Why JAG?

Be a Naval Officer, Be a Lawyer

Join an elite group. Judge advocates are commissioned naval officers in the world's most effective, efficient and lethal Navy. Being a Navy judge advocate is a sought-after experience which brings valuable professional distinction, leadership and service to your country.
Live up to the finest traditions of the U.S. Navy. Meet the challenges, rewards and accomplishments inherent in adhering to the Navy core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Take and sustain pride. As a naval officer, a Navy judge advocate are trained and embody qualities such as self-confidence, team focus, and sense of purpose. This sense of resiliency and pride is the hallmark of an effective leader in any organization.
Become a better lawyer. The Navy JAG Corps training and experience will enhance both your professional and personal growth, increasing your skills and sharpening your legal mind. Your experiences as judge advocate add to your resume, whether you join for a few years or for an entire career.

Enjoy immediate responsibility. Unlike many junior lawyers in private firms who spend their early years conducting research, as a Navy judge advocate you will be involved in real-world legal experience from the moment you enter the Navy JAG Corps.
Practice worldwide. Take one bar examination and get the chance to practice across the United States and the globe, at sea and ashore. Whether you join for four years or for life, the breadth of experience gained with the Navy JAG Corps makes you more knowledgeable and extremely marketable for future employment possibilities.
Challenge yourself everyday. Multiple practice areas, as well as development and educational opportunities, are made available to you as you grow in the Navy JAG Corps community — including advanced legal degrees and certifications.

Make a difference in the world. As a Navy judge advocate, you see the results of what you do and how your work has a direct impact on people and nations. That hard earned law degree will have tangible effects on protecting and preserving your country and way of life.
Support your nation. With the Navy JAG Corps you'll contribute to setting the legal bar for the U.S. and the world, making our country safer and stronger, ready to answer any challenge or threat on the horizon.
Get and stay connected. Navy judge advocates are members of a tight legal community, whose professional and personnel connects remain throughout one's time in the service and when the uniform is taken off. Moreover, the Navy's quintessential component of being a Shipmate extends outside of the legal community, to Navy Sailors, Officers and civilians you work with, live with and serve alongside.
Live life to the fullest. The Navy promotes a lifestyle where family, friends, leisure, fitness, and work are all part of an officer's life and well-being. With the Navy JAG Corps you will work hard but with 30 days of paid vacation a year, you are encouraged to make time for yourself.

Do something you never imagined. With the Navy JAG Corps you'll have the opportunity to litigate all types of cases, experience a variety of training, travel to all sorts of destinations, and meet all kinds of people while continuing to grow your personal, professional interests.
Set sail. As a Navy judge advocate you'll have the opportunity to discover the world by traveling, serving aboard ships, living overseas, and practicing in areas you did not even know about or never thought you could. Our sea service provides the vehicle to connect to a strong Navy tradition going back over two centuries.

Enjoy competitive compensation. When salary, tax-free benefits, and all peripheral assistance are added into the equation, the result is a competitive package with match or exceed other government or civilian legal careers.
Take advantage of outstanding benefits. Health care, dental care, 30 days of paid vacation, parental leave, and a generous retirement plan are just some of the benefits available to you. You can enroll your family members in the Navy's health and dental insurance.
Financial incentives. Unlike other services, the Navy JAG Corps provides cash continuation pay at career milestones, helping to facilitate financial goals, including family planning, student loan repayments, and asset ownership. Judge advocates are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
You can depend on us. The Navy JAG Corps offers government job stability and healthcare for life once retired from the Navy.
Cultivate a sound mind and sound body. The Navy's culture of excellence instills a unifying priority on physical fitness and mental resiliency. Daily exercise, access to health professionals, and time during working hours to use these resources are the ways judge advocates maintain a healthy lifestyle and readiness.