Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • navy logo

Work Environment

Judges work in legal offices and courtrooms on land and aboard ships.

  • Military Status

    Officer

  • Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

    $103,866

    Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.

    $23,255 - $252,494

Overview

Military judges are selected by the Judge Advocate General and play many roles in the Military. They preside in trials, interpret the law, assess the evidence presented, and control how hearings and trials unfold in their courtrooms.

Military Training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for judges primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities military structure and etiquette traditions and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Military trial procedures
  • Application of the Uniform Code of Military Justice
  • Methods of obtaining evidence
  • Court-martial advocacy techniques

Helpful Attributes

  • Ability to speak effectively in public
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely
  • Attention to detail
  • Interest in working with and researching legal concepts
  • Decisiveness

Related Civilian Careers

  • Paralegals and Legal Assistants
  • Lawyers