Who does the Uniformed Code of Military Justice apply to?

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) applies to all members of the United States military, regardless of whether they are on active duty, reserve duty, or even if they are temporarily assigned to a military unit or deployed under a Presidential executive order. This comprehensive application ensures that both enlisted personnel and officers are held accountable under military law, maintaining discipline and order within the armed forces.

In addition to those in a military unit, the UCMJ also governs members of the service during training and can extend its jurisdiction to certain situations involving military personnel even while they are off-duty. This broad scope reinforces the idea that the military operates under a distinct legal framework separate from civilian law, which is crucial for maintaining good order and discipline within the ranks.