These are a primary venue for hearings on high-level offenses, like sexual assault, allegedly committed by enlisted members of the National Guard or other military branches.
General court-martials are the only way troops can get dishonorably discharged and can also result in confinement for up to life without parole. The accused can hire counsel, but has no right to have one provided to them. The type of discharge can affect which benefits a veteran receives and carry other ramifications. People with dishonorable discharges can’t get any veteran benefits, carry firearms or get federal employment.
This is the process by which enlisted troops are punished for lower level offenses, like returning late to post. There is an administrative due process system for Article 15 cases. While the Article 15 system allows someone to defend themselves prior to receiving punishment, that defense is often held before the commander that ordered the punishment to begin with. Accused service members can appeal initial decisions and hire outside counsel, though one is not guaranteed to be provided for them.
Punishments include reduction in rank, fines, extra duties and up to eight days of confinement – though the bills before the Indiana House and Senate would prohibit that last option.