Judge Advocate General (JAG)

Overview

If the traditional civilian career path has left you wanting more, both personally and professionally, a JAG career can re-inspire your love of the law. This lifestyle is the antidote to the day-in, day-out corporate grind. Being a JAG means you'll be doing meaningful work from day one — with opportunities to practice in almost every field, see the world and become the lawyer you've always wanted to be.

Qualifications

• 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
• Air Force medical examination required prior to offer of assignment

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 Officer Training School (OTS).

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 February, April, August 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, July 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 an 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, August 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.

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 : 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.

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