What is the effect of NJP on the service member's record?

• A. It constitutes a criminal conviction in federal civilian court
• B. It is a punitive measure recorded by the command but does not constitute a civilian criminal conviction
• C. It permanently disqualifies from reenlistment
• D. It has no impact on the service member's record

Answer: (B)

Non-judicial punishment is a disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice that a command can impose for minor offenses without a court-martial. Its effect on the service member’s record is that the punishment is recorded in the military personnel records as NJP. This is a punitive action, but it does not create a civilian criminal conviction because it is issued and noted within the military justice system, not by a civilian court. The NJP record can influence future administrative decisions, such as reenlistment or security-clearance considerations, but it does not automatically or permanently bar reenlistment or generate a civilian criminal record. If the member disagrees with NJP, they can request trial by court-martial instead.