What is a military lawyer?

A military lawyer is an attorney who provides legal services to members of the armed forces. Military lawyers, also known as judge advocates, work for the US Department of Defense, providing advice on legal matters related to military justice, personnel, operations, and national security. In California, military lawyers may be appointed by the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps. Military lawyers provide advice to military personnel on a variety of legal issues, such as military justice, international law, and operational law. Military lawyers help ensure that the service members are following the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). They also represent service members during court cases and hearings, present evidence, and argue on their behalf. Military lawyers also provide advice on administrative matters, such as personnel policies, housing, and pay. They are often involved in negotiating contracts with civilian vendors and lawyers, as well as providing advice on procurement issues. In addition, they may provide advice on national security matters, such as export regulations or foreign relations. Finally, military lawyers may provide legal advice to commanders in the field and be called upon to advise on the legality of military operations. They may also investigate alleged violations of the UCMJ. Despite their title, military lawyers can handle civil matters for service members, such as wills, real estate transactions, and divorce proceedings.

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