What level of military justice is characterized by Article 15 procedures?

The correct choice is nonjudicial punishment, which is encapsulated by Article 15 procedures in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Article 15 provides a method for commanders to impose disciplinary action for minor offenses without the need for a court-martial. This allows for a more efficient means of addressing misconduct while still maintaining military order and discipline.

Nonjudicial punishment is intended to provide commanders with a tool to handle less severe infractions, thereby conserving resources that would otherwise be required for formal court proceedings. This process generally results in disciplinary actions that can include extra duty, restriction, reduced rank, or forfeiture of pay, which are preferable for minor offenses as opposed to court-martial punishments which can carry more severe consequences.

By using nonjudicial punishment, commanders can address issues promptly and effectively, reinforcing standards within the military while allowing service members the opportunity to correct their behavior without facing the stigma associated with a court-martial.