The second day of the bar exam typically includes locally crafted essays. Develop your essay-writing skills, focusing on structure, legal analysis, and clear communication. Practice writing essays within a time limit to simulate exam conditions.

Stay Calm and Confident:

The bar exam can be intimidating, but remember that you've prepared for this. Stay calm, read the questions carefully, and trust your knowledge. If you encounter a challenging question, don't panic. Take a deep breath and approach it systematically.

Know the Exam Rules:

Familiarize yourself with the rules and procedures of the exam. Know what materials you're allowed to bring, and ensure you have the necessary identification and documentation. Get a good night's sleep before the exam, and arrive at the testing center on time.

Results and Next Steps:

Bar exam results are typically released about 10 weeks after the test. If you pass, you'll need to register and apply to the state bar. This process may vary slightly between states, but you'll generally need to demonstrate good moral character and fitness, provide fingerprints, and pay the required registration fees.

Remember, passing the bar exam is a significant milestone in your journey to becoming an operational law JAG. Stay focused, work hard, and believe in yourself!

Meet physical fitness requirements

To become an operational law JAG, you must meet the physical fitness requirements of your chosen branch of the military. Each branch has specific requirements, and you will need to pass a fitness test as part of the application process.

For the Army, you will need to attend the Direct Commission Course (DCC), a six-week rigorous physical, weapons, and leadership course that will prepare you to serve as an Officer. After completing the DCC, you will then attend the ten-and-a-half-week Judge Advocate Basic Training Course, which will immerse you in military law and the JAG Corps' organisation, function, and mission. As well as meeting the Army's height and weight standards, you will also need to pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).

The Air Force also requires you to meet height and weight entry standards, as well as fitness assessment standards. As part of your training, you will need to complete Officer Training School (OTS), an eight-week course designed to prepare candidates for military life. This will include physical conditioning, military training, leadership seminars, and classroom studies.

The Marine Corps requires applicants to attend Officer Candidates School (OCS), a ten-week course in Quantico, VA, where you will receive training in the summer.

The Navy requires you to attend Officer Development School in Newport, RI (five weeks), followed by the Naval Justice School (ten weeks).

The Coast Guard requires you to attend the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT (five weeks), followed by a five-week Operations Orientation Program at various operational commands, including a two-week underway period aboard a Coast Guard cutter.

In addition to meeting the physical fitness requirements of your chosen branch, you will also need to pass a security clearance, which will involve an investigation into your allegiance to the United States, any ties with foreign governments, criminal history, substance abuse issues, finances, and general psychological health.

Pass security clearance

To pass security clearance, you must meet the requirements set by the U.S. government. Here are some detailed instructions to help you pass the security clearance process:

• Understand the Eligibility Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the security clearance eligibility guidelines established by the U.S. government. These guidelines outline the conditions that could raise security concerns and potentially disqualify you from obtaining a security clearance. The guidelines cover areas such as allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, sexual behavior, personal conduct, financial considerations, alcohol consumption, drug involvement, and more.
• Demonstrate Allegiance to the U.S.: As per Guideline A, you must demonstrate unquestioned allegiance to the United States. Avoid any involvement in activities aimed at overthrowing the government or altering the form of government by unconstitutional means. Do not associate with individuals or organizations that advocate for the overthrow of the U.S. government through force or violence.
• Avoid Foreign Influence: According to Guideline B, having close ties with non-U.S. citizens or financial interests in other countries could create potential vulnerabilities for foreign influence or coercion. Be cautious about sharing living quarters with individuals of any citizenship status if there is a potential for adverse foreign influence. Report any associations with foreign nationals as required.
• Be Transparent About Foreign Preference: Guideline C states that certain behaviors can indicate a preference for a foreign country over the U.S. Avoid exercising dual citizenship, using a foreign passport, serving in a foreign country's military, or seeking political office in a foreign country. If you have indicators of foreign preference, such as foreign military service, explain that these occurred before obtaining U.S. citizenship or with the sanction of the U.S.
• Display Appropriate Sexual Behavior: Guideline D focuses on sexual behavior that could indicate criminal offenses, emotional disorders, or vulnerability to coercion. Avoid any sexual behavior of a criminal nature, compulsive or addictive sexual behavior, or public sexual behavior that reflects a lack of judgment.
• Maintain Positive Personal Conduct: Guideline E emphasizes the importance of cooperating with security processing and providing truthful information. Refrain from omitting or falsifying relevant facts during investigations. Avoid associations with persons involved in criminal activities, and be cautious about engaging in activities that increase your susceptibility to blackmail.
• Manage Your Financial Considerations: Guideline F highlights that financial instability can lead to illegal acts. Maintain a positive financial history by meeting financial obligations, avoiding deceptive or illegal financial practices, and managing debt responsibly. Seek counseling if you are facing financial difficulties, and make good-faith efforts to resolve any overdue debts.
• Exercise Responsible Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption, as outlined in Guideline G, can impair your judgment and increase the risk of unauthorized disclosure of classified information. Avoid driving under the influence, reporting to work while intoxicated, or consuming alcohol after completing a rehabilitation program.
• Abstain from Drug Involvement: Drug abuse or dependence, as per Guideline H, can impair your functioning and increase the risk of disclosing classified information. Refrain from any illegal drug use, possession, or distribution. Seek professional help if you are struggling with drug abuse or dependence, and successfully complete any prescribed drug treatment programs.
• Maintain Good Mental Health: Guideline I focuses on emotional, mental, and personality disorders that can impact your psychological, social, and occupational functioning. Seek professional help if you are experiencing mental health issues, and follow prescribed treatments. Demonstrate stable and responsible behavior that does not indicate a defect in judgment, reliability, or stability.

