What is NJP, or non-judicial punishment?

Non-judicial punishment (NJP), also known as an Article 15, is a form of military justice that can be issued in Minnesota and other states by a commanding officer of the Armed Forces. It is a way for an individual to be disciplined without formal court-martial proceedings. NJP is an administrative tool with two goals in mind: to maintain good order and discipline within the ranks, and to provide guidance to service members civilly charged with an offense. An individual may be awarded non-judicial punishment for minor offenses such as disrespect to superiors, unauthorized absence, minor drinking violations, or other minor infractions of military regulations. If a service member violates a military rule or regulation, a commanding officer may impose an NJP. During the process, the commanding officer will hear the service member’s story and decide what punishment is appropriate. Depending on the circumstances, the punishment may include verbal or written admonitions, monetary fines, restrictions on movement or activity, extra duty, demotion in rank, or other disciplinary action. The service member has the right to defend themselves and present information to the commanding officer before the punishment is imposed. An individual may also appeal to a higher authority within the chain of command. In the event of an appeal, the punishment is suspended until the appeal is heard and ruled on. NJP can be an effective tool to ensure discipline in the military and can help prevent more serious matters from occurring. It can also help keep minor infractions from escalating and can provide guidance for the service member to better understand what is expected of them.

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What is NJP, or non-judicial punishment?

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