If you're on active duty and facing disciplinary trouble, you've probably heard about Article 15 NJP and court-martial. It's important to know the difference between the two, because each one has a different process and can affect your career in different ways. Both fall under UCMJ military law, which is the set of rules that all service members agree to follow.
Let’s start with Article 15, also called Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP). This is handled by your commander and doesn’t go through a military court. It’s usually used for less serious offenses like being late, disobeying an order, or showing disrespect. If you're given an Article 15, you have the right to accept it or turn it down and ask for a court-martial. Think carefully, though — refusing NJP doesn’t mean the issue goes away. It means a more serious legal process could follow.
Article 15s can lead to extra duties, loss of pay, or restriction to certain areas, depending on your rank and the offense, but you won’t get a criminal record. Still, it can hurt future promotions or assignments.
On the other hand, a court-martial is like a criminal trial, and it can lead to more serious penalties — including jail time, dishonorable discharge, or loss of rank and pay. There are different levels of court-martial depending on how serious the offense is. It also means you’ll likely need legal help and possibly go through a long process that could affect you and your family.
The good news is, you do have rights. You can talk to a military defense lawyer, and you can ask questions before making any decisions. If you’re given an Article 15, you're allowed to read the charges and see the evidence. You can also bring witnesses and explain your side.
The best step is to stay informed and talk to someone who understands military law if you're facing disciplinary action. Whether it’s NJP or court-martial, being prepared and knowing your options can make a big difference in what happens next. Being active duty means holding yourself to a certain standard, but it doesn’t mean you have to go through tough situations alone.