Most legal firms offer some type of orientation program. The U.S. Army JAG Corps is no different.

New judge advocates report to Fort Lee, Virginia, for a twelve-day military orientation course, which is known as the Fort Lee phase of the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course (JAOBC). The course allows time for establishing personnel and finance records, purchasing uniforms, and receiving instruction in several basic areas of military life.

The military orientation course is followed by a ten-week academic course at the JAG School in Charlottesville, VA.  During this phase, you receive instruction on the organization, function, and mission of the U.S. Army JAG Corps, and an overview of the practice of law in the U.S. Army, including military criminal law, government contract and fiscal law, legal assistance, claims, administrative law, and international and operational law. 

The training continues with four weeks of the Direct Commissioned Officer Course (DCO) and ends with six weeks of officer leadership and Soldier skills training at Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC).  You will go to one of two locations for DCO and BOLC: Fort Benning, GA or Fort Sill, OK. The DCO will prepare judge advocates for success at BOLC by orienting to and focusing on basic officer and Soldier skills. You will leave BOLC as a more competent leader.