Who is authorized to convene courts-martial or administer Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)?

The authority to convene courts-martial or administer Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) primarily lies with a superior competent authority. This means that officers who have the necessary rank and legal authority, typically those in a position of command such as commanding officers, have the capability to convene these types of disciplinary actions.

This is important in maintaining military discipline and ensuring that trials and punishments are conducted fairly under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Superior competent authority is required to have the requisite oversight and judgment to ensure that military justice is appropriately administered to maintain order and discipline within the ranks.

In contrast, while the President does have ultimate authority over the military justice system, he does not personally convene courts-martial or directly administer NJP. Military judges are responsible for presiding over courts-martial rather than convening them, and not all commissioned officers have the authority necessary to convene courts-martial or administer NJP unless they are also considered superior competent authorities.