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ARTICLE · 17 OCTOBER 2025

SHUT UP: A Former Drill Sergeant's Guide To Understanding Your 31(b) Rights Under The UCMJ

Tully Rinckey
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When facing military investigations or disciplinary proceedings, you are entitled to certain rights. Article 31(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) offers service members protections...

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Michelle Salermo
Michelle Salermo

When facing military investigations or disciplinary proceedings, you are entitled to certain rights. Article 31(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) offers service members protections that mirror civilian Miranda rights. Yet too often, service members unknowingly waive these rights, potentially compromising their defense.

In my time as a U.S. Army Drill Sergeant, I used acronyms every single day to train soldiers. When information matters, simplicity saves lives. The legal battlefield is no different. This simple acronym saves futures:

SHUT UP.

If you are suspected of an offense, SHUT UP. Here's what SHUT UP means.

S [Say Nothing Without Legal Counsel]

Under Article 31(b), no person subject to the UCMJ may be compelled to incriminate themselves. If you're suspected of an offense, you have the absolute right to not answer questions without consulting an attorney first.

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