Which of the following describes Article 15 of the UCMJ?

Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) specifically pertains to Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP). This provision allows commanding officers to impose disciplinary actions on service members for minor offenses without the need for a formal court-martial. NJP is intended to maintain discipline and promote good order and military efficiency while providing a means to address misconduct in a more expedient and less formal manner.

By utilizing Article 15, a commanding officer can adjudicate cases involving relatively minor infractions, allowing for a quicker resolution that can benefit both the service member and the unit’s overall functioning. It typically includes various forms of punishment, such as reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, extra duties, and restrictions. Understanding Article 15 is essential for both leaders and service members since it provides an alternative to the more serious and formal judicial processes that a court-martial entails.