Summary of changes
Article 15 — Commanding officer’s non-judicial punishment
The text as it stood in the last Manual for Courts-Martial edition beside the current text, provision by provision, with every recorded amendment and the authority behind it — the whole Article in one view.
0 amended
0 added
0 removed
41 unchanged
No changes recorded for this Article —
its text is the same as the last Manual for Courts-Martial edition.
Showing every provision.
Provisions
15(a)
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Original text
Under such regulations as the President may prescribe, and under such additional regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary concerned, limitations may be placed on the powers granted by this article with respect to the kind and amount of punishment authorized, the categories of commanding officers and warrant officers exercising command authorized to exercise those powers, the applicability of this article to an accused who demands trial by court-martial, and the kinds of courts-martial to which the case may be referred upon such a demand. However, except in the case of a member attached to or embarked in a vessel, punishment may not be imposed upon any member of the armed forces under this article if the member has, before the imposition of such punishment, demanded trial by court-martial in lieu of such punishment. Under similar regulations, rules may be prescribed with respect to the suspension of punishments authorized hereunder. If authorized by regulations of the Secretary concerned, a commanding officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction or an officer of general or flag rank in command may delegate his powers under this article to a principal assistant.
Current text
Under such regulations as the President may prescribe, and under such additional regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary concerned, limitations may be placed on the powers granted by this article with respect to the kind and amount of punishment authorized, the categories of commanding officers and warrant officers exercising command authorized to exercise those powers, the applicability of this article to an accused who demands trial by court-martial, and the kinds of courts-martial to which the case may be referred upon such a demand. However, except in the case of a member attached to or embarked in a vessel, punishment may not be imposed upon any member of the armed forces under this article if the member has, before the imposition of such punishment, demanded trial by court-martial in lieu of such punishment. Under similar regulations, rules may be prescribed with respect to the suspension of punishments authorized hereunder. If authorized by regulations of the Secretary concerned, a commanding officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction or an officer of general or flag rank in command may delegate his powers under this article to a principal assistant.
15(b)
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Original text
Subject to subsection (a), any commanding officer may, in addition to or in lieu of admonition or reprimand, impose one or more of the following disciplinary punishments for minor offenses without the intervention of a court-martial—
Current text
Subject to subsection (a), any commanding officer may, in addition to or in lieu of admonition or reprimand, impose one or more of the following disciplinary punishments for minor offenses without the intervention of a court-martial—
15(b)(1)
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Original text
upon officers of his command—
Current text
upon officers of his command—
15(b)(1)(A)
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Original text
restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 30 consecutive days;
Current text
restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 30 consecutive days;
15(b)(1)(B)
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Original text
if imposed by an officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction or an officer of general or flag rank in command—
Current text
if imposed by an officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction or an officer of general or flag rank in command—
15(b)(1)(B)(i)
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Original text
arrest in quarters for not more than 30 consecutive days;
Current text
arrest in quarters for not more than 30 consecutive days;
15(b)(1)(B)(ii)
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Original text
forfeiture of not more than one-half of one month’s pay per month for two months;
Current text
forfeiture of not more than one-half of one month’s pay per month for two months;
15(b)(1)(B)(iii)
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Original text
restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 60 consecutive days;
Current text
restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 60 consecutive days;
15(b)(1)(B)(iv)
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Original text
detention of not more than one-half of one month’s pay per month for three months;
Current text
detention of not more than one-half of one month’s pay per month for three months;
15(b)(2)
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Original text
upon other personnel of his command—
Current text
upon other personnel of his command—
15(b)(2)(A)
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Original text
if imposed upon a person attached to or embarked in a vessel, confinement for not more than three consecutive days;
Current text
if imposed upon a person attached to or embarked in a vessel, confinement for not more than three consecutive days;
15(b)(2)(B)
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Original text
correctional custody for not more than seven consecutive days;
Current text
correctional custody for not more than seven consecutive days;
15(b)(2)(C)
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Original text
forfeiture of not more than seven days’ pay;
Current text
forfeiture of not more than seven days’ pay;
15(b)(2)(D)
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Original text
reduction to the next inferior pay grade, if the grade from which demoted is within the promotion authority of the officer imposing the reduction or any officer subordinate to the one who imposes the reduction;
Current text
reduction to the next inferior pay grade, if the grade from which demoted is within the promotion authority of the officer imposing the reduction or any officer subordinate to the one who imposes the reduction;
15(b)(2)(E)
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Original text
