What does preferring a charge mean in military procedure?

Preferring a charge in military procedure refers to the formal act of accusing a service member of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This process is significant as it initiates disciplinary action against the service member, leading to an investigation and potentially a court-martial. When a commanding officer or designated authority prefers charges, it sets into motion the legal proceedings that will address the alleged misconduct. This procedure ensures that service members are held accountable for their actions while also maintaining the integrity of military discipline and justice.

The other options described focus on different aspects of military operations and personnel management. Documenting a service member's achievements is related to performance evaluations, while initiating a performance evaluation itself pertains to assessing a service member's job performance rather than addressing misconduct. Requesting a reassignment deals with the movement of personnel within the military structure but does not involve accusations or legal processes related to UCMJ violations.