True or False: A person in the Navy or Marine Corps can demand a trial by court-martial instead of non-judicial punishment.

The statement is false. In the Navy and Marine Corps, a service member cannot demand a trial by court-martial in lieu of non-judicial punishment (NJP). Non-judicial punishment, authorized under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), is an administrative process used for minor offenses. Service members may receive NJP—which can result in various disciplinary actions—without the formality of a court-martial.

If a service member is facing a situation where they are subject to non-judicial punishment, they can choose to request a trial by court-martial instead, but this choice is not a demand. It is an option that comes with certain rights and implications. However, it’s entirely at the commander's discretion whether to allow a court-martial instead of pursuing NJP. In essence, the choice to go to court-martial does exist, but it cannot be insisted upon as a right interchangeable with NJP.

Moreover, legal proceedings and choices regarding disciplinary actions depend on the nature and severity of the alleged conduct, as well as the judgment and decision-making of command.