Which mechanism can commanders use as a form of punishment that does not involve the judicial system?

• A. Court-martial
• B. Criminal prosecution
• C. Administrative actions
• D. Capital punishment

Answer: (C)

Commanders have a way to discipline personnel without going through the courts by using internal, nonjudicial measures—administrative actions. These are tools within the chain of command that address misconduct without a formal court proceeding, such as counseling, reprimands, special assignments, or other restrictions and administrative steps. They are intended to correct behavior while keeping the service member in duty status and within the unit.

In contrast, court-martial or criminal prosecution involves the judicial system, and capital punishment is an ultimate judicial penalty. Those options require formal legal proceedings outside the command’s administrative sphere.