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UCMJ Basics

Punitive articles overview, Article 15/NJP, courts-martial types, rights of the accused, Article 31 rights, commander authority, fraternization, AWOL vs desertion, maximum punishments. Based on the Manual for Courts-Martial.

50 questions and answers — updated 2025/2026
01

What does UCMJ stand for?

02

When was the UCMJ enacted?

03

What is the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM)?

04

Who is subject to the UCMJ?

05

What article of the UCMJ covers nonjudicial punishment (NJP)?

06

What is the common name for Article 15 in each service?

07

What is the purpose of nonjudicial punishment under Article 15?

08

Can a service member refuse Article 15 and demand a trial by court-martial?

09

What are the three types of Article 15 based on the imposing commander's rank?

10

What is the maximum punishment a company-grade commander (O-3 and below) can impose under Article 15?

11

What is the maximum punishment a field-grade commander (O-4 and above) can impose under Article 15?

12

Can a service member appeal an Article 15?

13

What are the three types of courts-martial?

14

Who can convene a Summary Court-Martial?

15

How many members sit on a Summary Court-Martial?

16

What is the maximum punishment a Summary Court-Martial can impose?

17

Can an accused refuse a Summary Court-Martial?

18

Who can convene a Special Court-Martial?

19

What is the maximum punishment a Special Court-Martial can impose?

20

Who can convene a General Court-Martial?

21

What is required before a General Court-Martial can be convened?

22

What is the maximum punishment a General Court-Martial can impose?

23

What does Article 31 of the UCMJ address?

24

What are the three key rights under Article 31?

25

How does Article 31 differ from civilian Miranda rights?

26

Does an accused service member have the right to an attorney at a court-martial?

27

What article of the UCMJ covers AWOL (Absence Without Leave)?

28

What article of the UCMJ covers Desertion?

29

What is the key difference between AWOL and desertion?

30

What is the maximum punishment for desertion during wartime?

31

What article of the UCMJ covers disrespect toward a superior commissioned officer?

32

What article of the UCMJ covers insubordinate conduct toward a warrant officer, NCO, or petty officer?

33

What article of the UCMJ covers failure to obey a lawful order or regulation?

34

What article of the UCMJ is the 'General Article' that covers disorders and neglects prejudicial to good order and discipline?

35

What article covers fraternization?

36

What is fraternization under the UCMJ?

37

What article of the UCMJ covers mutiny and sedition?

38

What article covers sexual assault under the UCMJ?

39

What article covers murder under the UCMJ?

40

What article covers larceny and wrongful appropriation?

41

What article of the UCMJ covers malingering (faking illness or injury to avoid duty)?

42

What article covers drunken or reckless operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel?

43

What is the maximum punishment for being AWOL for more than 30 days?

44

Can a commander impose punishment under Article 15 for any UCMJ offense?

45

What is the statute of limitations for UCMJ offenses?

46

What article covers contempt toward officials (the President, Vice President, Congress, etc.)?

47

What article of the UCMJ addresses unlawful command influence?

48

Under the UCMJ, can a service member be tried in both a military court-martial and a civilian court for the same act?

49

What is a 'punitive article' of the UCMJ?

50

What rights does an accused have at an Article 32 preliminary hearing?

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