Part IV · Punitive Articles
Article 95. Offenses by sentinel or lookout · MCM ¶ 22
2024 Manual for Courts-Martial, United States
See all changes(a) Text of statute.
(a) DRUNK OR SLEEPING ON POST, OR LEAVING POST BEFORE BEING RELIEVED.— Any sentinel or lookout who is drunk on post, who sleeps on post, or who leaves post before being regularly relieved, shall be punished—
(1) if the offense is committed in time of war, by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct; and
(2) if the offense is committed other than in time of war, by such punishment, other than death, as a court-martial may direct.
(b) LOITERING OR WRONGFULLY SITTING ON POST.— Any sentinel or lookout who loiters or wrongfully sits down on post shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(b) Elements.
(1) Drunk or sleeping on post, or leaving post before being relieved.
(a) That the accused was posted or on post as a sentinel or lookout;
(b) That the accused was drunk while on post, was sleeping while on post, or left post before being regularly relieved.
Practice Note
[Note: If the offense was committed in time of war or while the accused was receiving special pay under 37 U.S.C. § 310, add the following element:]
(c) That the offense was committed (in time of war) (while the accused was receiving special pay under 37 U.S.C. § 310).
(2) Loitering or wrongfully sitting on post.
(a) That the accused was posted as a sentinel or lookout; and
(b) That while so posted, the accused loitered or wrongfully sat down on post.
Practice Note
[Note: If the offense was committed in time of war or while the accused was receiving special pay under 37 U.S.C. § 310, add the following element:]
(c) That the accused was so posted (in time of war) (while receiving special pay under 37 U.S.C. § 310).
(c) Explanation.
(1) Drunk or sleeping on post, or leaving post before being relieved.
(a) In general. Article 95(a) defines three kinds of misbehavior committed by sentinels or lookouts: being drunk on post, sleeping on post, or leaving it before being regularly relieved. Article 95(a) does not include an officer or enlisted person of the guard, or of a ship’s watch, not posted or performing the duties of a sentinel or lookout, nor does it include a person whose duties as a watchman or attendant do not require constant alertness.
(b) Post. “Post” is the area where the sentinel or lookout is required to be for the performance of duties. It is not limited by an imaginary line, but includes, according to orders or circumstances, such surrounding area as may be necessary for the proper performance of the duties for which the sentinel or lookout was posted. The offense of leaving post is not committed when a sentinel or lookout goes an immaterial distance from the post, unless it is such a distance that the ability to fully perform the duty for which posted is impaired.
(c) On post. A sentinel or lookout becomes “on post” after having been given a lawful order to go “on post” as a sentinel or lookout and being formally or informally posted. The fact that a sentinel or lookout is not posted in the regular way is not a defense. It is sufficient, for example, if the sentinel or lookout has taken the post in accordance with proper instruction, whether or not formally given. A sentinel or lookout is “on post” within the meaning of the article not only when at a post physically defined, as is ordinarily the case in garrison or aboard ship, but also, for example, when stationed in observation against the approach of an enemy, or detailed to use any equipment designed to locate friend, foe, or possible danger, or at a designated place to maintain internal discipline, or to guard stores, or to guard prisoners while in confinement or at work.
(d) Sentinel or lookout. A “sentinel” or a “lookout” is a person whose duties include the requirement to maintain constant alertness, be vigilant, and remain awake, in order to observe for the possible approach of the enemy, or to guard persons, property, or a place and to sound the alert, if necessary.
(e) Drunk. For an explanation of “drunk,” see subparagraph 51.c.(6).
(f) Sleeping. As used in this article, “sleeping” is that condition of insentience which is sufficient sensibly to impair the full exercise of the mental and physical faculties of a sentinel or lookout. It is not necessary to show that the accused was in a wholly comatose condition. The fact that the accused’s sleeping resulted from a physical incapacity caused by disease or accident is an affirmative defense. See R.C.M. 916(i).
(2) Loitering or wrongfully sitting on post by a sentinel or lookout.
(a) In general. The discussion set forth in subparagraph 22.c.(1) applies to loitering or sitting down while posted as a sentinel or lookout in violation of Article 95(b) as well.
(b) Loiter. “Loiter” means to stand around, to move about slowly, to linger, or to lag behind when that conduct is in violation of known instructions or accompanied by a failure to give complete attention to duty.
(d) Maximum punishment.
(1) Drunk or sleeping on post, or leaving post before being relieved.
(a) In time of war. Death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct.
(b) While receiving special pay under 37 U.S.C. § 310. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 10 years.
(c) In all other places. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 1 year.
