Which legal document encompasses military laws applicable to all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces?

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) is the central legal framework governing military law for all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Established by Congress in 1950, the UCMJ provides the legal standards and guidelines related to the conduct of military personnel, including rules about offenses, courts-martial procedures, and rights of service members.

This code is crucial because it ensures that all military members are held to the same legal standards regardless of their branch, which promotes uniformity and fairness in administering military justice. The UCMJ includes provisions that outline rights and responsibilities, detailing how service members are to conduct themselves and the consequences of criminal behavior. It also defines specific offenses unique to military service, such as insubordination, desertion, and other actions that may not have civilian equivalents.

The other options do not encompass military laws applicable to all branches as comprehensively as the UCMJ. The Department of Defense Manual supports various policies and procedures but does not serve as a singular legal document like the UCMJ. The Federal Armed Forces Act is not a recognized legal framework within U.S. military law. The Military Regulation Handbook, while potentially useful for guidance and regulation, does not have the legal authority that the U