(a) In General.—Charges and specifications—(1) may be preferred only by a person subject to this chapter; and
(2) shall be preferred by presentment in writing, signed under oath before a commissioned officer of the armed forces who is authorized to administer oaths.
(b) Required Content.—The writing under subsection (a) shall state that—(1) the signer has personal knowledge of, or has investigated, the matters set forth in the charges and specifications; and
(2) the matters set forth in the charges and specifications are true, to the best of the knowledge and belief of the signer.
(c) Duty of Proper Authority.—When charges and specifications are preferred under subsection (a), the proper authority shall, as soon as practicable—(1) inform the person accused of the charges and specifications; and
(2) determine what disposition should be made of the charges and specifications in the interest of justice and discipline.
Structure US Code
Subtitle A— General Military Law
CHAPTER 47— UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE
SUBCHAPTER VI— PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURE
§ 830. Art. 30. Charges and specifications
§ 830a. Art. 30a. Proceedings conducted before referral
§ 831. Art. 31. Compulsory self-incrimination prohibited
§ 832. Art. 32. Preliminary hearing required before referral to general court-martial
§ 833. Art. 33. Disposition guidance
§ 834. Art. 34. Advice to convening authority before referral for trial