Air Force JAGs in a court room
JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL

DEFEND YOUR COUNTRY IN THE COURTROOM

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY ENTRY PROGRAM

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. Even for active duty military, 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, work and leadership experience. We also conduct interviews with every candidate to discuss your potential in person.

01

FUNDED LEGAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (FLEP)

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.

02

EXCESS LEAVE PROGRAM (ELP)

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.

03

INTRASERVICE TRANSFER

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.

04

INTERSERVICE TRANSFER

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.

05

RECALL TO ACTIVE DUTY

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.

YOUR FUTURE IS WAITING.

APPLY NOW