DA Form 2627: Article 15 UCMJ Guide & Download

DA Form 2627: Article 15 UCMJ Guide & Download – DA Form 2627 is the official U.S. Army form titled “Record of Proceedings Under Article 15, UCMJ.” It documents non-judicial punishment (NJP), commonly known as an “Article 15,” for minor misconduct under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Commanders use this form to record allegations, the Soldier’s rights, evidence considered, the Soldier’s response, findings, imposed punishment, and any appeals. It ensures transparency, due process, and proper record-keeping in the military justice system.

Download the latest DA Form 2627 here: Official PDF from Army Publishing Directorate

Understanding Article 15 Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) in the U.S. Army

Article 15 of the UCMJ authorizes commanding officers to impose disciplinary punishment for minor offenses without a full court-martial. This process is faster and less severe than judicial proceedings while maintaining good order and discipline.

Key features:

  • It is non-judicial — no conviction or court record in the traditional sense.
  • Accepting an Article 15 is not an admission of guilt; it means the commander will hear and decide the case.
  • Soldiers have the right to demand a court-martial instead (with some exceptions).

Article 15s address offenses like minor assaults, unauthorized absences, disrespect, or violations of regulations that do not warrant full court-martial.

When and Why the Army Uses DA Form 2627?

Commanders initiate DA Form 2627 when they believe a Soldier committed a minor offense. The process includes:

  1. Notification (first reading) of the alleged misconduct and rights.
  2. Opportunity to consult with legal counsel (Trial Defense Service).
  3. The Soldier’s decision to accept or demand court-martial.
  4. Hearing before the commander.
  5. Imposition of punishment (if guilty) and filing decision.

This form applies across Army components but follows specific rules in AR 27-10, Military Justice.

Key Sections of DA Form 2627 Explained

Familiarize yourself with the main blocks on the form:

  • Soldier Information: Name, grade, SSN, unit, and base pay (affects forfeiture calculations).
  • Block 1: Specifics of the alleged misconduct (charged offenses under UCMJ articles).
  • Rights Advisement: Right to remain silent, consult counsel, demand trial by court-martial, present evidence/witnesses, and appeal.
  • Findings: Guilty or not guilty of specifications.
  • Punishment: Type and amount imposed (e.g., restriction, extra duty, forfeiture of pay, reduction in rank, reprimand).
  • Filing Decision: Performance or restricted section of the Army Military Human Resource Record (AMHRR/OMPF), or local unit file.
  • Appeal: Option to appeal to higher authority.

There is also a DA Form 2627-1 for summarized proceedings (limited punishments for junior enlisted) and DA Form 2627-2 for supplementary actions like suspension or remission.

Soldier Rights During Article 15 Proceedings

You have important protections:

  • Review all evidence before deciding.
  • Consult with a defense attorney (usually free via TDS).
  • Present matters in defense, mitigation, or extenuation (statements, witnesses, documents).
  • Choose court-martial over Article 15.
  • Appeal the findings or punishment within a set timeframe (usually 7 days).

Important: Anything you say can be used against you. Consult legal counsel before making statements.

Possible Punishments Under Article 15

Punishments vary by commander’s authority (company grade, field grade, or general officer) and the Soldier’s rank:

  • Oral or written reprimand.
  • Restriction to limits.
  • Extra duties.
  • Forfeiture of pay.
  • Reduction in rank (for enlisted).
  • Arrest in quarters (for officers).

Limits are stricter for lower-level commanders. Sex-related offenses have mandatory filing requirements in the performance folder.

Filing of DA Form 2627 in Your Records

Filing impacts your career significantly:

  • E-4 and below: Usually filed locally in the unit (destroyed after 2 years or transfer).
  • E-5 and above: Often filed in the performance or restricted section of AMHRR.
  • Sex-related offenses: Mandatory performance file filing.

A filed Article 15 can affect promotions, assignments, and security clearances. Soldiers may later request removal or transfer under AR 27-10 after time has passed and rehabilitation is shown.

How to Prepare for an Article 15 Hearing?

  1. Request and review all supporting evidence immediately.
  2. Consult Trial Defense Service (TDS) or a military defense attorney.
  3. Gather character statements, performance records, and mitigating evidence.
  4. Decide whether to accept the Article 15 or demand court-martial (weigh risks carefully).
  5. Attend the hearing prepared to present your side professionally.

Appealing an Article 15

If you disagree with the findings or punishment, you may appeal. Submit additional matters for consideration. The next higher commander reviews the appeal.

Long-Term Effects and Career Implications

An Article 15 demonstrates accountability but can influence evaluations, promotions, and retention. Many Soldiers recover fully by performing well afterward. Focus on rehabilitation and positive contributions.

Download Official DA Form 2627

Get the current fillable form directly from the Army:
DA Form 2627 PDF Download

For the most authoritative guidance, refer to AR 27-10 Military Justice (current version available on official Army sites) and consult your chain of command or legal assistance.

This article provides general information based on public U.S. Army resources and regulations. It is not a substitute for official legal advice. Always consult your servicing Judge Advocate or Trial Defense Service for personalized guidance.