ABOUT
The Judge Advocate Division (JAD) serves as the backbone of the Marine Corps' legal system, ensuring that Marines' legal rights are protected and that the service operates within legal boundaries. The Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) Detachment here at JAD supports on an as-needed basis augmenting and providing additional support during periods of increased demand, or during times of operational need filling critical roles.
The IMA Detachment allows the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps to maintain a flexible force with trained reserve Judge Advocates ready to support as needed.
On 1 December 2023, as part of an effort to conduct military justice reform and help better support active-duty personnel within the Judge Advocate Division and the Marine Corps, the reserve judge advocate community underwent a reorganization with the creation of the JAD IMA DET. For reference, see the SJA to CMC Policy Guidance signed 28 November 2023.
CONTACT US:
Main: 703-614-8661
Branch Head - Community Plans & Innovation (JPI)
Judge Advocate Division, HQMC
LtCol Gabriel Boenecke: gabriel.boenecke@usmc.mil
IMA Reserve Liaison Officer
LtCol Lucas Kunce: lucas.t.kunce.mil@usmc.mil / 703-693-9145
IMA OpSponsor
Vacant
IMA Admin Chief
Sgt Shawn Foster Jr.: shawn.foster@usmc.mil / 703 693-9145
Judge Advocate Organizational Inbox
JAD_IMA@usmc.mil
JAD IMA BILLETS
TO APPLY TO ANY OF THE BELOW BILLETS: Please forward your Reserve Qualification Summary (RQS) and Professional Summary (ProSum) to JAD_IMA@USMC.MIL. If you have any questions regarding the billets, please send them to the same e-mail box and JAD IMA personnel will connect you with the section head.
BILLET: Section Head (Victims' Legal Counsel)
GRADE: O5
BIC: MS511500233
INFORMATION: The Reserve VLC Section Head’s primary duties are to provide leadership and administrative management for the training and work product of the Reserve VLC, and support the Chief VLC of the Marine Corps execute the mission of the VLCO. VLC attorneys are tasked to augment and support active-duty VLC by preparing written pleadings for use at trial and in appellate pleadings before the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) and the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF), drafting writs seeking enforcement of victim rights at NMCCA, drafting amicus curiae briefs for filing at the NMCCA and CAAF, providing legal research & writing support to VLCs, providing written analysis and proposals on law and policy for VLCO Headquarters, and providing state-specific VLC training pursuant to Section 550C of the FY2020 NDAA. The support and training provided shall enhance VLCO ability to provide legal advice, counseling and representation to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes and to protect victims’ rights at all stages of the military justice process. The Reserve VLC’s duties are to be carried out primarily within the assigned region and pursuant to law, regulation, and policies issued by the OIC, VLCO. Specific duties include the following: Legal research and drafting of pleadings, motions, writs, briefs, and appeals; creating and attending VLCO training events; reviewing proposed and new legislation, and reviewing and proposing VLCO policy.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: VLC - Pentagon, VA
START DATE: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: until filled
BILLET: Victims' Legal Counsel
GRADE: O3/O4
BIC: MS511500453
INFORMATION: The Reserve VLC’s primary duties are to augment and support active-duty VLC by preparing written pleadings for use at trial and in appellate pleadings before the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) and the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF), drafting writs seeking enforcement of victim rights at NMCCA, drafting amicus curiae briefs for filing at the NMCCA and CAAF, providing legal research & writing support to VLCs, providing written analysis and proposals on law and policy for VLCO Headquarters, and providing state-specific VLC training pursuant to Section 550C of the FY2020 NDAA. The support and training provided shall enhance VLCO ability to provide legal advice, counseling and representation to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes and to protect victims’ rights at all stages of the military justice process. The Reserve VLC’s duties are to be carried out primarily within the assigned region and pursuant to law, regulation, and policies issued by the OIC, VLCO. Specific duties include the following: Legal research and drafting of pleadings, motions, writs, briefs, and appeals; creating and attending VLCO training events; reviewing proposed and new legislation, and reviewing and proposing VLCO policy.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: VLC - Pentagon, VA
START DATE: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: until filled
BILLET: Preliminary Hearing Officer
GRADE: O3/O4/O5
BIC: MS511500142
INFORMATION: Serves as a Preliminary Hearing Officer ("PHO"), PHO Detachment, Military Justice Litigation Support - Reserve Section, Judge Advocate Division (IMA). The billet holder's responsibilities will generally include coordination with government and defense counsel in scheduling Article 32, UCMJ preliminary hearings, making pre-hearing findings regarding the production of evidence and witnesses pursuant to RCM 405, serving as a PHO at Article 32 hearings (in-person or via VTC), and writing reports containing the determinations required by RCM 405(a) including, but not limited to, probable cause and disposition recommendations for the convening authority's consideration. Prior experience as a PHO or in military justice is preferred, but is not required.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: Pentagon, Arlington, VA (although most hearings are remote)
START DATE: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: until filled
BILLET: Judge Advocate (Legal Training and Education Branch)
GRADE: O3-O5
BIC: MS511500449, MS511500450, MS511500166
INFORMATION:
▪JET was created to oversee the development of legal training and education standards for both legal and non-legal personnel within the Marine Corps and the subsequent education and training to those standards.
