Which officer is authorized to impose a field grade article 15?

• A. O-1 officer
• B. O-3 officer
• C. O-4 officer or higher
• D. O-5 officer

Answer: (C)

The authority to impose a field grade Article 15 varies according to the rank of the officer. A field grade Article 15 can only be imposed by officers who hold the rank of O-4 (Major) or higher. This regulation is in place to ensure that a commanding officer has sufficient experience and authority when handling more severe disciplinary actions, which come with greater potential consequences for the service member involved.

An O-1 (Second Lieutenant) or O-3 (Captain) does not possess the rank necessary to impose such disciplinary actions, as these ranks are considered company-grade officers. An O-5 (Colonel) also has the authority to impose this form of punishment, but the correct answer is focused on the minimum rank required, which is O-4 and above. Thus, the statement that an O-4 officer or higher is authorized to impose a field grade Article 15 is accurate and reflects the structure and regulations governing military discipline.