JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL

active duty military

WIELD THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON AROUND: THE RULE OF LAW

A career in the military is filled with opportunities. Pursuing your dreams of practicing law is one of them. If you’re currently active duty in the Air Force or any of the armed forces, there are many ways you can go to law school and get on track to become a JAG. Whether you’re finishing your service commitment or in the middle of it, there is an entry program designed for you.

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application process

THE FIRST STEP IN A LONG CAREER

The JAG application process is competitive, rigorous and highly selective. We evaluate each candidate using the "whole person" concept, which means we look at academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record (if any) as well as work and leadership experience. We also conduct interviews with every candidate to discuss your potential in person.

  • If you are currently serving in active duty but have ambitions to someday become a Judge Advocate, you’ll be excited to learn that every year we select a limited number of active duty officers to attend law school at Air Force expense. The number of candidates chosen varies from year to year based on funding. If you are selected to participate in FLEP, you’ll receive your tuition, fees and a book allowance from the Air Force while continuing to serve on active duty. This means you’ll get full pay, allowances and other benefits while you attend law school.

    qualifications

    applicant requirements

    Active duty officers and enlisted members may apply for FLEP. The selection process is competitive. Academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience and the SJA recommendation are all considered. The Judge Advocate General selects the best-qualified applicants based upon the recommendations of a board of senior Judge Advocates. Applicants are notified of the results by letter.
    • Must be a citizen of the United States
    • Must be a graduate of an ABA-approved law school and be admitted to practice law in the highest court of any U.S. state, commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia
    • Must be commissioned before the age of 40
    • Once selected for the JAG Corps, all applicants must complete and pass an Air Force medical examination before an offer of assignment will be extended.

    tuition limitation

    The FLEP tuition limits are set by Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) on an annual basis and vary from year to year based on available funding. If you’re chosen for FLEP, you are not permitted to supplement tuition expenses or fees with any need-based scholarships, private or personal funding sources or the GI Bill. If approved by AFIT and HQ USAF/JAX, you can supplement tuition with an academic-based scholarship.

    prior military service

    If you are selected for direct appointment and are prior active duty, National Guard or Reserve, you will be credited by length of service for pay purposes. Prior commissioned service can also advance entry grade and date of rank. All active duty service is credited toward retirement.

    training

    If selected for FLEP, you will be assigned to the AFIT and will be required to inform AFIT of your academic progress. You are also required to perform summer internships at an Air Force or Space Force legal office during each law school summer break.

    service commitment

    Participation in FLEP requires a two-year Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) for each year, or part thereof, you spend in the program. For enlisted selectees, OTS Commission requires an additional four-year ADSC. The ADSC runs consecutive to any existing service commitment. Any preexisting ADSC will toll during law school and begin upon completion of the bar exam.

    how to apply

    application process

    A selection board convenes in February each year, subject to availability of funding. The application window generally opens on 1 November of the preceding year, and you must submit all application materials via the online application no later than January 10. In addition to your online application, you must complete a hiring interview with a Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) at any Air Force Base (AFB) through the online application processing system. A SJA will contact you to schedule an interview AFTER you submit your application materials online. The interview must be completed on or before February 1. After the interview, the SJA will prepare a written report that is forwarded to HQ USAF/JAX

    Typically, the following documentation is required when applying:

    Note: Images must be jpg and no larger 1MB. All other documents must be in pdf format and no larger than 3MB.

    • Full-length color photograph in service dress (5" x 7" or 8" x 10")
    • Release Letter from AFPC Functional Manager
    • Motivational statement (limited to one page, double-spaced)
    • Résumé 
    • Writing sample (optional, 10 pages or less)
    • List of Applications to Law Schools
    • DD Form 214 (if prior military)
    • Officer Performance Reports or Enlisted Performance Reports
    • Officer/Enlisted SURF and Training Reports
    • LSAT percentile (LSAT Report Score Sheet)
    • Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine)
    • Letters of recommendation (optional, up to 5)
    • FLEP Agreement
    • AF ROTC Field Training Report (if applicable)

    schedule your sja interview

    Use the online application processing system to choose the Air Force or Space Force base where you would like to interview. Once you submit your online application, the SJA or SJA representative will contact you to schedule an interview before the board date. You can find a map of all Air Force and Space Force base locations here: BASE LOCATIONS

    recommendation letters

    Recommendation letters should be written by someone who can attest to your work ethic, duty performance, leadership potential, etc. Address all letters to “Selection Board Members.” Do not mail recommendation letters directly to the selection board. Rather, upload them as part of your online application. BEGIN ONLINE APPLICATION

