The Uniform Code of Military Justice serves as the criminal-justice framework for America's armed forces. It covers offenses recognized by civilian law as well as crimes and infractions unique to the military, from insubordination to cowardly conduct. The code contains 158 articles; the Manual for Courts-Martial itself runs nearly 1,000 pages. It is an obvious truth that discipline, morale, and order can be maintained in military formations only if everyone'from four-star generals to the youngest 'boot' privates'is held equally accountable for their actions. A cursory review of recent courts-martial suggests that the enforcers of military discipline don't miss much. In December, a Marine private first class was convicted of 'contempt or disrespect towards a noncommissioned or petty officer, and disrespect towards a superior commissioned officer in command.' The private was held in confinement for five days and was reduced in rank. In September, an Air Force lieutenant was convicted...
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