Article 15 (UCMJ)

Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) allows military commanders to address minor offenses by administering non-judicial punishment (NJP) without a court-martial. This process is intended for less serious violations, such as minor misconduct or failure to follow orders. The accused service member has the right to accept or decline NJP, which can involve various penalties like extra duties, reduction in rank, or loss of pay. This system aims to maintain discipline while providing a more efficient and less formal way to handle minor infractions in the military.