824. Article 24. Who Many Convene Summary Courts-Martial

(a) Summary courts-martial may be convened by–

(1) any person who may convene a general or special court-martial; (2) the commanding officer of a detached company other detachment of the Army; (3) the commanding officer of a detached squadron or other detachment of the Air Force; or (4) the commanding officer or officer in charge of any other command when empowered by the Secretary concerned.

(b) When only one commissioned officer is present with a command or detachment he shall be the summary court-martial of that command or detachment and shall hear and determine all summary court-martial cases brought before him. Summary courts-martial may, however, be convened in any case by superior competent authority when considered desirable by him.