Behind the Scenes of the OTJAG Exhibit at the Pentagon

The Office of The Judge Advocate General (OTJAG) has a long and proud history—one that spans from the founding of the United States to modern deployments around the world. When we were selected through a competitive bid to design an exhibit for their hallway at the Pentagon, we knew it was going to be special.

This wasn’t just a job to hang some panels. OTJAG wanted something immersive. Something that didn’t just show old photos—but told a story. They wanted to educate visitors about the past and the present, highlight their insignia, and bring attention to what modern JAG officers do today. And they wanted it to feel alive.

We were all in.

Custom display case featuring a plaque from Iraq at the OTJAG exhibit in the Pentagon

Making History Feel Real

At the heart of the exhibit is a massive timeline wall—OTJAG’s pride and joy. It walks visitors through over two centuries of military legal milestones, from 1775 to today. It’s packed with powerful images: everything from hand-written legal orders to photos of Judge Advocates supporting humanitarian missions and courtrooms in war zones.

The timeline isn't just a visual—it's emotional. It reminds you how closely JAG has moved with the rhythm of American military history. We took special care to include every version of their insignia throughout the years—a detail that was really meaningful to them.

The exhibit also looks forward. It shows how JAG’s mission evolved after 9/11 and in modern conflicts. It highlights how Judge Advocates advise commanders and uphold ethics.

Timeline of OTJAG at the Pentagon designed by Atomic Carrots

Our Favorite Part: The Courtroom Build

Of all the pieces in this project, the one we’re most proud of is the courtroom scene—a detailed miniature of the Sgt. Maj. Cornell W. Gilmore Memorial Courthouse.

This thing was no small feat.

Because of the tight size constraints in the hallway, we had to design the entire structure like a mini-building. The main body is made from aluminum in three sections, then covered in fire-retardant sculpting foam and painted to match the real facade. We obsessed over every detail: the war-damaged columns, the distinct doorway, and even the signage above the entrance—which we replicated in Arabic, just like the real courthouse.

The scale might be small, but the presence is big. It’s the kind of piece that makes people stop in their tracks.

Replica of a courthouse in Iraq for the OTJAG exhibit at the Pentagon

More Than Just Panels

Beyond the timeline and the diorama, we filled the space with carefully researched exhibit panels, original imagery, and display cases with key artifacts. Every piece was measured, planned, and placed to create a rhythm in the hallway—a sense of flow that would guide someone naturally from one story to the next.

We weren’t just building a visual display. We were helping tell the story of a profession that often works behind the scenes—quietly upholding justice wherever the military operates.

Exhibit panels about the modern-day OTJAG at the Pentagon by Atomic Carrots

Final Thoughts

The OTJAG exhibit is a reminder that legal service in the military isn’t just about rules and regulations. It’s about people—past and present—who’ve stood up for fairness, discipline, and dignity in some of the most complex and challenging environments on earth.

We're honored that we got to help bring their story to life.

Display case in the Vietnam War at the OTJAG exhibit in the Pentagon