Which of the following is a punitive mechanism in the Navy's military justice system?

• A. Non-Judicial Punishment (Article 15)
• B. Counseling
• C. EMI
• D. NPLOC

Answer: (A)

Non-Judicial Punishment under Article 15 is a punitive tool within the Navy’s military justice system. It lets a commanding officer impose limited discipline for minor offenses without proceeding to a court-martial, providing swift, corrective action while keeping the option open for a court-martial if needed. The penalties typically include extra duties, restriction, forfeiture of pay, reduction in rank, and a reprimand. It remains a punishment and goes on the service member’s record, but it avoids a civilian criminal conviction and serves as a faster, flexible way to address misconduct.

The other actions described are not punitive under the military justice framework; they are non-punitive or administrative in nature, such as counseling or guidance, which aim to correct behavior without imposing formal punishment.