A Summary Court Martial must consist of what minimum number of commissioned officers?

A Summary Court Martial is a type of military court that is designed to handle minor offenses in a more expedited manner than a general or special court martial. It is unique in its composition, as it can be conducted by one commissioned officer alone. This allows for a quicker resolution process for cases that do not require the full complement of a more formal court martial.

The role of the single commissioned officer is to serve as both the judge and the jury, enabling a relatively swift process in adjudicating minor offenses such as minor misconduct. Given the streamlined purpose of a Summary Court Martial, it is important to understand this distinction, as it distinguishes it from other military court types that require larger panels of officers.