Today’s column discusses legal career opportunities in the armed services. At the outset, it should be understood that a legal career in one of the military services is not limited to trying court martial cases. A career in each of the services offers legal disciplines a lawyer would find in any major law firm in the country. The difference is that there is no emphasis on hours billed, but on the quality of work performed and leadership skills developed. I served on active duty as a Navy judge advocate officer for five years.

The judge advocate officer is a sworn military officer in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, with official rank and duty obligations required of all other military officers of that particular branch of the services.