Maximum Punishments Chart (General Court-Martial)
The Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM) prescribes maximum punishments for UCMJ offenses, often varying based on aggravating factors (e.g., duration of absence, value of stolen property, type of substance). Below is a general overview for offenses tried by General Court-Martial, which carry the most severe penalties.
| UCMJ Article / Offense | Maximum Confinement | Maximum Forfeiture of Pay | Maximum Discharge | Other Punishments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article 86 (AWOL) (>30 days, terminated by apprehension) |
18 months | Total Forfeitures | Dishonorable Discharge | Reduction to E-1 |
| Article 92 (Violation of General Order/Regulation) | 2 years | Total Forfeitures | Dishonorable Discharge | Reduction to E-1 |
| Article 92 (Willful Dereliction of Duty) | 6 months | Total Forfeitures | Bad-Conduct Discharge | Reduction to E-1 |
| Article 112a (Wrongful Use/Possession – e.g., Cocaine, Heroin, LSD) | 5 years | Total Forfeitures | Dishonorable Discharge | Reduction to E-1 |
| Article 112a (Wrongful Use/Possession – e.g., Marijuana < 30g) | 2 years | Total Forfeitures | Dishonorable Discharge | Reduction to E-1 |
| Article 112a (Wrongful Distribution – e.g., Cocaine, Heroin) | 15 years | Total Forfeitures | Dishonorable Discharge | Reduction to E-1 |
| Article 120 (Rape) | Life without parole | Total Forfeitures | Dishonorable Discharge | Reduction to E-1, Sex Offender Registration |
| Article 120 (Sexual Assault) | Up to 20 years | Total Forfeitures | Dishonorable Discharge | Reduction to E-1, Sex Offender Registration |
| Article 121 (Larceny – >$1,000 Military Property) | 10 years | Total Forfeitures | Dishonorable Discharge | Reduction to E-1 |
| Article 121 (Wrongful Appropriation – Motor Vehicle/Aircraft/Vessel) | 2 years | Total Forfeitures | Dishonorable Discharge | Reduction to E-1 |
| Article 133 (Conduct Unbecoming an Officer) | Variable (up to 1 year or more if other charges) | Total Forfeitures | Dismissal (for officers) | Reprimand, Loss of Rank |
| Article 134 (General Article – e.g., Adultery) | 1 year | Total Forfeitures | Dishonorable Discharge | Reduction to E-1 |
| Article 134 (General Article – e.g., Fraternization) | 2 years | Total Forfeitures | Dismissal (for officers) | Reprimand |
Note: Punishments are maximums and can be adjusted based on specific facts, mitigating circumstances, and the discretion of the court-martial or convening authority. This chart is a general guide and not legal advice.