The Disciplinary Process

Service personnel who fall foul of the rules are subject to a range of sanctions and disposals. Very minor matters can be dealt with by the unit commander or OC by way of a minor sanction. These serious matters will go to the Commanding Officer. In many cases the CO will decide to deal with the case, if the serviceman agrees, and will proceed with what is effectively a form of trial. The witnesses must be called unless the accused consents to them being read. The procedure is set out in the CO’s ‘Guide to Summary Dealings’ and must be adhered to – if the serviceman wishes to, they can elect a courts martial.