▪Members of the JET Reserve Section assist in the planning, development, and implementation of training products for the 44XX community and non-legal personnel (e.g., commanders, legal officers, and legal clerks).
▪Judge Advocates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for this billet.
▪Participation in the JET Reserve Section provides an opportunity to make an impactful contribution to the Marine Corps legal community while working in a flexible, distributed work environment.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: JET - Pentagon, VA
START DATE: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling
BILLET: Judge Advocate (Investigations Officer)
GRADE: O3/O4
BIC: MS511500225, MS511500227, MS511500172
INFORMATION: Assist the Branch Head, Civil and Administrative Law Branch (JCA), with reviewing, and serving as a legal advisor in connection with administrative investigations, including those conducted pursuant to the Manual of the Judge Advocate General (JAGMAN). Generate, evaluate, and propose initiatives, products, and guidance for Investigations Detachment. Maintain proficiency for and advise as Subject Matter Expert on complex investigations. Augment active-duty and civilian support in the Civil and Administrative Law Branch.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: JCA - Pentagon, VA
START DATE: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: until filled
BILLET: Judge Advocate (Operational Law)
GRADE: O4/O5
BIC: MS511500220
INFORMATION: click billet link above for more information
AREA OF OPERATIONS: JAO - Pentagon, VA
START DATE: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: until filled
BILLET: Judge Advocate (Trial Counsel - Board Recorder)
GRADE: O3/O4
BIC: MS511500141
INFORMATION: Board recorder duties with Trial Services Organization.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: TSO - Pentagon, VA
START DATE: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: until filled
BILLET: Judge Advocate (Manpower Management)
GRADE: O4
BIC: MS511500370
INFORMATION: Click the billet title above
AREA OF OPERATIONS: JPI-R Pentagon, VA
START DATE: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: until filled
BILLET: Senior Defense Counsel (Defense Services Organization - Reserve)
GRADE: O3/O4
BIC: MS511500404
INFORMATION:
-Assist the Regional Defense Counsel ensure that zealous, ethical and effective
defense services are provided to servicemembers facing administrative, non-judicial
and judicial actions in order to help protect and promote the due process, statutory and constitutional rights of clients and servicemembers seeking counseling services.
-Provide input and feedback to Regional Defense Counsel on matters related to defense services throughout the assigned region.
-Provide general guidance, training, mentoring and assistance to active duty defense counsel assigned to USMC Bases and Stations in the region.
-Provide on-call assistance to all defense counsel in the region regarding research,
motion practice, conflicts of interest and professional responsibility.
-Provide defense services to senior officers and enlisted Marines as necessary.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: Pentagon, VA
START DATE: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling
OTHER IMA DETACHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
BILLET: None currently listed here.
Please check MARFORRES Reserve Billets for more opportunities or contact your local Prior Service Recruiter.
For other ADOS opportunities, please visit MARFORRES ADOS.
JAD ados opportunities
JAD -- Civil Law and Administrative Counsel
GRADE: O3/O4/O5
INFORMATION: 6-month activation at the Pentagon with the following duties:
-Provide support, guidance, and review to Fleet Marine Forces and installation Staff Judge Advocates on diverse legal questions relating to administrative and civil law.
