What is an Article 15 in the Military?
The military has a unique system of discipline and punishment for its personnel, which is governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). One of the most common forms of non-judicial punishment is the Article 15, also known as a "Captain’s Mast" or "Company Grade Article 15." In this article, we will explore what an Article 15 is, how it works, and the consequences of being subject to one.
What is an Article 15?
An Article 15 is a non-judicial punishment that can be imposed on a military member by their commanding officer for certain types of misconduct. It is a formal proceeding, but it is not a court-martial, which is a more serious and formal trial. An Article 15 is usually held in a commander’s office, and it is intended to be a swift and informal way to address minor infractions.
Types of Offenses that Can Lead to an Article 15
Not all military offenses can be punished with an Article 15. The UCMJ outlines specific types of offenses that can be addressed through this process. Some examples of offenses that can lead to an Article 15 include:
• Minor crimes: Misdemeanors such as disorderly conduct, being absent without leave (AWOL), or failing to obey a lawful order.
• Administrative infractions: Violations of military regulations, such as being late for duty, failing to follow proper procedures, or neglecting duties.
• Disciplinary infractions: Offenses that are not serious enough to warrant a court-martial, such as minor drug use, underage drinking, or possession of contraband.
The Article 15 Process
The Article 15 process typically involves the following steps:
- Accusation: The commanding officer or a representative from the unit’s headquarters notifies the accused member of the alleged offense.
- Investigation: The commanding officer or a designated representative conducts an investigation to gather evidence and determine the facts of the case.
- Notice: The accused member is given written notice of the alleged offense and the date, time, and location of the Article 15 hearing.
- Hearing: The accused member appears before the commanding officer, who presents the evidence and allegations. The accused member may also present evidence and witnesses in their defense.
- Verdict: The commanding officer renders a verdict, which can include one or more of the following:
- Reprimand: A formal written warning.
- Fine: A monetary penalty, which can be paid out of pocket or deducted from the member’s pay.
- Extra duty: Additional duties or tasks assigned to the member.
- Restrictions: Restrictions on the member’s liberty, such as being confined to base or restricted from certain activities.
- Loss of privileges: Revocation of privileges, such as the use of a vehicle or access to certain facilities.
Consequences of an Article 15
An Article 15 can have significant consequences for a military member’s career and reputation. Some of the potential consequences include:
• Damage to reputation: An Article 15 can result in a negative entry on the member’s personnel record, which can affect their career advancement and future job prospects.
• Loss of privileges: An Article 15 can result in the loss of privileges, such as the use of a vehicle or access to certain facilities.
• Reduced rank: In some cases, an Article 15 can result in a reduction in rank.
• Loss of security clearance: An Article 15 can result in the loss of security clearance, which can affect the member’s ability to access classified information.
Alternatives to an Article 15
In some cases, an Article 15 may not be the best option for addressing a military member’s misconduct. Some alternatives include:
• Court-martial: A more formal trial that can result in more severe punishment, including imprisonment.
• Non-judicial punishment: A less formal proceeding that can result in punishment, but is not as formal as an Article 15.
• Administrative separation: A process that can result in the member being separated from the military, but is not necessarily punitive.
Conclusion
An Article 15 is a common form of non-judicial punishment in the military, used to address minor infractions and misconduct. While it is a formal proceeding, it is not as serious as a court-martial, and the consequences are generally less severe. However, an Article 15 can still have significant consequences for a military member’s career and reputation. It is essential for military members to understand the Article 15 process and the potential consequences of being subject to one.
Table: Article 15 Consequences
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Damage to reputation | Negative entry on personnel record |
| Loss of privileges | Revocation of privileges, such as vehicle use or facility access |
| Reduced rank | Demotion in rank |
| Loss of security clearance | Revocation of security clearance |
Bullets: Article 15 Process
• Accusation
• Investigation
• Notice
• Hearing
• Verdict
Bullets: Alternatives to an Article 15
• Court-martial
• Non-judicial punishment
• Administrative separation
