CPT Cesar Vargas

CPT Cesar Vargas is an assistant professor and academic counselor in the Department of Law & Philosophy at the United States Military Academy (USMA), where he teaches Constitutional and Military Law. He is also a judge advocate in the U.S. Army.

He began his military career as an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist. While in the Reserve, he practiced law in the civilian sector and served as legislative director in the New York City Council, where he drafted and reviewed complex legislation impacting various sectors across the city. 

CPT Vargas was later appointed general counsel for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs, advising senior officials at the city, state, and federal levels on immigration law. He also provided pro bono legal assistance to service members navigating the naturalization process.

He transitioned to active duty and was commissioned as a judge advocate. Before joining the USMA faculty, he served in several key roles at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, including chief of the Legal Assistance Office, special assistant U.S. attorney, and trial counsel. CPT Vargas also served as a field screening officer for the judge advocate recruiting offices.