Judge advocate general
Defend your country in the courtroom
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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.
Start your career in the courtroom00:00This is why 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.
01The 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.
QualificationsHow to applyQualifications
If you have completed your second year of law school or have completed two-thirds of your degree requirements, you may apply for a direct appointment as a JAG.
Applicant requirements
- Must be a citizen of the United States
- Must be on track to graduate from, or a recent graduate of, an ABA-approved law school Juris Doctor program
- Must be commissioned before the age of 35
- If selected, you must complete and pass an Air Force medical examination and obtain admission to practice in the highest court of any U.S. state, commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia before an offer of assignment will be extended to you.
Service commitment
You do not incur a service commitment until you accept your JAG assignment. The initial active duty commitment is four years, which begins on the day you depart for Commissioned Officer Training (COT).
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.
How to apply
Selection boards are held in April, October and December. 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., March 10, September 10 and November 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., April 1, October 1, December 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.
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 locationsRecommendation 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 application01The 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.
QualificationsHow to applyQualifications
If you are a law student in your first year of law school, you are eligible to apply.
Applicant requirements
- Must be attending an ABA-approved law school that either offers an AFROTC program (a “host” school) or allows you to take AFROTC courses at a nearby school (a “crosstown” school). A list of host and crosstown schools can be found here
- Be in good academic standing
- Meet AFROTC entry standards, such as U.S. citizenship, Air Force Officer Qualification Test minimum scores and AFROTC weight and medical standards
- Must be under age 35 at the time of commissioning
Training
If selected, GLP cadets complete the normal academic requirements for AFROTC program while attending their second and third years of law school. GLP cadets typically attend the field training course in the summer between their first and second year of law school or between their second and third year of law school.
Commissioning and service commitment
Upon completion of AFROTC program and graduation from law school, you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in inactive status. After completing legal licensing requirements, you will enter active duty as a first lieutenant shortly thereafter. The initial active duty commitment is four years from the date of entry on active duty.
How to apply
A selection board is held in February of each year. 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) prior to the board meeting. In addition to your online application, you must 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 materials online. The interview must be completed on or before the first of the month (i.e., February 1) that the board meets.
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.
As part of this program, you must interview with your local AFROTC detachment (where you plan to receive training) during the first semester of the first year of law school. You must ensure your preferred detachment is willing to enroll you as a cadet if the Judge Advocate General selects you for the Graduate Law Program. In your application, you must upload a letter from AFROTC detachment indicating that you’ve met with the detachment personnel in preparation for applying to the JAG board. Download a template of the required letter.
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 locationsRecommendation 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 application02The 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.
QualificationsHow to applyQualifications
If you are a law student in your second year of law school, you are eligible to apply.
Applicant requirements
- Must be attending an ABA-approved law school that either offers an AFROTC program (a “host” school) or allows you to take AFROTC courses at a nearby school (a “crosstown” school). A list of host and crosstown schools can be found here [LINK].
- Be in good academic standing
- Meet AFROTC entry standards, such as U.S. citizenship, Air Force Officer Qualification Test minimum scores and AFROTC weight and medical standards
- Must be under age 35 at the time of commissioning
Training
OYCP cadets complete the normal academic requirement for AFROTC program at an accelerated rate while attending their third year of law school. OYCP cadets typically attend a six-week extended field training course in the summer before their third year of law school to accommodate the accelerated rate.
Commissioning and service commitment
Upon completion of AFROTC program and graduation from law school, you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in inactive status. After completing legal licensing requirements, you will enter active duty as a first lieutenant shortly thereafter. The initial active duty commitment is four years from the date of entry on active duty.
How to apply
A selection board is held in February of each year. 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) prior to the board meeting. In addition, you must schedule a hiring interview with a Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) at any Air Force Base (AFB) through the online application processing system. You will be able 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) of the board meeting.
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.
As part of this program, you must interview with your local AFROTC detachment (where the applicant plans to receive training) during the first semester of the second year of law school. You must ensure your preferred detachment is willing to enroll you as a cadet if the Judge Advocate General selects you for the Graduate Law Program. In your application, you must upload a letter from AFROTC detachment indicating that you’ve met with the detachment personnel in preparation for applying to the JAG board. Download a template of the required letter.
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 locationsRecommendation 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 application03EXTERNSHIPS-YEAR-ROUND (UNPAID)
Gain hands-on experience in diverse areas of legal practice while learning more about the Air Force and the JAG Corps. You must be a U.S. citizen and enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school to apply.
QualificationsHow to applyQualifications
Externs for the United States Air Force JAG Corps work in either a base legal office or in the national capital region.
