Editor’s Note: Do you have a question you would like to see answered in a future edition of The Citizen? If so, contact “Ask a JAG” at sean.marvin@eur.army.mil.
Q: I am finishing up a bachelor’s degree and plan on going to law school. I am interested in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps, but don’t know much about it. What benefits does the JAG Corps have, and how does one apply? Do you like being in the JAG Corps, and if so, what have been some of your favorite experiences?
A: While many new attorneys can spend years compiling research in the back room of a mid- to large-size firm, being in the JAG Corps gives you hands-on experience starting on day one.
With the guidance and help of more senior attorneys, new JAG attorneys are allowed the opportunity to engage in and excel at a wide variety of legal areas such as legal assistance; criminal law; administrative law; claims; civil litigation; labor law; international law and operational law. For more information on the benefits of the Army JAG Corps, visit https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/8525769A00495E0D.
To apply to the Army JAG Corps, go to www.goarmy.com/jag/index.jsp (other branches will have their own Web sites) and click on “Applications and Procedures.”
You can then apply and enter your information online. In addition to the application, applicants must schedule an interview with a field screening officer (found by clicking on the “Locate a Recruiter” tab on the right side of the screen).
The Army JAG Corps has two selection boards each year. For the spring and fall boards, all information must be submitted by March 1 and Nov. 1, respectively.
For me personally, being in the JAG Corps has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Each day presents new challenges, especially here at USAG Stuttgart, home of U.S. Africa Command and European Command.
The legal experiences I have had in the JAG Corps have put me exponentially ahead of most of my law school classmates. In addition, as an officer in the Army JAG Corps, I have had the opportunity to assist and represent fantastic Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians.
The JAG Corps allows me opportunities that I would be unable to find anywhere else. It has provided me with rewarding personal challenges and excellent professional development.
Finally, the JAG Corps offers the opportunity to deploy downrange and provide legal services in support of our country’s ongoing battle against terrorism. I myself will soon be deploying to Afghanistan to assist the people of Afghanistan in rebuilding their legal system.
This column is not intended as individual or specific legal advice. If you have specific issues or concerns, you should consult a judge advocate at 421-4152/civ. 0711-729-4152.
