NJP - Character Statement & Budget Worksheet
NJP (Article 15) – Tips for Protecting Your Finances (with a Budget Worksheet) and Reputation
When accepting Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP) (Article 15), there are several steps you can take to mitigate the impact on your career and finances:
- Submit Character Statements: Gather character statements from colleagues, supervisors, or others who can vouch for your professionalism and integrity. These statements can be presented during the NJP hearing to provide the Commanding Officer (CO) with a fuller picture of your character.
- Prepare a Budget Worksheet: If there is a possibility of forfeiture of pay, prepare and submit a detailed financial worksheet. This worksheet should clearly outline your income, monthly expenses, and the amount left over.
- Request Suspension of Forfeiture: Use the worksheet to request that the CO suspend any pay forfeitures. Demonstrate how a reduction in pay would cause financial hardship for you and your family. The CO has the discretion to suspend forfeitures if convinced by your financial situation.
Taking these steps can help you present a more compelling case during the NJP hearing and potentially minimize the negative consequences of the punishment.
Military Budget Worksheet Download: Click Here
NJP – Submit a Budget Worksheet
@militarylawyer If accepting NJP (Article 15), submit a budget/financial worksheet and ask the CO to suspend any forfeitures of pay. #militarylawyer #marines #army #militarylaw #military #ucmj #njp #article15 #navy #airforce #jacksonvillenc #fayettevillenc #camplejeune #fortliberty
♬ original sound - Military Lawyer - S. Goralski
NJP Video Transcript: If you’re going to accept NJP, then there’s a couple of things that you can do. You can gather character statements and submit those during the NJP hearing. You can also submit a budget worksheet and ask the CO to suspend any forfeitures of pay because a reduction in pay would cause a financial hardship and you can present a financial worksheet to show the CO your income, and your expenses and then what’s left over at the end of the month and respectfully ask him or her to suspend any forfeitures of pay.