(2) Loitering or wrongfully sitting on post by a sentinel or lookout.
(a) In time of war or while receiving special pay under 37 U.S.C. § 310. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 2 years.
(b) Other cases. Bad-conduct discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 6 months.
(e) Sample specifications.
(1) Drunk or sleeping on post, or leaving post before being relieved. In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), on or about _____ 20 __ (a time of war) (at/on board— location), (while receiving special pay under 37 U.S.C. § 310), being (posted) (on post) as a (sentinel) (lookout) at (warehouse no. 7) (post no. 11) (for radar observation) (__________) (was (drunk) (sleeping) upon (his) (her) post) (did leave (his) (her) post before (he) (she) was regularly relieved).
(2) Loitering or wrongfully sitting down on post by a sentinel or lookout. In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), while posted as a (sentinel) (lookout), did, (at/on board—location) (while receiving special pay under 37 U.S.C. § 310) on or about _____ 20 __, (a time of war) (loiter) (wrongfully sit down) on (his) (her) post.
Information on this tab is reproduced from the U.S. Army Military Judges’ Benchbook (Electronic Benchbook v2.70, updated 2026-05-26). It is for informational purposes only to compare to the text on the Manual for Courts-Martial on the MCM tab. Always check the current EBB to make sure you’re reviewing the most recent information.
NOTE 1. If convicted of only offenses committed on or after 28 December 2023, the judge shall sentence the accused in accordance with the sentencing parameters or criteria, as appropriate, or state reasons for deviating in writing. See RCM 925(c)(2), RCM 1002(a)(2), Appendices 12B (Parameter Table-Confinement Categories), 12C (Offense Category Chart), and 12D (List of Criteria Offenses), 2024 MCM.
Maximum punishment
(1) In time of war: Death or other lawful punishment. (Criteria)
(2) While receiving special pay under 37 USC § 310: DD, TF, 10 years, E-1. (Criteria)
(3) In all other circumstances: DD, TF, 1 year, E-1. (Category 1)
Sample specification
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), on or about __________ (a time of war) (at/on board— location), (while receiving special pay under 37 USC § 310), being (posted) (on post) as a (sentinel) (lookout) at (warehouse no. 7) (post no. 11) (for radar observation) (__________) (was (drunk) (sleeping) upon (his) (her) post) (did leave (his) (her) post before (he) (she) was regularly relieved).
Elements
(1) That the accused was (posted) (on post) as a (sentinel) (lookout) (at) (on) (state the post alleged); (and)
(2) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused [was (drunk) (sleeping) while on post] [left (his) (her) post before being regularly relieved]; [and]
NOTE 2. Aggravating conditions alleged. Add element (3) only if it is alleged that the offense occurred in time of war or while the accused was receiving special pay under 37 USC § 310:
[(3)] That the offense was committed (in time of war) (while the accused was receiving special pay under 37 USC § 310).
Definitions & other instructions
A “sentinel” or a “lookout” is a person whose duties include the requirement to maintain constant alertness, be vigilant, and remain awake, in order to observe for the possible approach of the enemy, or to guard persons, property, or a place and to sound the alert, if necessary.
(“Post” is the area where the sentinel or lookout is required to be for the performance of duties. It is not limited by an imaginary line, but includes, according to orders or circumstances, such surrounding area as may be necessary for the proper performance of the duties for which the sentinel or lookout was posted.) (The offense of leaving post is not committed when a sentinel or lookout goes an immaterial distance from the post, unless it is such a distance that the ability to fully perform the duty for which posted is impaired.) (A sentinel or lookout becomes “on post” after having been given a lawful order to go “on post” as a sentinel or lookout and being formally or informally posted. The fact that a sentinel or lookout is not posted in the regular way is not a defense. It is sufficient, for example, if the sentinel or lookout has taken the post in accordance with proper instruction, whether or not formally given.)
(A sentinel or lookout is “on post” within the meaning of this offense not only when at a post physically defined, as is ordinarily the case in garrison or aboard ship, but also, for example, when stationed in observation against the approach of an enemy, or detailed to use any equipment designed to locate friend, foe, or possible danger, or at a designated place to maintain internal discipline, or to guard stores, or to guard prisoners while in confinement or at work.)
NOTE 3. Drunkenness alleged. When drunkenness is alleged, include the following definition of “drunk.” If there is evidence that the accused used both alcohol and other drugs, the following instruction on proximate cause may be appropriate:
“Drunk” means any intoxication by alcohol which is sufficient to impair the rational and full exercise of the mental or physical faculties.