-Provide legal review of HQMC and USMC administrative and civil law issues, to include Congressional legislation, USMC orders, DOD directives, DON instructions, and other regulations.
-Assist the SJA to CMC and the Branch Head in the management of the USMC government ethics program, to include the filing of financial disclosure forms (OGE Form 278 and OGE Form 450).
-Review complaints of wrongs under Article 138 of the UCMJ, Article 1150 of the U.S. Navy Regulations, and the Marine Corps order on Prohibited Activities and Conduct.
-Provide support to OJAG and the DOJ on civil litigation and claims affecting the USMC.
-Review complaints of violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys.
Please contact JAD_IMA@usmc.mil for more information.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: Pentagon or Naval Support Facility, Arlington
START DATE: January 2026 (flexible)
LENGTH OF ACTIVATION: 6 months
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling
JAD -- Personnel Law Attorney
GRADE: O3/O4/O5
INFORMATION: JAD has an opportunity for a Captain or Major to fill a 2-month ADOS activation at JAD. Duties include:
Draft correspondence in officer promotion cases for review and action by the SJA to CMC, Dir, MM, DC, M&RA, ACMC, CMC, SECNAV, SECWAR, POTUS, and the SASC. Analyze legal issues controlling the disposition of officer promotion cases. Responsible for conducting adverse material screenings of favorable officer selections and all officer promotion board results and preparing promotion recommendations for the Adverse Material Advisory Board, CMC, and SECNAV. Review research and prepare legal comments for promotion-related congressional inquiries and advisory opinions for promotion-related BCNR petitions.
Please contact JAD_IMA@usmc.mil for more information.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: Pentagon or Naval Support Facility, Arlington
START DATE: 1 March 26 (flexible earlier or later if needed)
LENGTH OF ACTIVATION: 2-3 months
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling
Quantico Trial Attorney
GRADE: O3/O4
INFORMATION: JAD has an opportunity for a Captain or Major to fill a one year active reserve tour at the Quantico TSO. Please contact JAD_IMA@usmc.mil for more information.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: Quantico, VA
START DATE: Available Now
LENGTH OF ACTIVATION: up to 1 year
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling
OTHER 4402 ADOS OPPORTUNITIES
Legal Counsel - Office of the Counsel for the Commandant
GRADE: O3/O4/O5
INFORMATION:
- Research and advise Counsel to CMC on legal issues affecting CMC and his priorities. Prepare advisory material for the CMC at the request of Counsel.
- Serve as USMC expert and advisor for senior officers at HQMC and field officers on government ethics, to include: personal financial interests, gifts, travel, post-government employment, and relationships with non-federal entities.
- Advise senior HQMC leaders on matters concerning proposed legislation.
- Review General Officer and Senior Executive financial disclosure reports and training, and all three- and four-star nomination reports and retirement requests.
- Provide formal instruction on various ethics and standards of conduct topics to installation commanders, senior leaders, and HQMC personnel.
- Coordinate with DOJ and Navy litigation offices regarding high-profile federal civil litigation.
- Provide legal review of HQMC and USMC administrative and civil law issues, to include Congressional legislation, USMC orders, DOW directives, DON instructions, and other regulations.
AREA OF OPERATIONS: Pentagon
START DATE: February 2026, but flexible
LENGTH OF ACTIVATION: up to 3 months
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Rolling
To apply: Forward RQS and professional summary to Ms. Linda Short at linda.short@usmc.mil and Ms. Alison McGuire at alison.mcguire@usmc.mil.
MARFORSOUTH - DEPUTY STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATE
MARFORSOUTH is seeking one volunteer to activate on 179-day ADOS orders and serve as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, Marine Forces South. This billet is located in New Orleans, LA and is not open to remote work. Please see the information below and reply directly to Colonel Jennifer Parker if you are interested in this opportunity.
Who: O3-O4 Marine 4402 (preferably O4)
What: ADOS activation orders to be Deputy SJA, MARFORSOUTH
Where: Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, LA
When: 16 Feb 26 – 13 Aug 26 (179 days)
Why: To support the MARFORSOUTH mission
If you would like to apply, please send Col Jennifer Parker your location, RQS, and civilian resume NLT 6 January 2026. She can be reached at jennifer.parker@usmc.mil and 504-697-8360. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.