Army Legal Programs

The U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAGC) offers opportunities for service members and ROTC graduates to pursue a legal career while serving their country.

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General Requirements

To become an Army lawyer (JAG Officer), you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen by the time of commissioning.
• Hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Be licensed to practice law in a U.S. state or territory.
• Be under age 42 at commissioning.
• Qualify for a Secret Security Clearance.
• Be of good moral character and meet Army physical and medical standards.

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Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP)

The Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) allows active-duty officers (O-1 to O-3) and enlisted Soldiers (E-5 to E-7) to attend law school at the Army’s expense while continuing to serve on active duty.

Program Highlights:

• Army pays full tuition and expenses for law school.
• Limited to 25 selectees per fiscal year.
• Open to Active Duty and National Guard Soldiers meeting time-in-service and rank requirements.
• Applicants must have at least 2 years of active duty and hold a Secret clearance.
• Service Obligation: Two years of Active Duty for each year of law school funded.
• Upon graduation, participants are commissioned as Army Judge Advocates after passing the bar exam.
• Law Schools: Must be ABA-accredited, with preference for in-state tuition options.

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Army Reserve & Paralegal Options

• Army Reserve JAG: Requires a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school, bar admission, and typically under age 33 (waivers available for prior service).
• Paralegal Specialist: Requires a high school diploma or GED, 3.5 GPA, and meeting Army physical fitness standards.

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Through programs like FLEP, the Army offers qualified service members a path to a fully funded legal education, bar admission, and a career as an Army Judge Advocate—combining legal expertise with leadership and service.