Education

• 1). While some officers receive their legal education through the military, graduates of accredited law schools and some law school students can apply to join the military as JAGs. The branches of the military offer a variety of programs for qualified lawyers to join as JAGs. The military looks for graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association.
  
  
• 2). Choose between joining as an active duty officer or joining the reserve. The Army JAG program describes the reserve program as a part-time career, but it carries federal benefits, including a retirement package for members who complete 20 years of service.
  
  
• 3). Apply to the program you've chosen. All branches have a highly competitive application process that requires detailed information about the candidate. The Air Force JAG program requires you to send in a motivational statement, resume, law school transcript, letters of recommendation, drug use explanation, and a full length photograph.
  
  
• 4). Successfully complete a personal interview, physical examination and fitness test. For the Air Force JAG program, a senior attorney at an Air Force base will personally conduct the interview with the candidate. Every candidate must pass a fitness test and medical examination.