The United States Air Force JAG Corps provides full-spectrum legal advice to military commanders. You will gain hands-on experience in diverse areas of legal practice while learning more about the Air Force and the JAG Corps. In the past, law students have worked at legal offices on Air Force installations across the United States, gaining valuable experience. Our program is an excellent way to gain exposure to substantive legal work while serving alongside active duty Air Force Assistant Staff Judge Advocates.
Description of duties
As an extern, you will work under attorney supervision in numerous practice areas of the JAG Corps, including:
- Preparing criminal and civil cases by conducting legal research, writing briefs and opinions, conducting investigations and interviewing witnesses
- Assisting attorneys who counsel and represent Airmen, their family members and retirees in personal legal matters in areas such as family law, estate planning, landlord-tenant law, tax, bankruptcy, immigration and naturalization law and military administrative law
- Supporting attorneys in other areas, such as federal tort claims, government procurement law, employment law, international law, environmental law and operational law
Requirements
- U.S. Citizen (birth or naturalization)
- 1L or 2L at an ABA-approved law school (at the time of application)
- Must have approval from your law school to extern with the USAF JAG Corps
- Serve 8–10 weeks if externing during the summer, 14-16 weeks if externing during the fall or spring semesters
National capital region externships
Some externs are assigned to Air Force headquarters in the Washington, D.C., area. If chosen for the National Capital Region, you will gain real-world experience in support of Air Force missions while learning from senior civilian and military Air Force and Department of Defense officials and attorneys. Unlike externs assigned to base legal offices who will work in multiple areas of law throughout the summer, externs assigned to headquarters offices will generally work in one subject matter area.
Other significant facts
- Externships are unpaid positions.
- Externs will be assigned to a base legal office or office in the national capital region.
- Externs must pay for their travel to and from the job location and be able to secure housing. No housing allowance will be provided.
- Candidates must undergo a background investigation to determine suitability for employment.
- Selection for this position is contingent upon proof of U.S. citizenship.
- We will not accept late submissions.
- If you have any questions, please call 1-800-JAG-USAF or email <a href="emailto:airforcejagrecruiting@gmail.com">airforcejagrecruiting@gmail.com</a>
How to apply
The JAG Corps has fall, spring and summer externship opportunities at Air Force bases across the country. The externship application windows and instructions are announced on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USAFJAG.We also notify all law school Career Service Offices, and you can contact us at 1-800-JAG-USAF or at airforcejagrecruiting@gmail.com for more information. We do not accept mailed or faxed applications.
Application instructions
In order to apply, please follow the application instructions for the applicable selection board, which can be found on Facebook, with your CSO or by contacting us at 1-800-JAG-USAF or at airforcejagrecruiting@gmail.com. Typically, the following documentation is required:
- A résumé (one page) A memorandum describing your availability. The memorandum must include a privacy act waiver that states, “I agree to the use of my Privacy Act Information in the USAF externship application process. I understand those transmitting personal information will exercise caution and adequately safeguard it in accordance with applicable Air Force instructions.”
- Legible copies of undergraduate and law school transcripts
- A personal statement (limited to one page, double-spaced, one-inch margins, 11-point font)
- A writing sample (five pages or fewer)
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities memorandum (limited to one page, double-spaced, one-inch margins, 11-point font)
- A full-length photo (head to toe in professional attire)
Knowledge, skills and abilities response questions
Your memorandum response to the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities response questions is limited to one page, double-spaced with one-inch margins. You are not required to restate the questions. Number each of your responses (i.e., Response #1 and Response #2). If you have any questions, please call 1-800-JAG-USAF.
- Discuss your experience performing legal research and your familiarity with various computer systems and associated peripheral equipment to perform legal research.
- Discuss your skills and experience in identifying and understanding legal issues, options and recommending various courses of action.
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 locationsRecommendation 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 application04INTERNSHIP–SUMMER (PAID)
Gain hands-on experience in diverse areas of legal practice while learning more about the Air Force and the JAG Corps. You must be a U.S. citizen and enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school to apply.
QualificationsHow to applyQualifications
Interns for the United States Air Force JAG Corps work in either a base legal office or in the national capital region.
The United States Air Force JAG Corps provides full-spectrum legal advice to military commanders. You will gain hands-on experience in diverse areas of legal practice while learning more about the Air Force and the JAG Corps. In the past, law students have worked at legal offices on Air Force installations across the United States, gaining valuable experience. Our program is an excellent way to gain exposure to substantive legal work while serving alongside active duty Air Force Assistant Staff Judge Advocates.
