"This pamphlet contains a short history of the preparation of the Manual ... together with brief discussions of the legal and legislative considerations involved in the drafting of the book."--Pref.

The Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM), United States (1998 Edition) updates the MCM, (1995 Edition). It is a complete reprinting and incorporates the MCM (1995 Edition) and the 1998 amendments to the MCM (Executive Order (EO) 13086). The EO is contained in Appendix 25. The MCM (1998 Edition) differs from the MCM (1995 Edition) in that it contains the 1998 amendments to the Manual. It implements amendments to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) made by the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years (FY) 1996, 1997, and 1998. The FY 1996 Act amended UCMJ Articles 1, 2, 32, 47, 57, 60, 62, 66, 95, 120, and 137, and created UCMJ Articles 57a, 58b, and 76b. The FY 1997 Act amended UCMJ Articles 58b and 143. The FY 1998 Act created UCMJ Article 56a and amended Articles 58b and 143. The 1998 amendments also include changes made by the President to the Rules for Courts-Martial, Military Rules of Evidence, and Punitive Articles.

The Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM), United States (2012 Edition) updates the MCM (2008 Edition). It is a complete reprinting and incorporates the MCM (2008 Edition), including all amendments to the Rules for Courts-Martial, Military Rules of Evidence (Mil. R. Evid.), and Punitive Articles made by the President in Executive Orders (EO) from 1984 to present, and specifically including EO 13468 (24 July 2008); EO 13552 (31 August 2010); and EO 13593 (13 December 2011). This edition also contains amendments to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) made by the National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2009 through 2012. Some of the significant changes are summarized and listed below. This summary is for quick reference only and should not be relied upon or cited by practitioners in lieu of the actual provisions of the MCM that have been amended. The MCM (2012 Edition) includes unique changes warranting attention.