Which article of the UCMJ allows a commanding officer to impose punishment for minor offenses without court-martial?

The correct answer is based on Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which specifically allows commanding officers to impose non-judicial punishment for minor offenses. This authority is designed to provide a swift and efficient method for maintaining discipline within the ranks without resorting to the more formal and lengthy process of a court-martial.

Article 15 outlines the procedures and types of punishment that can be administered for minor infractions, such as extra duties, restriction, or reduction in rank. By having this article in place, military leaders can handle minor issues quickly, which helps to maintain order and discipline while also avoiding the potential complications and delays associated with formal legal proceedings.

This mechanism is vital in ensuring that minor offenses are dealt with promptly, allowing individuals the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and continue contributing to the operational effectiveness of the unit. The other articles mentioned deal with different aspects of military law or disciplinary procedures, but none provides the same level of authority for non-judicial punishment as Article 15 does.