Duties and Qualifications of the National Guard

Judge Advocate

Jim Holden

Duties and Qualifications of the National Guard Judge Advocate

An attorney by profession, James “Jim” Holden serves as chief deputy treasurer and general counsel at the Indiana State Treasurer's office. Jim Holden also maintains a commission as a judge advocate in the Indiana Army National Guard.

Duties and Qualifications of the National Guard Judge Advocate

In the United States military, a judge advocate provides free legal services to active servicemembers and their families. There are also judge advocates in service to the U.S. National Guard, where these professionals assist soldiers with legal documents and processes relative to such matters as buying a car, paying taxes, or creating a will. In addition, judge advocates (also known as Judge Advocate General or JAG officers), serve at the organizational level to both prosecute and defend servicemembers facing criminal charges.

Duties and Qualifications of the National Guard Judge Advocate

The JAG officer holds a degree from a law school that has earned approval by the American Bar Association (ABA). Candidates must serve in a state where they have earned bar admission and must also be citizens of the United States. Finally, all JAG officers need to obtain security clearance and meet mental, physical, and moral fitness requirements as set forth by the U.S. National Guard.