(You have heard evidence that the accused used both alcohol and other drugs. The term “drunk” relates only to intoxication by alcohol. To find the accused guilty of the offense of misbehavior of (sentinel) (lookout), you must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused’s intoxication by alcohol was a proximate cause of the impairment of the rational and full exercise of the accused’s mental or physical faculties. This means that the impairment of the rational and full exercise of the accused’s mental or physical faculties must have been the natural and probable result of the accused’s intoxication by alcohol. A proximate cause does not have to be the only cause, nor must it be the immediate cause. However, it must be a direct or contributing cause that plays a material role, meaning an important role, in bringing about the impairment.
It is possible for the use of both alcohol and other drugs to each contribute as a proximate cause to the impairment of the rational and full exercise of the accused’s mental or physical faculties. If the accused’s intoxication by alcohol was a proximate cause of the impairment, the accused will not be relieved of criminal responsibility because his use of other drugs was also a proximate cause of the impairment.
In determining whether the accused’s intoxication by alcohol was a proximate cause of the impairment of the rational and full exercise of his/her mental or physical faculties, and the role, if any, of the use of other drugs, you must consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, (here the military judge may specify significant evidentiary factors bearing on the issue and indicate the respective contentions of counsel for both sides)).
NOTE 4. Sleeping on post alleged. If sleeping on post is alleged, the following instruction is ordinarily applicable:
Proof that the accused was in a deep sleep is not required. However, there must have been a condition of unconsciousness which is sufficient sensibly to impair the full exercise of the accused’s mental and physical faculties. You must be convinced that the accused was actually asleep. Sleep is defined as a period of rest for the body and mind during which volition and consciousness are in partial or complete suspension and the bodily functions are partially allowed or suspended.
NOTE 5. Other instructions. Instruction 5-18-1, Physical Impossibility, may be applicable.
Source: Instruction 3a-22-1 · view original on jagcnet.army.mil
NOTE 1. If convicted of only offenses committed on or after 28 December 2023, the judge shall sentence the accused in accordance with the sentencing parameters or criteria, as appropriate, or state reasons for deviating in writing. See RCM 925(c)(2), RCM 1002(a)(2), Appendices 12B (Parameter Table-Confinement Categories), 12C (Offense Category Chart), and 12D (List of Criteria Offenses), 2024 MCM.
Maximum punishment
(1) In time of war or while receiving special pay under 37 USC Section 310: DD, TF, 2 years, E-1. (Criteria)
(2) Other cases: BCD, TF, 6 months, E-1. (Category 1)
Sample specification
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), while posted as a (sentinel) (lookout), did, (at/on board—location) (while receiving special pay under 37 USC Section 310) on or about __________, (a time of war) (loiter) (wrongfully sit down) on (his) (her) post.
Elements
(1) That the accused was posted as a (sentinel) (lookout); (and)
(2) That (state the time and place alleged), while posted as a (sentinel) (lookout), the accused (loitered) (wrongfully sat down) on post; [and]
NOTE 2. Aggravating factor(s) alleged. If the offense is alleged to have been committed in time of war or while the accused was receiving special pay under 37 USC §310, add the following element:
[(3)] That the accused was so posted (in time of war) (while receiving special pay under 37 USC §310).
Definitions & other instructions
A “sentinel” or a “lookout” is a person whose duties include the requirement to maintain constant alertness, be vigilant, and remain awake, in order to observe for the possible approach of the enemy, or to guard persons, property, or a place and to sound the alert, if necessary.
(“Post” is the area where the sentinel or lookout is required to be for the performance of duties. It is not limited by an imaginary line, but includes, according to orders or circumstances, such surrounding area as may be necessary for the proper performance of the duties for which the sentinel or lookout was posted.) A sentinel or lookout becomes “on post” after having been given a lawful order to go “on post” as a sentinel or lookout and being formally or informally posted. The fact that a sentinel or lookout is not posted in the regular way is not a defense. It is sufficient, for example, if the sentinel or lookout has taken the post in accordance with proper instruction, whether or not formally given.
(A sentinel or lookout is “on post” within the meaning of this offense not only when at a post physically defined, as is ordinarily the case in garrison or aboard ship, but also, for example, when stationed in observation against the approach of an enemy, or detailed to use any equipment designed to locate friend, foe, or possible danger, or at a designated place to maintain internal discipline, or to guard stores, or to guard prisoners while in confinement or at work.)
(“Loiter” means to stand around, to move about slowly, to linger, or to lag behind when that conduct is in violation of known instructions or accompanied by a failure to give complete attention to duty.)
Source: Instruction 3a-22-2 · view original on jagcnet.army.mil