What does Article 15 of the UCMJ primarily address?

Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) primarily addresses non-judicial punishment, which is a process allowing commanders to impose disciplinary action for minor offenses without a court-martial. This article enables military leaders to maintain order and discipline within their units by handling less severe violations directly, thus providing an expeditious method to address inappropriate behavior while preserving the service member's right to a fair trial for more serious offenses.

Through non-judicial punishment, the commander can impose various consequences, such as extra duty, restriction, or reduction in rank, depending on the severity of the misconduct. This system is essential in promoting good order and discipline while allowing service members the chance to amend their behavior without the potential stigma and repercussions of a formal court-martial process.

This focus on non-judicial punishment allows for a more restorative approach within the military justice system, as it emphasizes correction and discipline rather than solely punishment, fostering an environment conducive to improvement.