  • Another way you can attend law school if you are currently an active duty Air Force Officer is through our Excess Leave Program (ELP). This option allows you to pursue your legal ambitions while on what is known as “excess leave.” However, this type of leave isn’t counted against your leave account and does not have to be repaid. Through this program, you will be responsible for all application expenses, tuition, and fees. You also won’t receive pay or allowances. However, you will continue to accrue time for promotion and retirement purposes, and you’ll remain eligible for other active duty benefits such as base exchange, commissary, and medical services.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Applicant requirements

    Only active duty officers may apply for ELP. Academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience and the SJA recommendation are all considered. The Judge Advocate General selects the best-qualified applicants based upon the recommendations of a board of senior Judge Advocates. Applicants are notified of the results by letter.
    • Must be a citizen of the United States serving on extended active duty as an Air Force Officer
    • Must be in the pay grade of captain or below (with less than three years time in grade as a captain)
    • Must have served on active duty for at least two, but not more than 10 years (including enlisted time), at the time their law school would begin
    • Must have graduated from college with a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent
    • Selectees begin their legal education in the fall of the year in which they are selected
    • Transfer to the JAG Corps is contingent upon graduation from an ABA-approved law school and admission to practice law in the highest court of any U.S. state, commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia.

    Training

    If selected for ELP, you will be assigned to the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and will be required to inform AFIT of your academic progress. You are also required to perform summer internships at an Air Force or Space Force legal office during each law school summer break.

    service commitment

    Participation in the ELP results in a four-year Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) if the program is completed. If the program is not completed, participants will have an ADSC of one month for each month of participation. This ADSC runs consecutive to any existing service commitment. Any preexisting ADSC will toll during law school and begin again upon completion of the bar exam.

    how to apply

    application process

    A selection board convenes in February each year, subject to availability of funding. The application window generally opens on 1 November of the preceding year, and you must submit all application materials via the online application no later than January 10. In addition to your online application, you must complete a hiring interview with a Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) at any Air Force Base (AFB) through the online application processing system. A SJA will contact you to schedule an interview AFTER you submit your application materials online. The interview must be completed on or before February 1. After the interview, the SJA will prepare a written report that is forwarded to HQ USAF/JAX

    Typically, the following documentation is required when applying.

    Note: Images must be jpg and no larger 1MB. All other documents must be in pdf format and no larger than 3MB.

    • Full-length color photograph in service dress (5" x 7" or 8" x 10")
    • Release Letter from AFPC Functional Manager 
    • Motivational statement (limited to one page, double-spaced)
    • Résumé 
    • Writing sample (optional, 10 pages or less)
    • List of Applications to Law Schools
    • DD Form 214 (if prior military)
    • Officer Performance Reports
    • Officer SURF and Training Reports
    • LSAT percentile (LSAT Report Score Sheet)
    • Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine)
    •  Letters of recommendation (optional, up to 5)
    • ELP AgreementLetters of recommendation (up to five, PDFs)
    • AF ROTC Field Training Report (if applicable)

    SCHEDULE YOUR SJA INTERVIEW

    Use the online application processing system to choose the AFB where you would like to interview. Once you submit your online application, the SJA or SJA representative will contact you to schedule an interview before the board date. You can find a map of all AFB locations here: BASE LOCATIONS

    recommendation letters

    Recommendation letters should be written by someone who can attest to your work ethic, duty performance, leadership potential, etc. Address all letters to “Selection Board Members.” Do not mail recommendation letters directly to the selection board. Rather, upload them as part of your online application. BEGIN ONLINE APPLICATION

