NON-JUDICIAL PUNISHMENT (NJP) - COAST GUARD

COAST GUARD ARTICLE 15 – WHAT TO EXPECT AT CAPTAIN’S MAST
Non-Judicial Punishment in the Coast Guard, and how to protect your record when it matters most.

When a minor offense happens in the Coast Guard, the command doesn’t always turn to court-martial. Often, they handle it through Captain’s Mast—an internal process under Article 15 of the UCMJ. It’s not a criminal conviction, but the result can still affect your rank, your pay, and your future in the service.

The Coast Guard applies Article 15 differently from other branches. Because of the unique structure of maritime operations, authority to impose NJP often crosses unit lines. This flexibility gives commanders more control—but it also means you need to understand how that authority is used, especially in joint environments.

WHO CAN HOLD MAST IN THE COAST GUARD?

In the Coast Guard, non-judicial punishment can be imposed by a commanding officer or by an Officer in Charge (OIC) who has been officially granted that authority by a flag officer. Simply having the title of OIC doesn’t automatically give someone the power to hold Captain’s Mast—it must be specifically assigned.

In mixed-service settings, Coast Guard command can impose NJP on service members from other branches if they’re attached to that unit. And if a Coast Guardsman is assigned elsewhere, they may be brought back under a Coast Guard command before NJP moves forward—ensuring that regulations from their home service are followed correctly.

This flexibility is unique to Coast Guard operations and reinforces the importance of knowing who holds jurisdiction before NJP is initiated.

WHEN NJP IS USED AND WHAT COMES NEXT

Before Captain’s Mast can proceed, the OIC must determine that the offense:

Qualifies as “minor” under UCMJ guidance
Cannot be addressed adequately by non-punitive measures
Warrants formal discipline based on available evidence

Once that call is made, the accused is notified and receives:

A written summary of the charges
Any supporting documentation
Notice of rights under Article 31
Confirmation of their right to refuse NJP if not assigned to a vessel

RIGHTS OF A COAST GUARDSMAN DURING MAST

Whether you accept or refuse NJP, you are entitled to the following:

The right to appear at the hearing
The right to bring someone to speak for you—another Coastie or a military attorney
The right to see and respond to the evidence
The right to call witnesses in your defense
The right to remain silent
The right to present documents or personal statements
The right to appeal the outcome if you believe it was unfair or excessive

If you accept NJP, you’re allowing the OIC to act as judge and issue punishment. That decision is binding unless overturned on appeal.

POSSIBLE PUNISHMENTS UNDER COAST GUARD NJP

Penalties vary depending on your rank, the CO or OIC’s authority, and the details of the case. Examples include:

Restriction (up to 60 days)
Confinement to quarters (up to 30 days)
Extra duty
Correctional custody
Forfeiture of up to ½ pay for two months
Reduction in rate (for E6 and below)
Verbal or written reprimand
Confinement on reduced rations (rare, but permitted)

Even if NJP is labeled “administrative,” the results may appear in your service record and influence your ability to promote, re-enlist, or receive favorable assignments.

CAN YOU REFUSE NJP IN THE COAST GUARD?

Yes—but only if you’re not assigned to a vessel.
If you’re afloat or attached to a ship, the command typically has the right to move forward with NJP regardless of your preference.

If you’re not afloat, you can refuse NJP and demand court-martial. This option gives you more rights and greater protection, but it also carries more risk if convicted.

It’s not a decision to make without guidance. A Coast Guard Article 15 attorney can help weigh the evidence and advise on your best course of action.

APPEALING A CAPTAIN’S MAST DECISION

You have five calendar days to submit a written appeal if you believe:

The punishment was excessive
The process wasn’t followed properly
The facts didn’t support the finding
Important context or evidence was ignored

Appeals go to the next higher commander and may result in reduced or overturned punishment. The penalty cannot be increased as a result of your appeal.

IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE LEGAL COUNSEL

If you didn’t get the chance to speak with a lawyer before accepting NJP, the record generally can’t be used in court-martial sentencing later—unless you were on a vessel when it was imposed.

Even so, one NJP can have downstream effects if not handled properly. That’s why preparation and presentation matter.

WHY JOSEPH L. JORDAN IS DIFFERENT

Joseph Jordan is a military defense attorney who has defended service members across the Coast Guard. From small cutters to headquarters billets, he understands how discretion is applied in Coast Guard commands—and how to challenge it when it’s misused.

He helps clients:

Evaluate refusal vs. acceptance
Prepare statements, responses, and documentation
Build a defense for Mast or an appeal
Prevent long-term damage to promotion and retention
Push back when command oversteps or shortcuts the process

Want to understand how Article 15 works across the military?
Visit our NJP main page for an overview by service.

📞 FACING CAPTAIN’S MAST? DON’T GO ALONE.
Call (866) 888-984-7706 to speak with a Coast Guard Article 15 attorney. You may not control the process—but you can control your response.