Description of duties
As an intern, you will work under attorney supervision in numerous practice areas of the JAG Corps, including:
- Preparing criminal and civil cases by conducting legal research, writing briefs and opinions, conducting investigations and interviewing witnesses
- Assisting attorneys who counsel and represent Airmen, their family members and retirees in personal legal matters in areas such as family law, estate planning, landlord-tenant law, tax, bankruptcy, immigration and naturalization law and military administrative law
- Supporting attorneys in other areas, such as federal tort claims, government procurement law, employment law, international law, environmental law and operational law
Requirements
- U.S. Citizen (birth or naturalization)
- 1L or 2L attending an ABA-approved law school (at the time of the application)
- Serve 8–10 weeks during the summer
National capital region internships
Some interns are assigned to Air Force headquarters in the Washington, D.C., area. If chosen for the National Capital Region, you will gain real-world experience in support of Air Force missions while learning from senior civilian and military Air Force and Department of Defense officials and attorneys. Unlike interns assigned to base legal offices who will work in multiple areas of law throughout the summer, interns assigned to headquarters offices will generally work in one subject matter area.
Other significant facts
- Interns are paid based on the General Schedule (GS) US civil service pay scale. The GS level is determined each year and will be announced when the application opens.
- Interns must pay for their travel to and from the job location and be able to secure housing.
- Candidates must undergo a background investigation to determine suitability for employment.
- Selection for this position is contingent upon proof of U.S. citizenship.
- We will not accept late submissions.
If you have any questions, please call 1-800-JAG-USAF or email airforcejagrecruiting@gmail.com
How to apply
The JAG Corps has paid summer internship opportunities at Air Force bases across the country. The internship application windows and instructions are announced on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USAFJAG. We also notify all law school Career Service Offices, and you can contact us at 1-800-JAG-USAF or at airforcejagrecruiting@gmail.com for more information. All internship positions are subject to the availability of funds. We do not accept mailed or faxed applications.
Application instructions
We will only consider complete applications submitted to Air Force Judge Advocate General, Professional Development Directorate during the appropriate application window via www.USAJobs.gov. The position will be titled “Air Force Law Clerk.”
In order to apply, please follow the application instructions for the applicable selection board, which can be found on Facebook, with your CSO or by contacting us at 1-800-JAG-USAF or at airforcejagrecruiting@gmail.com. Typically, the following documentation is required:
- A résumé (one page)
- A memorandum describing your availability. The memorandum must include a privacy act waiver that states, “I agree to the use of my Privacy Act Information in the USAF internship application process. I understand those transmitting personal information will exercise caution and adequately safeguard it in accordance with applicable Air Force instructions.”
- Legible copies of undergraduate and law school transcripts (unofficial accepted)
- A personal statement (limited to one page, double-spaced, one-inch margins, 11-point font)
- A writing sample (five pages or less)
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Memorandum (limited to one page, double-spaced, one-inch margins, 11-point font)
- A full-length photo (head to toe in professional attire)
All internship positions are subject to the availability of funds. We will not accept mailed or faxed applications.
Knowledge, skills and abilities response questions
Your memorandum response to the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities response questions is limited to one page, double-spaced with one-inch margins. You are not required to restate the questions. Number each of your responses (i.e., Response #1 and Response #2). If you have any questions, please call 1-800-JAG-USAF.
- Discuss your experience performing legal research and your familiarity with various computer systems and associated peripheral equipment to perform legal research.
- Discuss your skills and experience in identifying and understanding legal issues, options and recommending various courses of action.
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 locationsRecommendation 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 application01AFROTC educational 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.
QualificationsHow to applyQualifications
To be considered, you must currently be enlisted in an ROTC program and meet the requirements set forth in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 51-101 and AFI 36-2009. You must also attend an ABA-approved law school.
Please note that you must compete for selection for entry into the program (Ed Delay In) and for entry into JAG at the end of the program (Ed Delay Out). Details are outlined in the How to Apply section.
Training
Participants in the Ed Delay Program are assigned to Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) as reserve officers. You’ll be assigned a summer externship between your second and third year of law school. Externships vary from 60 to 89 days, during which you will draw full active duty pay, benefits and travel allowances.
Service commitment
Once you’re selected and have met the medical and licensing requirements, we will contact you to discuss your duty assignment. JAGs enter active duty as first lieutenants.
How to apply
There are two application phases in the Educational Delay Program: Ed Delay In and Ed Delay Out.
Ed delay in
In this first application phase, you must complete two steps:
Step 1:You must apply through your local AFROTC detachment to the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at the beginning of the spring semester of your senior year of undergraduate school.
Step 2: A selection board is held in February of each year. Applications are accepted through our online application processing system. All application materials must be submitted online on or before the 10th of the month (i.e., January 10) prior to the board meeting. In addition to your online application, you must 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 February 1.
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.
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 locationsRecommendation 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 applicationEd delay out
During the final semester of law school, you will repeat the same application process you completed for entry. Utilize the online application system to submit your application materials. The selection board is held in February of each year. All application materials must be submitted online on or before the 10th of the month (i.e., January 10) prior to the board meeting. 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 prepares a written report that is forwarded to HQ USAF/JAX.
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