Final answer:
The main difference between company grade and field grade Article 15s lies in the severity of punishment, with field grade allowing for more severe penalties administered by high-ranking officers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a company grade Article 15 and a field grade Article 15 primarily concerns the severity of punishment that can be imposed within the military discipline system. A company grade Article 15 is handled by a commanding officer at the company level (typically a captain or below), and the range of punishments is accordingly less severe. In contrast, a field grade Article 15 involves a commanding officer who is at the field grade level (major or above), and such a proceeding allows for more severe punishments.
In the context of formal sanctions, an Article 15 represents an official mechanism to enforce discipline within the military, recognizing and correcting norm violations. The distinction between company grade and field grade is crucial because the latter embodies a greater potential impact on a service member's career, given the harsher penalties that can be rendered. Still, in both cases, the nature of the offense, rather than the type of military unit, location of the incident, or geographic location, determines the level of Article 15 proceedings. The goal of such disciplinary actions aligns with the principles of maintaining discipline and rigorously enforcing standards within the ranks, essential for effective military operation.