Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law defend service members across all branches of the U.S. military in Article 15/NJP appeals, separation boards, and courts-martial. While every branch uses nonjudicial punishment, the terminology, procedures, and rights differ. This guide compares Army Article 15s with Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force NJPs so you understand exactly what you’re facing and how to fight back.

Quick Comparison: Article 15 vs. NJP

• Army: Called Article 15. Includes company-grade and field-grade NJPs.
• Air Force: Also Article 15. Variants: Summarized, Company Grade, Field Grade.
• Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard: Known as Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP), Captain’s Mast (Navy/CG), or Office Hours (Marines).
• Space Force: Follows Air Force Article 15 system with added emphasis on clearance-heavy billets.

Army: Article 15

Army commanders may impose Article 15s at company or field grade levels.

• Rights: Soldiers usually may refuse and demand trial by court-martial (except in deployed/operational contexts).
• Punishments: Extra duty, restriction, forfeiture of pay, reduction in rank, correctional custody (enlisted only).
• Appeals: Filed to the next higher commander. Must prove unjust or disproportionate punishment.

Air Force: Article 15

The Air Force system mirrors the Army but uses different categories.

• Types: Summarized (minor), Company Grade, Field Grade.
• Rights: Airmen typically have 3 duty days to decide whether to accept NJP or demand court-martial.
• Punishments: Forfeitures, extra duties, restriction, reduction in grade, reprimands.
• Appeals: Filed within 5 calendar days; reviewed by next higher commander.

Navy: Captain’s Mast (NJP)

In the Navy, NJP is referred to as Captain’s Mast.

• Rights: Sailors may demand trial by court-martial unless attached to or embarked on a vessel.
• Punishments: Restriction, extra duty, forfeitures, reduction in rate, loss of privileges.
• Appeals: Must be filed promptly (usually 5 days) to higher authority.

Marine Corps: Office Hours (NJP)

In the Marines, NJP is called Office Hours.

• Rights: Same as Navy. Can refuse NJP unless embarked on a vessel.
• Punishments: Similar to Navy; loss of rank/pay, restriction, extra duties.
• Appeals: Routed through chain of command to higher commander.

Coast Guard: Captain’s Mast (NJP)

The Coast Guard follows Navy tradition, calling NJP Captain’s Mast.

• Rights: Coast Guardsmen may request trial by court-martial except when embarked on a vessel.
• Punishments: Reduction in rate, restriction, forfeitures, extra duties.
• Appeals: Submitted through chain of command to the next superior authority.

Space Force: Article 15

The Space Force uses the Air Force Article 15 framework but with emphasis on security clearance and limited billets.

• Rights: Guardians may refuse NJP and request court-martial (subject to mission exceptions).
• Punishments: Similar to Air Force—reduction, forfeitures, reprimands, extra duty.
• Appeals: Must highlight clearance and mission impacts when appealing to higher authority.

Key Takeaways: Differences by Branch

• Army & Air Force: Structured Article 15 process with company/field grades. Broader punishment spectrum.
• Navy/Marines/Coast Guard: NJP (Mast/Office Hours) emphasizes shipboard discipline. Refusal rights are narrower when embarked.
• Space Force: Air Force rules with unique clearance consequences—appeals must stress mission value.

Video: Article 15 vs NJP Explained

Protect Your Record Across All Branches

No matter your service, NJP/Article 15 can derail your career. Gonzalez & Waddington build branch-specific appeal strategies to protect your rank and benefits.

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FAQs: Article 15 vs. NJP