Under UCMJ Article 128, which offense is primarily addressed?

UCMJ Article 128 primarily addresses the offense of assault. This article defines assault as attempting to do bodily harm to another person or a willful attempt to inflict injury. It encompasses a variety of incidents involving unlawful force or threat against others, emphasizing the seriousness of actions that can harm individuals.

The focus on assault within this article highlights the military's commitment to maintaining order and discipline, as such actions can disrupt the cohesion and effectiveness of military personnel. Assault can take various forms, including physical attacks and threatening behavior, which are detrimental to the military environment and the safety of service members. The inclusion of various degrees of assault in the article allows for flexibility in addressing both minor and more severe instances of violence or threat, underscoring the importance of safeguarding personnel welfare.

The other options, while serious offenses, are not covered under Article 128. Theft relates to the unlawful taking of someone else's property, vandalism involves intentional damage to property, and harassment pertains to unwanted behavior causing distress or alarm—none of which fall under the scope of assault as defined in the context of the UCMJ.