  • If you’re a licensed attorney and are currently serving in the Air Force, you can make a career switch to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. To make the request for an intraservice transfer, you must have at least four years, but no more than 10 years, of total active federal commissioned service.

    qualifications

    applicant requirements

    You must have graduated from an ABA-approved law school and have been admitted to practice law in the highest court of any U.S. state, commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia. Furthermore, you must have completed all active duty service commitments as of the transfer or appointment effective date. See AFI 51-101 and AFI 36-2106 for further information. The Air Force Personnel Center must concur on all selections.

    selection criteria

    You will be evaluated on several factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience and the SJA recommendation. The Judge Advocate General selects the best-qualified applicants based upon the recommendations of a board of senior Judge Advocates. Applicants are notified of the results by letter.

    service commitment

    The active duty service commitment for an intraservice transfer is four years.

    how to apply

    application process

    You must have graduated from an ABA-approved law school and have been admitted to practice law in the highest court of any U.S. state, commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia. Furthermore, you must have completed all active duty service commitments as of the transfer or appointment effective date. See AFI 51-101 and AFI 36-2106 for further information. The Air Force Personnel Center must concur on all selections.

    selection criteria

    You will be evaluated on several factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience and the SJA recommendation. The Judge Advocate General selects the best-qualified applicants based upon the recommendations of a board of senior Judge Advocates. Applicants are notified of the results by letter.

    service commitment

    The active duty service commitment for an intraservice transfer is four years.

  • If you’re a licensed attorney and are currently serving in active duty in another branch of the Armed Forces, you can still become a part of the JAG program within the Air Force. To request an interservice transfer, you must be an officer in the pay grade of O-3 or below on extended active duty.

    qualifications

    applicant requirements

    You must have graduated from an ABA-approved law school and have been admitted to practice law in the highest court of any U.S. state, commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia. To make the request for an interservice transfer, you must have at least four years, but no more than 10 years, of total active federal commissioned service. The parent service must concur on all selections.

    selection criteria

    You will be evaluated on several factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience and the SJA recommendation. The Judge Advocate General selects the best-qualified applicants based upon the recommendations of a board of senior Judge Advocates. Applicants are notified of the results by letter.

    service commitment

    The active duty service commitment for an interservice transfer is four years.

    how to apply

    application process

    Selection boards are held in February, April, September and November. Applications are accepted through our online application processing system. You must submit all application materials online on or before the 10th of the month (i.e., January 10, March 10, August 10 and October 10) prior to the board. In addition to your online application, you must also schedule a hiring interview with a Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) at any Air Force Base (AFB) through the online application processing system. A SJA will contact you to schedule an interview AFTER you submit your application materials online. The interview must be completed on or before the first of the month (i.e., February 1, April 1, September 1, November 1) of the board.

    After the interview, the SJA will prepare a report that is forwarded along with your application materials to HQ USAF/JAX. Please do not mail application materials directly to HQ USAF/JAX. If you need to add materials to your application after submission, contact the SJA who conducted your interview to assist you. Additional materials will not be accepted after the first of the month that the board meets

    Typically, the following documentation is required when applying:

    Note: Images must be jpg and no larger 1MB. All other documents must be in pdf format and no larger than 3MB.

    • Full-length color photograph in service dress (5" x 7" or 8" x 10")
    • Release Letter from AFPC Functional Manager
    • Motivational statement (limited to one page, double-spaced)
    • Résumé
    • Writing sample (optional, 10 pages or less)
    • DD Form 214 (if prior military)
    • Officer Performance Reports
    • Officer SURF and Training Reports
    • LSAT percentile (LSAT Report Score Sheet)
    • Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine)
    • Law school transcripts (unofficial is fine)
    • Letters of recommendation (optional, up to 5)
    • AF ROTC Field Training Report (if applicable)
    • Bar Certificate or Letter of Good Standing
    • Any documents required by parent service and those prescribed in AFI 36-2005

    schedule your SJA interview

    Use the online application processing system to choose the AFB where you would like to interview. Once you submit your online application, the SJA or SJA representative will contact you to schedule an interview before the board date. You can find a map of all AFB locations here: BASE LOCATIONS

    recommendation letters

    Recommendation letters should be written by someone who can attest to your work ethic, duty performance, leadership potential, etc. Address all letters to “Selection Board Members.” Do not mail recommendation letters directly to the selection board. Rather, upload them as part of your online application. BEGIN ONLINE APPLICATION

