What is an Article 15, UCMJ?

• A. It is a type of non-judicial punishment used for minor offenses imposed upon a military member.
• B. It is a court-martial proceeding
• C. It is a civilian criminal charge
• D. It is a disciplinary transfer

Answer: (A)

An Article 15, UCMJ is non-judicial punishment—a disciplinary option a commanding officer can use to handle minor offenses without going to a full court-martial. It lets the military address misconduct quickly while preserving good order and discipline. Punishments under Article 15 can include things like extra duties, restrictions, temporary rank reduction, forfeiture of pay, or a written reprimand. The service member still has the right to consult with a military attorney and can choose to accept the punishment or demand trial by court-martial if they believe the case warrants it. This is different from a court-martial, which is a formal proceeding for more serious offenses, and it is not a civilian criminal charge or a disciplinary transfer.