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EO 13740Executive OrderObama · D Quiet signal

Executive Order 13740

2016 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States

Defense & SecurityDefense & SecurityDemocracy & GovernanceDemocracy & Governance

In simple terms

This executive order amends the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, updating Parts I, II, and IV. The amendments took effect immediately upon signing on September 16, 2016, with explicit protections against retroactive punishment and preservation of ongoing military legal proceedings.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 65175

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 81 FR 65175

    Federal Register PDF

  3. amendments take effect

Key directives

  • Amend Part I, Part II, and Part IV of the Manual for Courts-Martial per attached Annex
  • Amendments take effect as of date of order (September 16, 2016)
  • Prohibit retroactive punishment for acts done before effective date
  • Preserve validity of ongoing nonjudicial punishment, restraint, investigation, referral of charges, trial, or other action begun before effective date

Related orders

What to expect

Immediate

  • amendments take effect as of signing date
  • ongoing proceedings continue under prior rules
  • no retroactive punishment for past acts

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • continued application of updated military justice procedures

Risks & tensions

  • Annex text not included in provided excerpt; specific substantive changes unknown without review of attached material
  • Scope of amendments unclear from excerpt alone—could range from minor procedural tweaks to significant rule changes
  • Retroactivity safeguards are standard but their presence suggests amendments may have touched on substantive criminal definitions
Executive Order 13740: 2016 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States · Executive Orders