WASHINGTON (July 29, 2014) -- The U.S. Army Military District of Washington's Staff Judge Advocate office celebrated the Judge Advocate General's Corps 239th birthday during a ceremony held at Fort Lesley J. McNair.
The JAG Corps is a single organization made up of military and civilian lawyers, legal administrators, paralegals, and court reporters. Its uniformed members are commissioned, warrant, noncommissioned officers, and junior enlisted soldiers, and are members of the Active Component, Army Reserve, and National Guard.
"Our JAG Corps enlisted to officer relationship is unique when compared to any other Corps in the Army," said Sgt. Amber M. McLamb, MDW SJA paralegal. "Attorneys and paralegals work hand-in-hand; one without the other is almost impossible to have."
The JAG Corps was created on July 29, 1775, when the Continental Congress assigned William Tudor as the first judge advocate of the Army as part of Gen. George Washington's staff.
"We have a long, rich history and it is important to note that we are as old as the U.S. Army," said McLamb. "The JAG Corps not only helps to maintain standards and discipline within the Army, but we help with the morale of Soldiers when it comes to legal assistance or administrative law issues"
Col. James R. Agar, the MDW SJA and oldest Soldier, and Sgt. Kevin Coates, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) paralegal and youngest Soldier, cut a birthday cake during the ceremony.
"It's always good to be reminded of what the JAG Corps started out as and what we have grown to be," said McLamb.
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