Can an NCO deliver the DA Form 2627 and inform a soldier of their rights?

In the context of delivering a DA Form 2627, which is the Record of Proceedings Under Article 15, Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) play a crucial role in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) process. The authority to administer non-judicial punishment (NJP) and inform a soldier of their rights is restricted to certain ranks within the NCO corps.

A Sergeant First Class or above is authorized to deliver the DA Form 2627. This is due to the level of responsibility and authority that comes with that rank, as these NCOs are trained and have the necessary experience to ensure that soldiers understand their rights and the consequences they may face under Article 15 proceedings. They are equipped to explain the form, what it entails, and the rights of the service member in question. In general, this level of interaction with soldiers about their legal rights and the NJP process is expected at the higher enlisted ranks.

Lower-ranked NCOs do not typically have the same level of authority or training to manage these significant legal procedures, which can lead to misunderstandings or procedural errors. Therefore, only those who have attained the rank of Sergeant First Class or above are permitted to handle these responsibilities effectively.