What is a key responsibility of company commanders regarding disciplinary measures?

The key responsibility of company commanders regarding disciplinary measures includes imposing a maximum of 14 days extra duty. This authority is designed to enable company commanders to manage discipline effectively at the company level without overwhelming the judicial system with minor offenses.

Under the Unified Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), commanders have the discretion to impose non-judicial punishment, such as Extra Duty, to maintain order and discipline within their unit. This is essential for fostering accountability among soldiers and allowing commanders to address misconduct directly and efficiently. The provision of limiting the duration to 14 days is also significant, as it prevents excessive punitive measures that could harm a soldier's career or morale.

Other options involve aspects of disciplinary protocols but are not core responsibilities that fall specifically to company commanders. For instance, recommending discharge is typically a broader decision that might involve higher command levels and legal advisement, while advising on court martial cases is usually handled by legal representatives rather than the company commander directly. Reducing punishment for severe offenses is also outside the traditional command scope, as severe offenses often necessitate a more formal judicial process.