Who can serve as NJP authority?

The correct choice is that commanders and officers in charge can serve as Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) authority. This is because NJP is designed to provide a means of dealing with minor offenses without resorting to a court-martial, allowing for swifter discipline. Commanders hold the responsibility for the troops under their command and are therefore granted NJP authority to maintain good order and discipline within their units. Officers in charge also have this authority as they oversee specific operations or units, making swift disciplinary action necessary within their scope of command.

This structure ensures that those who are in leadership positions and have a direct understanding of the context in which the offense occurred are the ones to impose punishment. It reflects the military's emphasis on hierarchical command and responsibility. Non-commissioned officers also play a pivotal role in discipline but typically are not authorized to impose NJP themselves. While every service member contributes to the enforcement of standards and can report misconduct, the authority to impose official punishment for minor infractions is reserved for commanders and designated officers in charge, which aligns with the military's need for structured disciplinary processes.