How long does the accused have to submit an appeal after receiving NJP?

The correct timeframe for the accused to submit an appeal after receiving Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) is indeed 5 days. This period is established to ensure that service members have a reasonable amount of time to prepare and submit their appeal if they believe the NJP was unjust or if they want to contest the findings or punishment. The 5-day window is designed to strike a balance between ensuring swift resolution of disciplinary actions and giving the accused sufficient opportunity to present their case.

Understanding this timeframe is crucial, as failing to submit an appeal within this period can forfeit the accused's right to contest the NJP, leading to the punishment becoming effective without any further review or recourse.