Military Justice
AR 27-10 is the Army's implementing regulation for military justice: nonjudicial punishment, courts-martial administration, and the Army's policies under the Manual for Courts-Martial. Leaders reach for it most often for Article 15 procedures and filing decisions. It is revised frequently -- always confirm the current edition with your servicing judge advocate.
Open the official record- Type
- AR
- Edition verified
- January 2025
- Used in
- Staff & AdminLeadership
What to take from it
- Implements the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Manual for Courts-Martial for the Army.
- Prescribes the procedures for nonjudicial punishment under Article 15, UCMJ.
- Governs the filing decision for a record of nonjudicial punishment in the Soldier's record.
- Revised often; the January 2025 edition superseded the March 2024 version.
These points are our summary, written for recall. They are not a substitute for the publication and they will not cover everything a board can ask. Read the source.
Board questions from this publication
What is the Uniform Code of Military Justice?
It is the federal law that establishes the military justice system, enacted by Congress in 1950 and effective in 1951. It defines military criminal offenses, sets out the types of courts-martial, and provides for nonjudicial punishment.
AR 27-10; UCMJ
What is the difference between an Article 15 and a court-martial?
An Article 15 is nonjudicial punishment imposed by a commander for minor offenses. It is not a criminal conviction, the commander decides the case, and punishments are limited by the commander's grade. A court-martial is a federal criminal trial with a military judge, counsel, and in most cases a panel. A conviction at a court-martial is a criminal conviction and can include a punitive discharge and confinement.
AR 27-10; UCMJ, Art. 15 and Art. 16
What are the three types of Article 15?
Summarized, company grade, and field grade.
AR 27-10, chap 3
What are the maximum punishments under a summarized Article 15?
Extra duty for up to 14 days, restriction for up to 14 days, an oral reprimand or admonition, or any combination of those. A summarized Article 15 cannot reduce a Soldier or take pay.
AR 27-10, chap 3
Can a Soldier refuse an Article 15?
Yes. A Soldier may demand trial by court-martial instead of accepting nonjudicial punishment, unless the Soldier is attached to or embarked in a vessel. Refusing an Article 15 does not guarantee the case goes to trial, but the commander may not impose the Article 15 over the Soldier's demand.
AR 27-10; UCMJ, Art. 15
How long does a Soldier have to appeal an Article 15, and to whom?
Five calendar days from the imposition of punishment, submitted to the next superior authority above the commander who imposed it. An appeal filed after that may be rejected as untimely.
AR 27-10, chap 3
What form records an Article 15?
DA Form 2627, the Record of Proceedings Under Article 15, UCMJ. Summarized proceedings are recorded on DA Form 2627-1.
AR 27-10, chap 3
What are the three types of courts-martial?
Summary, special, and general. The summary court-martial handles minor offenses by enlisted Soldiers and consists of one commissioned officer. The special court-martial is the intermediate level and can adjudge confinement of up to one year and a bad-conduct discharge. The general court-martial is the highest level and may adjudge any punishment authorized for the offense, including a dishonorable discharge and, where the law allows, death.
UCMJ, Art. 16; AR 27-10