Non-judicial punishment (NJP) is one of the disciplinary measures used on military personnel. This type of disciplinary measure is used to address minor offenses and is imposed without the intervention of a court-martial.
Here are two crucial things to know about NJP:
Who can impose this punishment?
Any commanding officer may impose an NJP. This can be the governor, the adjutant general or a general officer in command. A commanding officer can also delegate such powers to a deputy commanding general or assistant adjutant general.
Examples of punishments they can impose include an admonition, a reprimand, withholding of privileges, extra duties, forfeiture of pay, a reduction to the next inferior pay grade and a restriction to certain specified limits.
The punishment to be imposed and the period of punishment can differ depending on the grade of the commanding officer. For instance, while a governor can order extra duties for not more than 14 days, a major or lieutenant colonel can order such punishment for not more than 45 days.
What is considered a minor offense?
Whether an offense is considered minor is determined by the commanding officer. Each case is handled on an individual basis. The commander will consider the nature of the offense, the record of the servicemember and the offender’s details, including age, rank, duty assignment, record and experience. This way, they can establish if imposing an NJP is the most suitable approach.
Nonetheless, generally, a minor offense is an offense whose maximum potential sentence at a court-martial wouldn’t include a dishonorable discharge or confinement exceeding one year.
A servicemember facing an NJP has rights. You can appeal if you believe the punishment is unjust. Learn more about your rights to understand how to defend yourself.