extra duties, including fatigue or other duties, for not more than 14 consecutive days;
Current text
extra duties, including fatigue or other duties, for not more than 14 consecutive days;
15(b)(2)(F)
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Original text
restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 14 consecutive days;
Current text
restriction to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 14 consecutive days;
15(b)(2)(G)
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Original text
detention of not more than 14 days’ pay;
Current text
detention of not more than 14 days’ pay;
15(b)(2)(H)
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Original text
if imposed by an officer of the grade of major or lieutenant commander, or above—
Current text
if imposed by an officer of the grade of major or lieutenant commander, or above—
15(b)(2)(H)(i)
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Original text
the punishment authorized under clause (A);
Current text
the punishment authorized under clause (A);
15(b)(2)(H)(ii)
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Original text
correctional custody for not more than 30 consecutive days;
Current text
correctional custody for not more than 30 consecutive days;
15(b)(2)(H)(iii)
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Original text
forfeiture of not more than one-half of one month’s pay per month for two months;
Current text
forfeiture of not more than one-half of one month’s pay per month for two months;
15(b)(2)(H)(iv)
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Original text
reduction to the lowest or any intermediate pay grade, if the grade from which demoted is within the promotion authority of the officer imposing the reduction or any officer subordinate to the one who imposes the reduction, but an enlisted member in a pay grade above E–4 may not be reduced more than two pay grades;
Current text
reduction to the lowest or any intermediate pay grade, if the grade from which demoted is within the promotion authority of the officer imposing the reduction or any officer subordinate to the one who imposes the reduction, but an enlisted member in a pay grade above E–4 may not be reduced more than two pay grades;
15(b)(2)(H)(v)
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Original text
extra duties, including fatigue or other duties, for not more than 45 consecutive days;
Current text
extra duties, including fatigue or other duties, for not more than 45 consecutive days;
15(b)(2)(H)(vi)
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Original text
restrictions to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 60 consecutive days;
Current text
restrictions to certain specified limits, with or without suspension from duty, for not more than 60 consecutive days;
15(b)(2)(H)(vii)
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Original text
detention of not more than one-half of one month’s pay per month for three months. Detention of pay shall be for a stated period of not more than one year but if the offender’s term of service expires earlier, the detention shall terminate upon that expiration. No two or more of the punishments of arrest in quarters, confinement, correctional custody, extra duties, and restriction may be combined to run consecutively in the maximum amount imposable for each. Whenever any of those punishments are combined to run consecutively, there must be an apportionment. In addition, forfeiture of pay may not be combined with detention of pay without an apportionment. For the purposes of this subsection, “correctional custody” is the physical restraint of a person during duty or nonduty hours and may include extra duties, fatigue duties, or hard labor. If practicable, correctional custody will not be served in immediate association with persons awaiting trial or held in confinement pursuant to trial by court-martial.
Current text
detention of not more than one-half of one month’s pay per month for three months. Detention of pay shall be for a stated period of not more than one year but if the offender’s term of service expires earlier, the detention shall terminate upon that expiration. No two or more of the punishments of arrest in quarters, confinement, correctional custody, extra duties, and restriction may be combined to run consecutively in the maximum amount imposable for each. Whenever any of those punishments are combined to run consecutively, there must be an apportionment. In addition, forfeiture of pay may not be combined with detention of pay without an apportionment. For the purposes of this subsection, “correctional custody” is the physical restraint of a person during duty or nonduty hours and may include extra duties, fatigue duties, or hard labor. If practicable, correctional custody will not be served in immediate association with persons awaiting trial or held in confinement pursuant to trial by court-martial.
15(c)
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Original text
An officer in charge may impose upon enlisted members assigned to the unit of which he is in charge such of the punishments authorized under subsection (b)(2)(A)–(G) as the Secretary concerned may specifically prescribe by regulation.
Current text
An officer in charge may impose upon enlisted members assigned to the unit of which he is in charge such of the punishments authorized under subsection (b)(2)(A)–(G) as the Secretary concerned may specifically prescribe by regulation.
15(d)
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Original text
The officer who imposes the punishment authorized in subsection (b), or his successor in command, may, at any time, suspend probationally any part or amount of the unexecuted punishment imposed and may suspend probationally a reduction in grade or a forfeiture imposed under subsection (b), whether or not executed. In addition, he may, at any time, remit or mitigate any part or amount of the unexecuted punishment imposed and may set aside in whole or in part the punishment, whether executed or unexecuted, and restore all rights, privileges, and property affected. He may also mitigate reduction in grade to forfeiture or detention of pay. When mitigating—
the mitigated punishment shall not be for a greater period than the punishment mitigated. When mitigating forfeiture of pay to detention of pay, the amount of the detention shall not be greater than the amount of the forfeiture. When mitigating reduction in grade to forfeiture or detention of pay, the amount of the forfeiture or detention shall not be greater than the amount that could have been imposed initially under this article by the officer who imposed the punishment mitigated.
