Section 71: Execution of sentence; suspension of sentence
Article 71. Execution of sentence; suspension of sentence.
(a) If the sentence of the court-martial extends to dismissal or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge and if the right of the accused to appellate review is not waived, and an appeal is not withdrawn under article 61, that part of the sentence extending to dismissal or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may not be executed until there is a final judgment as to the legality of the proceedings. A judgment as to the legality of the proceedings is final in such cases when review is completed by an appellate court prescribed in article 67A, and is deemed final by the law of state where the judgment was had.
(b) If the sentence of the court-martial extends to dismissal or a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge and if the right of the accused to appellate review is waived, or an appeal is withdrawn under article 61, that part of the sentence extending to dismissal or a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge may not be executed until review of the case by the senior force judge advocate and any action on that review under article 64 is completed. Any other part of a court-martial sentence may be ordered executed by the convening authority or other person acting on the case under article 60 when so approved under that article.