Final answer:
A Convening Authority, typically a senior military officer, initially reviews the findings and sentence of a court-martial. Cases can be automatically reviewed by Courts of Criminal Appeals, and ultimately the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces or the President under Article 74 can have a say in the final disposition.
Step-by-step explanation:
During post-trial procedures, the authority who approves, disapproves, or modifies any findings and sentence of a court-martial is known as the Convening Authority, which is typically a senior military officer. In cases of general and special courts-martial, if the accused is convicted, the case is automatically reviewed by one of the Courts of Criminal Appeals (CCA), which for the Army, Navy-Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, serve to ensure the fairness and appropriateness of the trial and sentence. These courts have significant power and can affirm, set aside, or modify the findings and sentences.
Furthermore, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF) oversees the military justice system and can review cases either by appeal or on its own motion. The CAAF is the highest appellate court in the military and provides a final civilian check on military criminal proceedings.
In some extraordinary cases, Article 74 gives discretionary power to the President, considering the President's role as the Commander-in-Chief, to modify or set aside the conviction or sentence or to pardon the service member.