Do NCOs have authority to impose nonjudicial punishment on other enlisted Soldiers under the MCM?

Do NCOs have authority to impose nonjudicial punishment on other enlisted Soldiers under the MCM?

• A. Yes
• B. Only on officers
• C. No
• D. Only in training

Answer: (C)

Nonjudicial punishment under the Manual for Courts-Martial is a power that rests with those who hold command authority. A commanding officer or another officer designated by the CO to exercise that authority may impose NJP on enlisted personnel. Noncommissioned officers are enlisted and do not hold the authority to impose NJP on other enlisted Soldiers. They can participate in the process and recommend actions or administer other corrective measures, but those actions aren’t NJP under Article 15. So, the proper path for offenses is to bring them up the chain to an officer who may impose NJP or pursue other appropriate actions.

Nonjudicial punishment under the Manual for Courts-Martial is a power that rests with those who hold command authority. A commanding officer or another officer designated by the CO to exercise that authority may impose NJP on enlisted personnel. Noncommissioned officers are enlisted and do not hold the authority to impose NJP on other enlisted Soldiers. They can participate in the process and recommend actions or administer other corrective measures, but those actions aren’t NJP under Article 15. So, the proper path for offenses is to bring them up the chain to an officer who may impose NJP or pursue other appropriate actions.