1. Timelines:
a. Active Duty: Reference the current United States Army Warrant Officer Selection Boards (WOSB) MILPER for exact board schedule and mandatory packet due dates for MOS 270A.
(1). Active Duty (AD) applicants are boarded once annually, typically in the first quarter of the fiscal year (FY). Selected candidates must be ready to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS) in the second quarter of the FY. After being appointed to WO1, most will move to a new station in the third quarter and attend the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) in the fourth quarter.
(2). Example: If you are selected in Q1 (October to December), you will attend WOCS in Q2 (January to March), move to a new station in Q3 (April to June), and attend WOBC in Q4 (July to September).
b. Army National Guard: Applicants may apply at any time as permitted by their State and Warrant Officer Strength Managers (WOSM), which can be found at: ARNG WO Recruiting. Please refer to the ARNG Predetermination Checklist for detailed requirements.
c. Army Reserve: Applicants for appointment in the USAR may apply at any time and be boarded by the next available WOSB, regardless of MOS. Interested candidates must contact the Army Reserve Career Group (ARCG) to being the process USAR WO Recruiting. Please see the ARCG Checklist for detailed requirements.
2. Legal Administrator Overview:
a. Duties: A Legal Administrator is a dynamic leader and manager who plays a crucial role in overseeing legal operations processes and systems to support the Army’s legal practice. They provide essential technical expertise, leadership, and management of legal services, planning, preparing, and executing military legal operations. Legal Administrators mentor officers, noncommissioned officers, enlisted Soldiers, and Army civilians, and manage systems and resources for legal services across the full spectrum of conflict. They are vital enablers and leaders within the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, applying multidisciplinary insights to enhance legal service delivery.
b. Core Competencies: JAGC Warrant Officers possess specialized expertise in legal operations, human resources, budget, security, project management, information and knowledge management, and the JAGC Core Legal disciplines. They serve as system administrators and technical experts for JAGC applications, hardware, and facilities, ensuring the effective execution of legal functions.
c. Why Join Us as a Legal Administrator? Whether you're early in your Army career or have years of experience, becoming a Legal Administrator offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact. You'll be at the forefront of legal operations, using your skills to support mission success and mentor the next generation of Army leaders. This role is perfect for those who are ready to take on new challenges, work in a high-paced, highly educated, and autonomous environment, and take their careers to the next level.
d. References:
(1). FM 3-84 for additional information regarding Legal Administrators.
(2). Smartbook DA PAM 600-3 for core competencies.
(3). Smartbook DA Pam 611-21 for duties and responsibilities.
e. Before starting your application, it is highly recommended to consult with a legal administrator in your component to fully understand the MOS and evaluate your suitability and interest in the position.
(1). AD Legal Administrators are located at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate on most Army installations (including Joint Bases). Please see the AD point of contact below if you are having difficulty locating a local legal Administrator.
(2). ARNG Legal Administrators are located at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at the State Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ). Please see the ARNG point of contact below if you are having difficulty locating a legal administrator in your state.
(3). USAR Legal Administrators are located at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate for Readiness Divisions, Training Commands, Medical Commands, Engineer Commands, other Major Army Reserve Commands, including Legal Command, and its subordinate Legal Operational Detachments (LODs). Please see the USAR point of contact below if you are having difficulty locating a local legal administrator in the Army Reserves.
3. Prerequisites for Appointment in MOS 270A/Legal Administrator (LA)
a. Military Education (NO WAIVERS).
(1). Enlisted applicants must have completed the Basic Leader Course (BLC).
(2). Successful completion of the “270A LA Prerequisite Course” on JAG University (JAGU).
i. The prerequisite course is completed by distance learning (DL) through the JAGU platform.
ii. To self-enroll, applicants must navigate to JAGU at https://jagu.llc.army.mil, login with your CAC, select the “Enrollment” tab, and select “270A LA Prerequisite”
iii. From the day you self-enroll, you will have 120 days to complete the course. After 120 days, you will be involuntarily disenrolled.
(3). Desired Military Education: Advanced Leader Course (ALC); Senior Leader Course; How the Army Runs (HTAR); Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE); Army Knowledge Management Qualification Course (AKMQC); Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt (LSS-GB/BB); Common Faculty Development – Instructor Course (CFD-IC)
b. Civilian Education (NO WAIVERS)
(1). Applicants must submit transcripts from all institutions attended.
(2). Applicants must possess and associate’s degree or at least 60 semester hours of college credit towards a bachelor’s degree. These credits must be documented on a transcript from an accredited, degree-granting institution.
(3). Applicants must have a minimum of six semester hours of college-level coursework in English composition, business writing, technical writing, legal writing, or another writing/composition-focused course (as indicated by course title). Speech and public speaking courses may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
(4). Applicants must complete a significant portion of their college coursework at an accredited, degree-granting institution to ensure academic preparedness. While JST, ACE, and CLEP credits are recognized and valued, they cannot serve as the primary basis for meeting minimum educational prerequisites. Coursework must reflect standard academic rigor.
