Which article of the UCMJ authorizes commanding officers to impose nonjudicial punishment (NJP)?

• A. Article 15 of the UCMJ
• B. Article 32
• C. Article 90
• D. Article 92

Answer: (A)

Nonjudicial punishment is a disciplinary tool a commanding officer uses to address minor misconduct without a court-martial, and it is authorized by Article 15 of the UCMJ. Under this authority, the commander can impose a limited set of penalties—such as reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, extra duties, or a reprimand—for offenses that don’t require formal court-martial proceedings. The process ensures the service member has a chance to respond, consult with counsel, and choose to accept NJP or demand trial by court-martial if they prefer. This mechanism is meant to correct behavior and maintain good order and discipline quickly and relatively informally.

The other articles mentioned do not grant NJP authority. Article 32 covers a preliminary investigation to determine if there’s enough evidence for a court-martial, not punishment. Articles describing offenses like willfully disobeying a superior officer or failing to obey a lawful order or regulation outline crimes and their penalties, but they don’t themselves authorize the nonjudicial punishment process that Article 15 provides.