In NJP, the accused may choose to do what instead of accepting NJP?

• A. Immediately retire
• B. Demand trial by court-martial
• C. Request demotion to civilian status
• D. Accept only a verbal reprimand

Answer: (B)

The situation tests understanding that non-judicial punishment (NJP) is an option a commander may offer under the UCMJ, but the accused is not bound to accept it. The key right here is the option to demand trial by court-martial. When NJP is proposed, the service member can either accept the NJP or request a formal court-martial proceeding. Demanding a court-martial moves the case out of the NJP track and into a full military trial, where a judge (and possibly a panel) will decide guilt and punishment, with the full rights to defense counsel, present evidence, and appeal. The other options don’t provide a formal path to contest NJP: retirement, demotion to civilian status, or a mere verbal reprimand do not constitute the recognized alternative to NJP.