(5). Additionally, credits from non-accredited institutions at the time of enrollment—regardless of later acceptance at an accredited institution—will not count toward meeting educational requirements. This policy ensures coursework is earned through academically rigorous programs, preventing rapid credit accumulation without substantive learning and avoiding institutions that prioritize tuition revenue over educational standards.
c. Experience.
(1). Time in Service (Waivable): Enlisted applicants must be a noncommissioned officer (E5 or above), with at least 60 months’ time in service.
(2). Feeder MOS (Waivable): Applicants must possess one of the four feeder MOSs:
i. 27D – Paralegal Specialist
ii. 36B – Financial Management Technician
iii. 42A – Human Resources Specialist
iv. 51C – Contracting Noncommissioned Officer
(3). Time in Feeder MOS (Waivable): Applicants with a feeder MOS must have at least 60 months’ experience in that MOS.
(4). Intraservice Transfers: Applicants from other military branches must meet requirements 3a-c in their equivalent services. Acceptable occupational specialties include USAF – AFSC 3E6XX, 3F0XX, 3F2XX, 3F3XX, 3F5XX, or 5J0XX; USN – Rating LN or PS; and USMC – Job Code 01XX, 44XX, or 34XX. Applicants with one of these occupational specialties do not need to submit a Feeder MOS waiver.
(5). Commissioned Officers: Applicants must be in the rank of CPT (O3) or below and have demonstrated high performance and exceptional potential. Commissioned officers, including MOS 27A, must request an MOS waiver. Judge Advocate applicants must request a waiver through the Chief, Talent Management Office (TMO) to the Deputy Judge Advocate General (DJAG). All other commissioned officer applicants will request an MOS waiver through the 270A Proponent.
(6). Experience Waivers:
i. Experience Waivers are granted by the 270A Proponent based on strong evidence that the applicant is prepared to succeed as a Legal Administrator and Warrant Officer. Waiver requests are approved individually and based on the needs of the Army and JAG Corps. Strong consideration will be given to equivalent civilian education or career experience. The availability of a waiver does not constitute automatic approval, and proponent waiver dispositions are valid for one year.
ii. Experience waivers must be submitted as part of the completed application packet and addressed to: 270A Proponent, Plans, Programs & Policies (P3), Office of the Judge Advocate General, 2200 Army Pentagon (Room 2B517) Washington, DC 20310-2200. Memos must contain the required content and follow the format outlined here: Waiver/ETP Format
iii. Multiple experience waivers may be combined into a single document; however, each type of waiver must be individually addressed in the waiver memo.
• Time in Service waivers require exceptional performance and potential as indicated by evaluations, letters of recommendation, and the applicant resume.
• Feeder MOS waivers are based on significant and documented management and leadership experience as well as extensive experience in the 270A core competencies listed in DA PAM 600-3. Individuals submitting this type of waiver do not need to submit a Time in Feeder MOS waiver.
• Time in Feeder MOS waivers must show a thorough understanding of the feeder MOS and have at least one evaluation indicating high levels of learning and performance in the MOS.
iv. Experience Waivers are not guaranteed and require justification from the applicant. Applications submitted without proper experience waivers will be returned without action.
d. Performance.
(1). Applicants must demonstrate a history of sustained excellent performance and strong potential, observable in annual evaluations, performance appraisals, and academic evaluation reports. Evaluations should consistently reflect high standards, with quantifiable remarks from raters and senior raters identifying leadership and technical competence.
(2) Performance is assessed based on official military evaluations, including:
i. DA Form 2166-8 – "Among the best" and/or “unlimited potential” in Part Va with strong Senior Rater comments.
ii. DA Form 2166-9-1 – "Met Standard" in Part IVc-h with strong Rater comments in Part IVi; "Most Qualified" or "Highly Qualified" in Part V with strong Senior Rater comments in Part V.
iii. DA Form 2166-9-2 – Preponderance of "Far Exceeded Standard" or "Exceeded Standard" in Part IVc-i with strong Rater comments in Part IVj; "Most Qualified" or "Highly Qualified" with strong Senior Rater comments in Part V.
iv. Senior Rater Comments – Performance should be quantifiable, with clear statements identifying leadership, technical ability, and future potential.
(3). NCO applicants must always have "MET STANDARD" for character in relation to Army Values, SHARP, EO, and EEO, as documented in DA Forms 2166-9-1 or 2166-9-2, Part IVc.
(4). Officer applicants must always adhere to Army Values regarding SHARP, EO, and EEO, as documented in DA Form 67-10-1, Part IVc or DA Form 67-10-2, Part IV d1.
(5). All applicants must have always FULLY SUPPORTED SHARP, EO, AND EEO, as documented in DA Form 1059, Part IIa.
(6). Component-Specific Performance Guidance
i. Active Duty Applicants:
• NCO applicants are ineligible if they have received a rating of “Did Not Meet Standard” or “Qualified” within the past five years, except for “Qualified” ratings received while serving on recruiting duty.
