H.R. 10847: Military Justice Leadership and Independence Act

This bill would change the military’s legal leadership structure by setting specific senior ranks for the top lawyers in each branch of the armed forces.

What it does

• Army: Requires the Army Judge Advocate General to hold the rank of lieutenant general while serving. It also says the Army Deputy Judge Advocate General must be appointed as a major general if they were holding a lower rank.
• Marine Corps: Requires the officer appointed as the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps to be appointed as a lieutenant general if they were previously below that rank.
• Navy: Says the Navy Judge Advocate General must hold the rank of vice admiral or lieutenant general, depending on which is appropriate. It also requires the Navy Deputy Judge Advocate General to be appointed as a rear admiral or major general if they were previously below that rank.
• Air Force: Requires the Air Force Judge Advocate General to hold the rank of lieutenant general while serving. It also requires the Air Force Deputy Judge Advocate General to be appointed as a major general if they were previously below that rank.

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill would raise or lock in the senior officer ranks for the military’s top legal officers and their deputies. The goal appears to be to give those legal positions higher formal status within the chain of command. The bill does not change the overall mission of the Judge Advocate Generals’ offices, but it does change the rank level attached to those jobs.

Relevant Companies

None found.