What is an Article 15 offense?

An Article 15 offense is a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). It is a type of non-judicial punishment, meaning a disciplinary action taken by a commanding officer without judicial action. This type of punishment is used to protect military members from criminal and civil liability. In the state of California, Article 15 is used to discipline servicemembers if they are accused of having committed an offense while performing their military duties. Article 15 punishments can range from a verbal reprimand to a reduction in rank and forfeiture of pay. The most common Article 15 offenses include disrespect, failure to obey orders, disrespecting a superior officer, and minor misconduct. In many cases, the commanding officer will first use non-judicial measures such as counseling, warnings, and extra duty to address the offense. However, if the offense is more serious Article 15 can be used. Article 15 can be a helpful tool for commanding officers to maintain good order and discipline in their units. However, it can also come with risks for the accused servicemember, as punishments can be quite severe. It is important for servicemembers to understand their rights before undergoing an Article 15 hearing in California.

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What is an Article 15 offense?

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