Who may impose NJP under Article 15?

• A. The President
• B. The commanding officer or a designated officer in the CO's absence
• C. A civilian judge
• D. A Master-at-Arms

Answer: (B)

Non-judicial punishment under Article 15 is administered by the commanding officer as the primary authority for minor offenses. If the commanding officer is unavailable, a designated officer—someone the CO has explicitly authorized to act in their absence—may impose NJP. This chain of authority keeps discipline within the unit without requiring a court-martial.

A civilian judge does not have this authority, and the President does not personally impose NJP. A Master-at-Arms holds a law-enforcement role but does not automatically possess NJP power unless specifically designated by the CO, which is not the standard arrangement.