Do You Have to Go Through Basic Training to Be a Military Lawyer?

When considering a career in military law, one of the first questions that comes to your mind may be: Do you have to go through basic training to be a military lawyer? Military lawyers, also known as JAG, do not attend the same basic training that other enlisted members of the service must complete.

There is, however, an officer basic training course that military lawyers must complete that instructs on military law and has a physical component for combat readiness in case of deployment.

Lawyers who have passed the bar exam must attend a course designed for officers that will teach them military protocols and other important information that United States military officers must know in order to represent and help military members. Though basic training is not a requirement for military lawyers, there are some who previously served with the military and would have attended that branch’s basic training course.

How to Become a Military Lawyer

Military lawyers serve under the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and are often called JAG, shortened for Judge Advocates. It is very difficult to become a military lawyer due to a very competitive and selective application process. Applicants must have a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and have passed the bar exam. In order to serve as a JAG, you must also pass a medical and background check.

The JAG Corps has low acceptance rates because, as opposed to becoming a civilian lawyer, the criteria to become a military lawyer are much more rigorous and look at the “whole body” of the candidate. The military looks at your academic record, community service, and previous leadership roles. Selection committees look for lawyers with strong moral character who are committed to public service and are able to lead with integrity.

The US military consisted of 2.86 million people in 2024, making it the third-largest military in the world. The ratio of military personnel to military lawyers is high, with low hiring rates for military lawyers. For example, the United States Air Force only accepts 90-100 attorneys a year, with only an 8-15% rate of acceptance.

In lieu of basic training, lawyers who are selected to become military lawyers must complete an officer basic training course that teaches military protocol and includes fitness training as well. This course is six weeks long and is specific to JAG officers.

Many candidates spend time strengthening their résumés with internships and volunteer work before applying, as these experiences demonstrate responsibility and character—something the holistic evaluations of the JAG Corps are looking for in its legal officers.

Functions of a Military Lawyer

Military lawyers are similar to civilian lawyers in their day-to-day responsibilities. What sets them apart is that military lawyers work only with military personnel. They represent their clients in both criminal and civil matters. This includes representing in court-martials, military reviews, the Military Court of Inquiry, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

Serving as a military lawyer gives you experience that is unparalleled as a civilian lawyer. As a military lawyer, you will be trained to practice in a variety of law, including criminal defense (courts-martial), family law, estate planning, and more. The rotating assignments as a military lawyer allow you to expand your experience across many legal disciplines in many different locations.

JAG officers also advise commanders on operational matters to ensure military operations comply with the legal and ethical standards of military law during engagement, deployments, and international agreements.

FAQs

Q: Do Military Lawyers Have to Do Basic Training?

A: No, military lawyers do not need to attend basic training as other service members do. Military lawyers do have to complete an officer basic course that teaches them military protocols and includes physical fitness training as well. Each branch offers its own training, and the length of the training may vary depending on who you serve.

Q: What Does It Take to Become a Military Lawyer?

A: To become a military lawyer, you must pass the bar exam and apply for a program through the branch of the military you are interested in and commit to a minimum service period. The military takes a “whole person” approach when selecting a candidate to become a military lawyer. They look for someone who is of high moral character, interested in serving the public, and can pass physical fitness standards.

Q: Will the Military Train You to Be a Lawyer?

A: In order to be a lawyer in the military, you must have already completed law school and be licensed to practice law in any U.S. State. The only training the military offers is a basic course that lasts approximately six weeks and teaches lawyers military protocols and how to address officers so that they may successfully serve as military legal aid.

Q: Do Military Lawyers Get Paid More?

A: No, military lawyers do not get paid more than civilian lawyers. Military attorneys’ compensation starts much less than that of lawyers who practice in private firms, but the military offers benefits such as housing, student loan assistance, insurance, and a stable career path. Military lawyers also gain the benefit of living abroad and practicing a variety of laws during their time of service.

Hire a Military Lawyer

Facing a military legal matter alone can be confusing and scary. Hire a military lawyer who understands your unique situation and knows how to defend you. Our founding attorney, Aaron Meyer, has experience as a Marine Officer and JAG in the United States Marine Corps. Aaron Meyer Law is located off of I-5 at Lake Forest Drive in Newport Beach, California.

He has worked with one of the busiest trial teams in the Department of Defense and has secured more full jury-trial acquittals than any other military attorney on the West Coast, past or present. His clients have never lost a case. He also handles cases throughout the world and at every military installation.

If you find yourself facing charges or a court-martial, do not try to navigate this by yourself. You need an aggressive military criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect you. Contact us today for a free consultation.