What options does a commanding officer have when administering NJP?

The choice of dismissing charges, imposing punishment, referring a case to a superior for Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP), or court-martial accurately reflects the range of options available to a commanding officer. Commanding officers hold the responsibility to maintain discipline and can evaluate the severity of the offense and the behavior of the service member involved. This flexibility allows them to opt for dismissal of charges in minor infractions, impose appropriate punishment for lesser offenses, refer more serious cases to a higher authority—which could include commanding officers at a higher level for NJP, or choose to court-martial if the situation warrants a more formal judicial approach.

This comprehensive set of choices empowers commanders to administer justice effectively while considering the specific circumstances of each case, ensuring that the response is proportional to the misconduct. The other options do not encompass the full scope of choices available to a commanding officer, limiting their ability to address disciplinary issues in a manner consistent with military justice practices.