When you wear the uniform, the law follows you everywhere. It shapes your choices on duty, off duty, online, and at home. Many service members face charges not because they intend harm, but because they misunderstand the rules or feel pressure in the moment. This blog explains the most common military criminal offenses so you know what crosses the line. You will see how actions like assault, theft, drug use, or disobeying orders can destroy a career, threaten freedom, and hurt your family. You will also learn when a command can act, when civilian courts step in, and why early help from a defense lawyer can change the outcome. The goal is simple. Protect your record. Protect your benefits. Protect your future.
How Military Law Works
Military crime falls under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ is federal law that covers service members on active duty, in training, and sometimes in reserve status. It applies on base, in combat zones, and in your home.
You can face three kinds of action.
- Administrative action such as counseling, reprimand, or separation
- Nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 or Captain’s Mast
- Court martial that can lead to jail, discharge, and loss of benefits
You can read the UCMJ text on the U.S. House Office of Law Revision Counsel site at 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part II.
Common Military Criminal Offenses
Some offenses are unique to the military. Others match civilian crimes but carry extra impact on rank and benefits. The list below covers offenses that show up often across the services.
1. Absence Without Leave and Desertion
Leaving your unit without permission is AWOL. Leaving with the intent to stay away is desertion. Both are serious. Time away can lead to loss of pay, reduction in rank, or jail.
- Failing to report to duty
- Leaving your post early
- Staying away past leave dates
Desertion charges often come when you stay away for a long period or avoid hazardous duty.
2. Disobeying Orders
The military runs on lawful orders. Refusing a direct order can trigger Article 90, 91, or 92 charges. The impact depends on the rank of the person giving the order and the risk to the mission.
Common problems include these.
- Ignoring safety rules
- Refusing to carry out tasks
- Violating base regulations or general orders
Even a single act of disobedience can harm trust and promotion chances.
See also: 5 Strategies Lawyers Use To Defend DUI Cases
3. Drug Use and Alcohol Misconduct
Drug offenses remain common across the force. The UCMJ bans use, possession, distribution, and manufacture of controlled substances.
Risk grows when you mix drugs with duty.
- Using illegal drugs
- Misusing prescription pills
- Reporting to duty under the influence
Alcohol issues often appear as drunk on duty, drunk driving, or violence after drinking. These can lead to both civilian and military charges.
4. Assault and Domestic Violence
Assault covers threats and physical contact. Military assault cases often involve fights in the barracks, at bars, or at home.
Domestic violence carries special weight. A conviction can block firearm possession under federal law. That can end a career in combat arms or law enforcement roles.
The Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program explains support and reporting options at Military OneSource Family Advocacy Program.
5. Sexual Offenses
Sexual assault and related offenses draw strong command action. Consent, age, and power rank matter. Alcohol use does not excuse misconduct.
Common charges include these.
- Sexual assault
- Abusive sexual contact
- Wrongful distribution of intimate images
These cases often bring long investigations, harsh sentences, and lasting social harm.
6. Theft, Fraud, and Property Crimes
Theft can involve government property, unit funds, or personal items. Even low dollar theft can cost a career.
Examples include these.
- Stealing gear or tools
- Misusing government travel cards
- Filing false travel or housing claims
Vandalism and damage to property also fall under UCMJ articles that protect government and private property.
7. Conduct Unbecoming and General Misconduct
Officers can face conduct unbecoming. Enlisted members can face general article charges for actions that bring discredit on the service.
This often covers acts such as these.
- Public fights
- Offensive online posts
- Harassment or bullying
Even when acts are not crimes in civilian life, they can still lead to discharge.
Comparison of Common Offense Types
| Offense type | Typical setting | Possible impact on career |
|---|---|---|
| AWOL or desertion | Missed duty, extended absence | Loss of pay, jail, other than honorable discharge |
| Disobeying orders | Workplace, field, training | Reduction in rank, NJP, court martial |
| Drug or alcohol offenses | Barracks, off base, on duty | Loss of clearance, discharge, civilian record |
| Assault or domestic violence | Home, barracks, public places | Confinement, firearm ban, discharge |
| Sexual offenses | Workplace, social events, online | Sex offender status, long jail terms, loss of benefits |
| Theft or fraud | Supply rooms, travel, finance | Repayment, jail, dishonorable or bad conduct discharge |
| General misconduct | Public events, social media, off duty | Administrative separation, stalled promotion |
Long Term Consequences You Need To Know
A conviction under the UCMJ can follow you for life. You can lose the GI Bill, health coverage, and retirement. You can also face limits on jobs, housing, and gun rights.
Even nonjudicial punishment can hurt security clearances and promotions. A single poor choice can erase years of effort.
How To Protect Yourself
You protect yourself with three steps.
- Know the rules that apply to your rank and job
- Seek help early when you face stress, addiction, or family conflict
- Ask for legal counsel as soon as you learn about an investigation
Commanders, chaplains, medical staff, and legal offices exist to support you. Use them before a problem becomes a charge.
Closing Thoughts
Military criminal offenses are not distant threats. They grow from real choices in the barracks, at home, and online. When you understand the most common offenses, you reduce risk for yourself and your family. You also protect the honor of your uniform and the benefits you earned through hard service.
