Do Military Lawyers Get Deployed?

If you are considering a career as a military lawyer, it is important to understand the commitments that are included in your service to the United States. Understanding each branch of the military is imperative to understanding which supports your future goals to legally represent military personnel and serve your country. Additionally, readers often ask: Do military lawyers get deployed?

Deployment as a Military Lawyer

Military lawyers do get deployed and may be called to offer vital legal support in combat operations. The military has a long history of deploying JAG Corps judge advocates and paralegals. In addition to offering legal support in combat zones, JAG may also support peacekeeping missions and assist in humanitarian efforts. Deployments can be dangerous.

JAG officers must be prepared to work in unpredictable environments, and their role often extends to advising commanders during rapidly changing operational situations where legal clarity is essential.

The average military deployment is typically six to twelve months long, but can vary depending on the military branch and the factors causing deployment. If you are a member of the military and need help in civil or criminal matters, hire a military lawyer today. Aaron Meyer Law is a military criminal defense attorney representing clients in California and around the world.

History of JAG Deployment

The Air Force’s first deployment of JAG officers was in June of 1950 in order to give legal support to combat operations when the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea invaded the Republic of Korea. During this three-year conflict, lawyers were deployed because a new law required a legal officer to rule on questions of law presented to a court-martial.

Over the years, the role of military lawyers’ deployments evolved to help protect servicemen and local civilians when possible. They advise U.S. commanders on both U.S. and host nation’s laws to make sure that they are acting ethically and within legal compliance. Military lawyers are given a myriad of opportunities every day that their civilian counterparts will never be able to experience.

Future of JAG Deployment

In recent years, the types of assignments given to JAG officers have continued to expand as new missions and legal needs arise within the military. Judge Advocates may be asked to support operations that involve international partnerships, humanitarian efforts, or evolving areas such as cyber operations.

These assignments often require JAG officers to interpret complex regulations, advise commanders, and ensure that military operations comply with both U.S. and host-nation laws. Because modern military activity includes a broad range of missions, JAG officers may rotate between domestic postings and overseas assignments as the needs of their branch shift. This opens up a career path with a wider range of practical experience.

Understanding that there is a chance of deployment is important if you are considering a career as a military lawyer. The frequency and length of deployments vary depending on the branch of military you are serving and on the current geopolitical climate. Some may never deploy during their time of service, while others may be deployed numerous times. The knowledge and experience gained from deployment is something civilian attorneys will never have and sets military lawyers apart.

FAQs

Q: Do Army Lawyers Get Deployed?

A: Yes, army lawyers do get deployed in order to support legal operations within the United States and internationally. Deployment can last several months and separate you from your family. It is a very stressful situation to be in at times, but the experience is nothing like you would gain in private practice. Their role extends beyond civil legal assistance to other deployed officers (which they still do) but also includes involvement with international law.

Q: Which Military Branch Is Optimal for Lawyers?

A: Each branch of the military has different advantages for lawyers, depending on what your long-term goals are and what you are looking for in service. According to the University of Virginia Law School, the Navy is the optimal choice for those seeking diverse practice since a JAG officer would experience maritime law as well as assist with national security, environmental, and civil litigation. It is wise to do research into each branch prior to applying.

Q: Do JAG Officers See Combat?

A: JAG officers are often deployed into combat zones and can potentially experience combat. They must be ready to fight if necessary, and that is why, in order to be accepted into the JAG Corps and become a military lawyer, you must pass different physical tests and training. Becoming a military lawyer isn’t a guarantee that you will see combat, but there is always a possibility—and something you should account for if you are interested in practicing military law.

Q: What Military Occupational Specialty Is Least Likely to Be Deployed?

A: The Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) that is least likely to be deployed includes certain administrative positions, like human resources. General medical practitioners are also less likely to see deployments as they are not needed in combat. This includes dental hygienists who mostly serve on military bases in the United States.

Hire a Military Lawyer

Facing a military legal matter alone can be confusing and scary. You should hire a military lawyer who understands your unique situation and knows how to defend you. If you are looking to hire a military criminal defense lawyer in California, Aaron Meyer Law is experienced in handling your military legal matters.

Our founding attorney, Aaron Meyer, has experience as a Marine Officer and JAG in the United States Marine Corps. He has experience working with the busiest trial team in the Department of Defense and has secured more full jury-trial acquittals than any West Coast military attorney, past or present. His clients have never lost a case.

If you find yourself facing charges or a court-martial, do not try to navigate this by yourself. Aaron Meyer Law is located off of I-5 at Lake Forest Drive in Newport Beach, California. He also handles cases throughout the world and at every military installation. You need an aggressive military criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect you. Contact us today for a free consultation.