What does Article 15 allow commanding officers to impose?

Article 15 grants commanding officers the authority to impose non-judicial punishment for minor offenses. This provision is designed to maintain discipline within the military ranks without resorting to court-martial proceedings, which can be lengthy and severe. Under Article 15, commanding officers can address less serious violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) through measures such as extra duties, restriction to certain areas, or reduction in grade, allowing for swift corrective action. This approach helps to preserve the integrity of the military justice system by addressing minor infractions efficiently while still holding service members accountable for their actions.