To dismiss NJP, the XO must have what authority?

• A. The CO has delegated authority to the XO
• B. The CO's explicit written order for each case
• C. The approval of the legal counsel
• D. The consent of the accused

Answer: (A)

Nonjudicial Punishment uses the chain of command under Article 15, and a commanding officer can delegate the authority to dispose of NJP to a subordinate. If the CO has issued a standing delegation of NJP authority to the executive officer, the XO can handle dismissals and other disposition actions without the CO having to sign off on every case. Without that delegation, the XO cannot dismiss NJP, even if the CO could personally do so. The other options aren’t what actually grants the XO this power: a case-by-case written order is impractical, legal counsel’s approval is advisory, and the accused’s consent isn’t what authorizes dismissal. So, the essential point is that the XO’s ability to dismiss NJP comes from the CO’s delegation of authority.