Non-Judicial Punishment
Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) is a disciplinary action used by military commanders to address minor offenses without resorting to a court-martial. It allows leaders to maintain good order and discipline within their units while providing a quicker resolution to infractions. NJP can involve various penalties, such as extra duties, reduction in rank, or loss of pay.
The process for NJP is outlined in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and is typically conducted at the company level. Service members have the right to refuse NJP and request a trial by court-martial, which may lead to more severe consequences if found guilty.