• Officer applicants are ineligible if they have ever received an evaluation rating of “Capable” or “Qualified,” or if they have been twice non-selected for promotion to Major (O-4).
ii. Army National Guard & Army Reserve Applicants: Applications from National Guard or Reserve personnel will be reviewed holistically, considering mobilizations, training environments, deployment history, civilian career performance, and unique career circumstances.
• NCO applicants may submit justification for "Qualified" ratings received within the last five years. Such ratings will be evaluated based on context, duty assignment, and overall performance trends.
• Officer applicants may submit a justification for “Qualified” ratings received within the last 5 years. Such ratings will be evaluated based on context, duty assignment, and overall performance trends Officers must demonstrate consistent leadership and technical proficiency and demonstrate superior potential through subsequent OERs to overcome “Qualified” ratings.
e. USAREC Form 3.2 (Resume).
(1). Complete all resume blocks in narrative format.
(2). Military and civilian assignments should capture duties and responsibilities that indicate why the applicant qualifies to serve in MOS 270A.
(3). The resume summary will conclude with an explanation of each of the following:
i. Why should you be an Army JAG Corps Warrant Officer?
ii. What skills and experience do you have that directly correlates to the Legal Administrator core competencies in DA PAM 600-3?
iii. What makes you a must-select applicant for this accession board above your peers?
f. USAREC Form 3.3 (Letter of Recommendation)
(1). Applicants must submit 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) from current JAG Corps members in the component to which they are applying. LoRs should come from personnel within the applicant’s assigned command, installation, or State to ensure recommendations are based on direct professional interaction.
(2). The number of required LoRs depends on the applicant’s unit structure, as some locations may have both Junior and Senior Legal Administrators (JR LA/SR LA), while others may only have one assigned. Applicants must contact their servicing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA) to confirm specific LoR requirements based on their assignment.
(3). LoRs must come from the following individuals:
i. Junior Legal Administrator, WO1-CW2 (SITUATION DEPENDENT) – The JR LA LoR establishes baseline observations and supports the subsequent reviews by senior personnel. If an applicant is assigned to a command, installation, State, or geographic region, that –
• ONLY has a JR LA assigned, then a JR LA LoR is required before coordinating for a SR LA LoR outside of the command, installation, State, or geographic region.
• ONLY has a SR Legal Administrator, then a JR LA LoR is not required.
• Has a JR LA and a SR LA, then the SR LA will determine if the JR LA LoR is required.
ii. Senior Legal Administrator LoR, CW3–CW5 (REQUIRED) –The SR LA will review the JR LA’s recommendation (if required) before conducting their own evaluation. Their LoR focuses on technical qualifications, transition potential, and leadership ability within the 270A field.
iii. Staff Judge Advocate, LOD Commander, State Judge Advocate, or O5/O6 equivalent Judge Advocate supervisor LoR (REQUIRED) - The SJA will review the JR LA’s (if required) and SR LA’s recommendations before conducting their own evaluation. SJAs will assess an applicant’s leadership potential, professionalism, communication skills, and officer qualities.
(4). Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Exceptions:
i. If an applicant or recommender PCS’d from the same command before the convening date for the Warrant Officer Selection Board (WOSB), they may still submit an LoR under specific conditions. The intent is to ensure recommendations come from personnel with meaningful professional experience working with the applicant, even if they are no longer assigned to the same unit.
ii. NOTE: PCS’d recommenders may decline to provide an LoR and redirect the applicant to personnel currently assigned to their unit or State. This does not count as a as a refusal to support their packet—rather, it is a standard redirection to the most appropriate personnel to write LoRs.
iii. Eligibility Criteria for Automatic PCS Exceptions
• The applicant or Recommender PCSd within 12 months of the WOSB convening date.
• The recommender worked with the applicant before PCS in a relevant capacity (SJA, SR LA, or JR LA).
• The recommender is willing to provide an LoR.
• The recommenders input remains relevant and informed.
iv. Approval Process PCS exceptions beyond 12 months.
• If the recommender or applicant’s PCS date was greater than 12 months from the convening date of the WOSB, the applicant must submit a justification for approval by emailing the 270A proponent (cc’ing the prospective recommender) with a request explaining why the LoR is necessary. Provide a brief explanation of:
(i). The recommender’s previous role (SJA, SR LA, or JR LA).
(ii). The duration and nature of their professional interaction with the applicant.
(iii). Why their endorsement remains relevant despite having PCSd over 12 months ago. Valid reasons for an LoR 12+ months after PCS include a continued mentor/mentee relationship, direct supervision for at least one rating period, or a key role in recruiting the applicant to apply for 270A.
• This process ensures LoRs come from the most qualified and informed personnel, maintaining procedural integrity while preventing unnecessary recommendations from those without relevant firsthand experience.
4. Points of Contact: Address all warrant officer application questions and inquiries to a Regional Warrant Officer Recruiter. Please visit the "How Do I Apply" page for required forms and examples. Contact the proponent POCs below for any questions regarding technical qualifications.