Field Grade Article 15 in the Army

October 3, 2026

A Field Grade Article 15 in the Army is governed by Article 15 of the UCMJ and AR 27-10. A Field Grade Article 15 can be imposed by any Commander, if he/she is in the rank of Major or above. At a Field Grade Article 15, the following punishment can be imposed:

An oral or written reprimand
Restriction for 60 days (if combined with extra duty, only 45 days)
Extra duty for 45 days
Correctional Custody for 30 days (if the Soldier is in the grade of E-3 or below)
Reduction of one or more Grades (if the Soldier is in the grade of E4 or below)
Reduction of one grade if the Soldier is in the grade of E-5 or E-6
Forfeiture of half of one month's pay for two months

Furthermore, an Article 15 can be filed in the performance section of a Soldier's AMHRR or the restricted section of the Soldier's AMHRR, unless the Soldier was an E4 or below (no AMHRR filing).

Prior to receiving any punishment at a Field Grade Article 15 in the Army, a "first reading" must occur. The first reading, which can be delegated, is very simple. The Soldier accused is read the allegations and, most importantly, is provided the packet of evidence. The Soldier is told that he/she has a certain amount of time, typically 48 hours, to decide if he/she wants to demand a trial by court-martial. Prior to making this decision, an experienced Military Lawyer should be discussed.

Critically, after this decision is made, the Soldier in question should prepare for the second reading. At the second reading of a Field Grade Article 15 in the Army, the Soldier accused is allowed to present a defense. This could include evidence that the Soldier is not guilty of some, or all of the offenses. This could also include extenuating and mitigating evidence. In Attorney Barry's opinion, a good Defense includes a written rebuttal, with additional evidence attached, and an oral presentation at the second reading. The Soldier's written rebuttal should address each allegation head on and include additional evidence. Such evidence can include: additional factual statements, text messages, social media messages, receipts, credit card statements, phone records, website history, photos, videos, emails, character statements, good Soldier evidence, and more. An experienced Military Lawyer should be consulted and retained to prepare a robust Defense.

If found Guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 in the Army, the Soldier in question is subject to the punishment listed above. Furthermore, the filing of the Article 15 can have secondary consequences. For example, Article 15s trigger review under the QMP for certain enlisted Soldiers and potential elimination or two-time non-selection for Officers. Furthermore, after being found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 in the Army, local commands may initiate separation (Enlisted) or elimination (Officers).

While a Field Grade Article 15 in the Army may seem innocuous or relatively minor, the secondary consequences can be severe. It is best to mount a strong Defense to achieve a Not Guilty finding or minimize punishment and prevent future potential consequences.

Any Soldier facing a Field Grade Article 15 in the Army should immediately consult an experienced Military Lawyer. While Trial Defense/Legal Assistance Attorneys are available to assist, they are often inexperienced, over-worked, and unwilling or unable to provide the appropriate amount of time and attention needed, which is ill-advised with so much at stake. A civilian Military Lawyer can be retained, which allows a provider to be represented by a proven lawyer with good former client reviews.

This Article was written by Attorney Matthew Barry. Attorney Barry is highly rated by former clients and has a proven track record of success. He as extensive experience with Field Grade Article 15s in the Army and all associated consequences.

The Law Office of Matthew Barry represents Servicemembers worldwide. He has offices on the East Coast, West Coast, and in the Central U.S.

[OF NOTE, Special Rules apply to National Guard Article 15s]