Current text
The officer who imposes the punishment authorized in subsection (b), or his successor in command, may, at any time, suspend probationally any part or amount of the unexecuted punishment imposed and may suspend probationally a reduction in grade or a forfeiture imposed under subsection (b), whether or not executed. In addition, he may, at any time, remit or mitigate any part or amount of the unexecuted punishment imposed and may set aside in whole or in part the punishment, whether executed or unexecuted, and restore all rights, privileges, and property affected. He may also mitigate reduction in grade to forfeiture or detention of pay. When mitigating—
the mitigated punishment shall not be for a greater period than the punishment mitigated. When mitigating forfeiture of pay to detention of pay, the amount of the detention shall not be greater than the amount of the forfeiture. When mitigating reduction in grade to forfeiture or detention of pay, the amount of the forfeiture or detention shall not be greater than the amount that could have been imposed initially under this article by the officer who imposed the punishment mitigated.
15(d)(1)
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Original text
arrest in quarters to restriction;
Current text
arrest in quarters to restriction;
15(d)(2)
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Original text
confinement to correctional custody;
Current text
confinement to correctional custody;
15(d)(3)
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Original text
correctional custody or confinement to extra duties or restriction, or both; or
Current text
correctional custody or confinement to extra duties or restriction, or both; or
15(d)(4)
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Original text
extra duties to restriction;
Current text
extra duties to restriction;
15(e)
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Original text
A person punished under this article who considers his punishment unjust or disproportionate to the offense may, through the proper channel, appeal to the next superior authority. The appeal shall be promptly forwarded and decided, but the person punished may in the meantime be required to undergo the punishment adjudged. The superior authority may exercise the same powers with respect to the punishment imposed as may be exercised under subsection (d) by the officer who imposed the punishment. Before acting on an appeal from a punishment of—
the authority who is to act on the appeal shall refer the case to a judge advocate or a lawyer of the Department of Homeland Security for consideration and advice, and may so refer the case upon appeal from any punishment imposed under subsection (b).
Current text
A person punished under this article who considers his punishment unjust or disproportionate to the offense may, through the proper channel, appeal to the next superior authority. The appeal shall be promptly forwarded and decided, but the person punished may in the meantime be required to undergo the punishment adjudged. The superior authority may exercise the same powers with respect to the punishment imposed as may be exercised under subsection (d) by the officer who imposed the punishment. Before acting on an appeal from a punishment of—
the authority who is to act on the appeal shall refer the case to a judge advocate or a lawyer of the Department of Homeland Security for consideration and advice, and may so refer the case upon appeal from any punishment imposed under subsection (b).
15(e)(1)
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Original text
arrest in quarters for more than seven days;
Current text
arrest in quarters for more than seven days;
15(e)(2)
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Original text
correctional custody for more than seven days;
Current text
correctional custody for more than seven days;
15(e)(3)
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Original text
forfeiture of more than seven days' pay;
Current text
forfeiture of more than seven days' pay;
15(e)(4)
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Original text
reduction of one or more pay grades from the fourth or a higher pay grade;
Current text
reduction of one or more pay grades from the fourth or a higher pay grade;
15(e)(5)
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Original text
extra duties for more than 14 days;
Current text
extra duties for more than 14 days;
15(e)(6)
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Original text
restriction for more than 14 days; or
Current text
restriction for more than 14 days; or
15(e)(7)
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Original text
detention of more than 14 days’ pay;
Current text
detention of more than 14 days’ pay;
15(f)
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Original text
The imposition and enforcement of disciplinary punishment under this article for any act or omission is not a bar to trial by court-martial for a serious crime or offense growing out of the same act or omission, and not properly punishable under this article; but the fact that a disciplinary punishment has been enforced may be shown by the accused upon trial, and when so shown shall be considered in determining the measure of punishment to be adjudged in the event of a finding of guilty.
Current text
The imposition and enforcement of disciplinary punishment under this article for any act or omission is not a bar to trial by court-martial for a serious crime or offense growing out of the same act or omission, and not properly punishable under this article; but the fact that a disciplinary punishment has been enforced may be shown by the accused upon trial, and when so shown shall be considered in determining the measure of punishment to be adjudged in the event of a finding of guilty.
15(g)
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Original text
The Secretary concerned may, by regulation, prescribe the form of records to be kept of proceedings under this article and may also prescribe that certain categories of those proceedings shall be in writing.
Current text
The Secretary concerned may, by regulation, prescribe the form of records to be kept of proceedings under this article and may also prescribe that certain categories of those proceedings shall be in writing.
“Original text” is the state captured the first time a provision was edited under change tracking — i.e. the text as published in the last Manual for Courts-Martial edition. Provisions edited without being “marked as changed” (typos, formatting) are not recorded here; see the recent revisions feed and the site-wide changes log.