Which of the following actions can a commanding officer take in NJP?

A commanding officer has the authority to take specific actions during non-judicial punishment (NJP) proceedings. When a commanding officer opts to dismiss charges or impose an authorized punishment, it reflects their discretion to handle disciplinary issues within their command. NJP, governed by Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), provides a framework that allows commanders to address minor offenses without resorting to a court-martial.

By dismissing charges, the commanding officer effectively chooses not to pursue disciplinary actions against the individual based on the evidence or circumstances surrounding the case. Imposing an authorized punishment includes a range of punitive measures such as extra duties, reduction in rank, or restriction to base, all of which fall within the commander’s purview under NJP.

The other options do not align with the actions permitted during NJP. For example, sending the accused to active duty is not an action that a commanding officer can take within the context of NJP, as this is a status unrelated to the disciplinary process. Similarly, releasing all witnesses immediately does not reflect the responsibilities of a commanding officer within NJP and may hinder the fairness and thoroughness of the proceedings. The decision to free the accused from all duties typically extends beyond a