What does Article 90 of the UCMJ cover?

Article 90 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) specifically addresses the offense of disobeying a superior commissioned officer. This includes any willful disobedience of lawful orders given by commissioned officers, which is crucial for maintaining command structure and discipline within the military. Proper adherence to this article is essential for preserving the chain of command, as disobedience can undermine authority and operational effectiveness. The responsibility to follow lawful orders is fundamental to military service, ensuring that operations run smoothly and effectively without rebellion or insubordination.

Other articles in the UCMJ cover different types of offenses: for instance, assault on a fellow service member would not be covered by Article 90 but rather by other sections addressing specific acts of violence or misconduct. Similarly, desertion during wartime has its own article that deals specifically with the grave implications of leaving one's post, and conduct unbecoming an officer pertains to behavior that is inappropriate for the standards of military leadership, which is distinct from the disobedience outlined in Article 90. Understanding these distinctions is vital for comprehending military law as it pertains to different scenarios in the service.