What action must be taken by the immediate commander following the receipt of a report of an offense?

The correct answer involves referring to the Rules for Court-Martial (R.C.M.) for initial disposition of the report of an offense. This is an essential step in the military justice process. Upon receiving a report of an offense, the immediate commander must take appropriate action as outlined by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and related regulations.

Referring to R.C.M. allows the commander to ensure that the situation is assessed in line with established military legal procedures, guaranteeing that any action taken is compliant with the law and upholds due process. This process includes determining the nature and seriousness of the offense, deciding whether further investigation is warranted, and what disciplinary action, if any, should be considered.

This step is crucial to maintain order and discipline within the military, providing a structured approach to handle offenses that may arise, ensuring that justice is served while also protecting the rights of all parties involved.