What is an Article 30a session?

• A. A proceeding after referral outside the presence of members
• B. A proceeding conducted before referral
• C. A trial
• D. A pretrial conference

Answer: (B)

An Article 30a session is a pre-referral proceeding in the military justice process. It happens before charges are formally referred to a court-martial and is used to review the case, allow the accused to present information, and discuss possible dispositions short of trial (such as administrative actions or negotiated resolutions). Because it occurs before referral, it is not a trial and it is not conducted after charges have been referred, and it is distinct from a pretrial conference, which happens later in the process once referral has occurred.