For preferral, what does the receipt by SCMCA on a charge sheet do and who completes it?

For preferral, what does the receipt by SCMCA on a charge sheet do and who completes it?

• A. It tolls the statute of limitations; completed by the SCMCA or the SJA, if delegated
• B. It confirms charges are valid; completed by the ACC
• C. It voids the charges; completed by OSTC
• D. It authorizes additional investigation; completed by DC STC

Answer: (A)

When charges move into the preferral phase, the moment the charge sheet is received by the Senior Court-Martial Convening Authority is what pauses the running of the statute of limitations. This tolling ensures there’s enough time to complete the formal preferral steps without running afoul of time limits. The act of recording that receipt is performed by the SCMCA; if the SCMCA has delegated authority, the Staff Judge Advocate can complete the recording on the SCMCA’s behalf. This maintains continuity and ensures the process can proceed even if the convening authority isn’t immediately available.

When charges move into the preferral phase, the moment the charge sheet is received by the Senior Court-Martial Convening Authority is what pauses the running of the statute of limitations. This tolling ensures there’s enough time to complete the formal preferral steps without running afoul of time limits. The act of recording that receipt is performed by the SCMCA; if the SCMCA has delegated authority, the Staff Judge Advocate can complete the recording on the SCMCA’s behalf. This maintains continuity and ensures the process can proceed even if the convening authority isn’t immediately available.