Do NCO's have authority to impose nonjudicial punishment on other enlisted Soldiers under the MCM?

Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) do not have the authority to impose nonjudicial punishment on other enlisted Soldiers under the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM). This authority is specifically reserved for commissioned officers, who can exercise this power through Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). NCOs play a vital role in the discipline and leadership of enlisted Soldiers; however, their role does not extend to the legal enforcement of punishments in the form of nonjudicial punishment.

The structure of authority within the military ensures that higher-ranking officials maintain control over disciplinary actions to maintain order and standards. While NCOs can recommend or initiate corrective actions and discipline within their units, the implementation of formal nonjudicial punishment requires a commissioned officer to oversee the proceedings. This system ensures fairness and due process within military discipline.