What can be a form of punishment under UCMJ Article 15 at the Company level?

Under UCMJ Article 15, non-judicial punishment (NJP) can be administered at the company level and is designed to address minor offenses. One of the common forms of punishment that can be imposed is extra duties. This entails requiring the service member to perform additional tasks beyond their regular duties for a specified period, which in this case is 14 days.

Extra duties serve both as a corrective measure and a way to reinforce discipline and responsibility. By assigning these duties, the commander aims to instill lessons about accountability and the importance of adhering to military standards. The duration and nature of the extra duties can vary, but they must be proportional to the infraction committed.

Other potential punishments under Article 15 may include confinement, reduction in grade, or correctional custody; however, these particular options may not be applicable at the company level or can exceed the limits for non-judicial punishment. Specifically, the more severe forms like reduction in grade by two grades or confinement on bread and water are typically beyond what a company commander can impose during NJP, making extra duties a suitable and common alternative.