  • If you are recalled to active duty, you can return to serve as a Judge Advocate. This is a great option if you’re an active or inactive officer in the Air Force Reserve or Guard who is already a practicing attorney. You’re also eligible to apply through this program if you’re currently enrolled in law school and have completed your second year.

    qualifications

    applicant requirements

    You must have graduated from an ABA-approved law school and received admission to practice law in the highest court of any U.S. state, commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia. You may apply during your final year of law school as well, but selection will be contingent upon graduation and completion of legal licensing. You will be required to complete an Air Force medical examination. Finally, you must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this program.

    selection criteria

    You will be evaluated on several factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, prior military record, work experience and the SJA recommendation. The Judge Advocate General selects the best-qualified applicants based upon the recommendations of a board of senior Judge Advocates. Applicants are notified of the results by letter.

    service commitment

    The initial active duty commitment is four years.

    prior military service

    If you are selected for this program and are prior active duty, Guard duty or Reserve duty, you will be credited by length of service for pay purposes. Prior commissioned service can also advance entry grade and date of rank. All active duty service is credited toward retirement. Applicants currently serving in the Guard or Reserve must obtain a conditional release from their respective services after selection for the JAG Corps.

    how to apply

    application process

    Selection boards are held in February, April, September and November. Applications are accepted through our online application processing system. You must submit all application materials online on or before the 10th of the month (i.e., January 10, March 10, August 10 and October 10) prior to the board. In addition to your online application, you must also schedule a hiring interview with a Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) at any Air Force Base (AFB) through the online application processing system. A SJA will contact you to schedule an interview AFTER you submit your application materials online. The interview must be completed on or before the first of the month (i.e., February 1, April 1, September 1, November 1) of the board.

    After the interview, the SJA will prepare a report that is forwarded along with your application materials to HQ USAF/JAX. Please do not mail application materials directly to HQ USAF/JAX. If you need to add materials to your application after submission, contact the SJA who conducted your interview to assist you. Additional materials will not be accepted after the first of the month that the board meets

    Typically, the following documentation is required when applying:

    Note: Images must be jpg and no larger 1MB. All other documents must be in pdf format and no larger than 3MB.

    • Full-length color photograph in service dress (5" x 7" or 8" x 10")
    • Release Letter from AFPC Functional Manager
    • Motivational statement (limited to one page, double-spaced)
    • Résumé
    • Writing sample (optional, 10 pages or less)
    • DD Form 214 (if prior military)
    • Officer Performance Reports
    • Officer SURF and Training Reports
    • LSAT percentile (LSAT Report Score Sheet)
    • Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine)
    • Law school transcripts (unofficial is fine)
    • Letters of recommendation (optional, up to 5)
    • AF ROTC Field Training Report (if applicable)
    • Bar Certificate or Letter of Good Standing

    schedule your SJA interview

    To schedule an appointment for a hiring interview, please use the online application processing system to contact the SJA at the AFB near you. Once the request is submitted, the SJA or the SJA’s representative should contact you to schedule an interview. Please note that it can take up to 48 hours for the SJA to receive your application in the system. You can find a map of all AFB locations here: BASE LOCATIONS

    recommendation letters

    Recommendation letters should be written by someone who can attest to your work ethic, duty performance, leadership potential, etc. Address all letters to “Selection Board Members.” Do not mail recommendation letters directly to the selection board. Rather, upload them as part of your online application. BEGIN ONLINE APPLICATION
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