In what circumstance does a soldier not have the right to refuse an Article 15?

A soldier does not have the right to refuse an Article 15 when aboard a ship due to the unique conditions and circumstances that prevail in a maritime environment. The Article 15 provides a means of non-judicial punishment for minor offenses, and when aboard a ship, operational requirements and the need for maintaining discipline are critical. The ship's command structure may implement Article 15 actions more strictly to ensure the ship's and crew's proper functioning.

In a shipboard environment, there can be limited access to legal resources and a need for quick resolution of disciplinary issues that may arise in confined spaces or during deployments. Thus, soldiers are often required to accept the Article 15 proceedings while aboard vessels, as the command's responsibility for the overall well-being and order of the crew is paramount.

In contrast, the other circumstances mentioned, like being stationed at a base, on leave, or engaged in combat, typically allow for the right to refuse an Article 15, as soldiers may have access to legal counsel and the opportunity to opt for a court-martial instead.