Who is authorized to impose an Article 15?

The authority to impose an Article 15 falls under the purview of any commanding officer, which includes both commissioned officers and warrant officers. This provision is designed to allow leaders at various levels to address minor disciplinary infractions promptly and effectively without having to resort to court-martial proceedings.

Commanding officers have the responsibility of maintaining good order and discipline within their units, and the non-judicial punishment allowed under Article 15 enables them to correct behavior and enforce standards while still reserving the option for more severe disciplinary actions when necessary. This authority is foundational to military discipline, as it provides a means for leaders to manage conduct and maintain unit cohesion without unnecessary escalation.

Therefore, because warrant officers are considered commanding officers, they also possess the authority to impose an Article 15, making the choice reflecting this fact the correct answer.