Who has the authority to act on an appeal of an Article 15?

The authority to act on an appeal of an Article 15 rests with the next higher commander in the chain of command. This is because Article 15 proceedings, which involve nonjudicial punishment, are designed to be handled within the military's structured command hierarchy. The immediate supervisor may impose the punishment, but any appeal against that decision is typically reviewed by the superior officer who has the jurisdiction to reconsider the facts of the case and the appropriateness of the initial punishment.

This hierarchical approach ensures that the appeal is managed at an appropriate level, maintaining the integrity and order of the military system. The next higher commander has the responsibility to assess whether the initial decision was just and appropriate, making them the correct authority for this action.

Other options, such as the direct supervisor, legal officer, or military judge, do not possess the authority to act on an appeal for an Article 15 because their roles either involve the initial punishment process or do not align with the hierarchical review structure established for such matters. The process is meant to provide a clear and defined path for service members to seek redress within the command framework.