Remember, the security clearance process is comprehensive, and it is crucial to be honest and transparent throughout. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to the appropriate authorities for guidance.

Complete Officer Candidate School

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a training academy for prospective military officers. It is offered by each branch of the military and is one of several ways of becoming a U.S. Army commissioned officer. OCS is a 12-week course that trains, assesses, evaluates, and develops Second Lieutenants for the U.S. Army. It is the only commissioning source that can be responsive to the U.S. Army's changing personnel requirements due to its short length, compared to other commissioning programs and their requirements.

The U.S. Army Officer Candidate School is organisationally designated as 3rd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade. It is a subordinate unit of the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) headquartered at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The course is meant to be physically demanding, with numerous tactical road marches, timed runs of varying distances, and Army Combatives training. Officer Candidates are expected to arrive at Fort Benning in top physical condition. Once assigned to a class, the candidates have virtually no privileges and enter into a highly controlled environment similar to Basic Training, although they are expected to act like leaders and take charge and responsibility immediately.

Officer Candidates are identified by wearing different-coloured ascots depending on their phase of training. Basic Officer Candidates (BOCs) wear a black ascot, Intermediate Officer Candidates (IOCs) wear a light blue ascot, and Senior Officer Candidates (SOCs) wear a white ascot.

The course is conducted in three phases: Basic, Intermediate, and Senior. Students' bearing, deportment, and behaviour, both individually and collectively, will affect the return of their privileges.

Earn a Juris Doctor degree

Earning a Juris Doctor degree is a crucial step in becoming an operational law JAG. Here are some detailed instructions and guidelines to achieve this:

Undergraduate Education:

Before applying for a Juris Doctor program, you must complete your bachelor's degree from a college or university recognised by the U.S. Department of Education. Although there are no specific major requirements, a liberal arts degree, including history, sociology, literature, creative writing, and political science, can provide a solid foundation for your legal education. Additionally, consider studying a foreign language to enhance your skills and potentially aid your advancement in the military.

Law School Entry Requirements:

To increase your chances of admission to a Juris Doctor program, you should aim to excel in the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT). This exam consists of multiple-choice questions in five sections: reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, an unscored variable section, and a writing sample. It is recommended to invest significant time and effort into preparing for the LSAT, as it is a critical component of your law school application.

Choosing a Law School:

It is essential to select a law school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Attending an ABA-approved law school makes you eligible to take the bar exam in all 50 states. However, some states, like California, allow graduates from non-ABA-approved law schools to take the bar exam and obtain a licence to practice.

Law School Curriculum:

During your Juris Doctor program, ensure that you complete a course in professional responsibility, as mandated by the ABA. This course will cover the ethical and professional responsibilities of lawyers. Additionally, to meet the ABA standards, your law school curriculum will likely include classes in contracts, torts, property law, constitutional law, civil procedure, and legal research. Most schools require a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in your legal coursework for graduation.

Graduation and Bar Exam Preparation:

After successfully completing your Juris Doctor degree, you will need to register and prepare for the bar exam. Although you can choose any state to take the exam, it is advisable to consider taking it in the state where you attended law school, as registration and exam preparation may be more integrated with the state's licensing authority, and fees may be lower. The bar exam typically covers ethics, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, contracts, civil procedure, and property law.

State Bar Admission:

Once you have passed the bar exam, you will need to apply for admission to the state bar. The requirements for this process include being at least 18 years old, demonstrating good moral character and fitness through background checks, submitting fingerprints, and paying the required registration fees, which can range from $300 to $500. After completing these steps, you will be administered the new attorney oath, usually during a state swearing-in ceremony.

Frequently asked questions