student talking to JAG
JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL

STUDENT

do the job you were trained to do

As a JAG, you’ll start practicing law right away for the most high-profile client you can imagine: your country. You’ll jump right in and start doing the work you love. Work you’ll feel proud about. Work that many attorneys strive to do their entire career.

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Start Your Career in the Courtroom

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.

USAFA CADETS

USAF ACADEMY EXCESS LEAVE PROGRAM

For USAF Academy cadets interested in delaying their entrance on active duty to attend law school. Applicants must be in their senior year at USAFA and in good standing. Through this program officers are responsible for all expenses, to included tuition and fees, and they do not receive pay or allowances. However, participants continue to accrue time for promotion/retirement purposes, and they remain eligible for other active duty benefits. Applicants apply to the annual February board.

AFROTC COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

education delay program

If you’re on track to pursue a career in the Air Force and now have dreams of becoming a JAG, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Educational Delay Program was designed for you. This option allows you to delay your entry into active duty to study law. While you’re not guaranteed a JAG position in this program, you will be taking advantage of a great opportunity to pursue a law degree.

FIRST-YEAR LAW STUDENTS

graduate law program

If you know a JAG career is right for you, this is how you make sure you’re on track to get the job. The Graduate Law Program (GLP) guarantees you a position as a JAG upon successful completion of a two-year AFROTC program, law school and legal licensing requirements.

SECOND-YEAR LAW STUDENTS

one year college program

Become a JAG right after graduation, guaranteed. The One-Year College Program (OYCP) assures you a position as a JAG upon successful completion of a one-year AFROTC program, law school and legal licensing requirements. You’ll secure your future in a rewarding career that many graduating law students and new attorneys will be competing to enter.

THIRD-YEAR LAW STUDENTS

direct appointment program

You have a degree (or you will soon), and you’re ready to put your knowledge to work. As a JAG, you’ll have a fulfilling career from day one, with opportunities to practice law in various areas while working with a team of people who want you to succeed.

  • three JAG attorneys sitting in court

    unpaid Year Round Externship Program

    For 1/2/3Ls interested in seeing what it is like to be a JAG on a day-to-day basis while gaining real-world legal experience in diverse practices. The program lasts for 14-16 weeks in the fall and spring and 8-12 weeks during the summer. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled at an ABA accredited law school and able to pass a security clearance.

  • two JAG attorneys reviewing documents

    Paid Summer Internship Program

    For 1/2Ls interested in seeing what it is like to be a JAG on a day-to-day basis while gaining real-world legal experience in diverse practices. The program lasts for 8-10 weeks. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled at an ABA accredited law school and able to pass a security clearance.

YOUR FUTURE IS WAITING.

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