If ACC does not object to the SCM, what will the SCMO do?

• A. Refer to SPCMCA
• B. Dismiss charges
• C. Release the accused
• D. Proceed with arraignments, hear evidence, and determine findings/sentence

Answer: (D)

When there is no objection from the ACC to proceeding by a Special Court-Martial, the Special Court-Martial Officer moves forward with the full SCM process. That means initiating or continuing with arraignment to formally read the charges and identify pleas, then hearing the evidence—witnesses, testimony, and exhibits—and, after evaluating that evidence, making findings of guilty or not guilty and imposing a sentence within the authority of the SCM. The no-objection signal lets the SCMO conduct the trial from start to finish rather than pausing or transferring the case to another authority. The other options would only apply in different procedural circumstances, such as referring the case or dismissing charges, which do not align with the SCM proceeding once there’s no objection.