Articles of the Code
This article deals with being absent without leave -- even for a short time.
What is Article 86?
This form of discipline lets commanders handle minor offenses without a court-martial and is commonly known as "NPJ".
What is Article 15?
Before questioning a service member suspected of an offense, investigators must provide these warnings—similar to Miranda rights but required even EARLIER.
What are Article 31(b) rights?
This is the lowest level of court‑martial, typically used for minor offenses and composed of just one commissioned officer.
What is a Summary Court-Martial?
Leaving your unit without permission—even for a short time—falls under this all‑too‑common UCMJ offense.
What is AWOL (Article 86)?
Failing to obey a lawful order, whether written or verbal, is covered under this punitive article.
What is Article 92?
At a summary court-martial, this is the highest level of confinement that can be imposed -- though only for enlisted members.
What is 30 days?
This constitutional amendment guarantees service members the right against self-incrimination -- protections echoed in Article 31(b).
What is the Fifth Amendment?
This mid‑level court‑martial can adjudge up to one year of confinement and may include a military judge alone or a panel of members.
What is a Special Court-Martial?
Telling off, insulting, or showing blatant disrespect toward your boss might be unwise—especially because it violates this article.
What is disrespect toward a superior commissioned officer (Article 89)?
This article addresses disrespect toward a superior commissioned officer -- something leaders do NOT take lightly.
What is Article 89?
Losing rank is never fun! This type of punishment reduces a service member to a lower grade.
What is a reduction in rank (or reduction in grade)?
During non‑judicial punishment proceedings, a service member in most cases has the right to turn down Article 15 and demand this alternative.
What is trial by court-martial?
This is the highest level of court‑martial, reserved for the most serious offenses and capable of imposing the maximum authorized punishments.
What is a General Court-Martial?
Striking or attempting to strike an NCO is covered under this serious offense that goes far beyond simple insubordination.
What is assault on a noncommissioned or petty officer (Article 91)?
Acts of fraud, including larceny and wrongful appropriation, fall under this article that governs military property crimes.
What is Article 121?
This type of discharge, often given after a general court-martial, is the most severe administrative consequence a service member can receive.
What is a dishonorable discharge?
The right to consult with one includes talking to military defense counsel for free—and civilian counsel at personal expense.
What is the right to an attorney (or counsel)?
The person who has the authority to send a case to court‑martial is known by this title—typically a commander with significant command responsibility.
What is a Convening Authority?
Intentionally using intoxicating substances other than alcohol—like inhalants—to get high violates this UCMJ article, even if the substance isn’t illegal in civilian life.
What is wrongful use of a controlled substance or intoxicating substance (Article 112a)?
This article covers conduct that brings dishonor or discredit upon the armed forces -- a broad and often debated offense.
A special court-martial can impose this maximum term of confinement -- a step below a general court-martial but still plenty serious.
What is 12 months (1 year) confinement?
This right requires that an accused be informed of the specific charges and evidence against them, ensuring they can prepare a meaningful defense.
What is the right to notice of the charges?
Before charges can be referred to a general court‑martial, they must undergo this formal review, historically known as an Article 32 hearing.
What is a Preliminary Hearing?
This offense covers the deliberate destruction or damage of military property—whether your own gear or government equipment you were trusted to safeguard.
What is willful damage or destruction of military property (Article 108)?