Who does the UCMJ apply to?

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) applies to members of the Armed Forces, both active and reserve. This encompasses individuals who are currently serving on active duty as well as those who are in reserve status and may be called to active duty at any time.

The UCMJ establishes a legal framework for maintaining discipline and enforcing laws within military ranks, and it is crucial for enforcing standards of conduct among all military personnel, regardless of their duty status. This is essential for ensuring readiness and accountability in the military, as service members must be held to the same legal standards.

In contrast, the other options do not cover the full scope of the UCMJ’s application. While civilians sometimes interact with military personnel and may be subject to specific military regulations in certain circumstances, the UCMJ primarily governs active and reserve members of the Armed Forces. Also, members of the National Guard fall under the broader definition of service members within the Armed Forces when they are in federal status; however, the UCMJ encompasses all active and reserve service members collectively.