Judge Advocates provide a full range of legal services within the Marine Corps to support commanders in the accomplishment of their missions.

During their first tour, most Judge Advocates serve as trial or defense counsel in the military justice system, trying cases before a military judge or a jury of Naval personnel. They may serve as prosecutors, investigating, assembling and preparing courts-martial, or as defense counsel, representing their clients in courts-martial or administrative discharge proceedings. In either role, they develop critical analytic and persuasive skills in the context of criminal litigation.

Many Judge Advocates also serve as operational law attorneys, involving deployment for large-scale military operations or serving aboard ships that project U.S. presence overseas. Their responsibilities traditionally include providing legal advice on Rules of Engagement, Law of War, Detention Operations, Investigations, Fiscal Law, Government Contracting, Foreign Claims, Military Justice, Host Nation Justice Systems, Legal Assistance and any other legal issues that arise.

Specialized Training

Naval Justice School (NJS)
Newport, RI
10 weeks

Beyond Your First Tour

After your first tour, you may be assigned to a billet available to all officers, such as recruiting duty, instructor duty at The Basic School or series commander at one of the Marine Corps Recruit Depots. Later in your career, you may be assigned to Expeditionary Warfare School or Command and Control Systems Course, or seek an advanced degree. This pattern of assignment is designed to expand your knowledge of the Marine Corps and overall strategic operations before you take on increased responsibility within your MOS.

Second tour Judge Advocates have been assigned as senior trial or defense counsel, appellate counsel arguing cases before the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals or the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and deputy staff Judge Advocates to major commands.