Question by Alexandrov: How much does a JAG attorney start out making?
I’m looking into the JAG corps as a possible career, and I want to know how much they make. The army website only says an advanced pay grade.
Best answer:
Answer by Matt
I recently graduated from law school and interviewed with JAG, I still may do reserves or NG as a JAG. Basically, aside from the Marines, you start out as an O1 or O2. You keep that for 6 months, about enough time to finish the JAG training school, and then you get promoted to an O3, which is a Captain in the Army and AirForce and a Lt. in the Navy.
You can get the pay scales for an O-3 and O-1 here http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/2006militarypaytables/2007_Web_Pay_Table.pdf
An O3, which is what you will be after 6 months, makes ,504. That is base pay. You also receive either free housing or a BAH or BAQ (depending on branch). This is a basic allowance for housing or quarters, to pay for off base housing. This amount varies based on rank, marital status, and number of dependents, and location. As a single person with no dependents, you would probably receive around 5/mo if I remember correctly. This is tax free. You will also receive a BAS, basic allowance for sustenance. This will be a couple hundred dollars a month, also tax free.
I hope you do it, it seems fun.
http://www.lawschoolstuff.net
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!