What should any military authority do upon receiving a report of an offense?

Upon receiving a report of an offense, the appropriate action for any military authority is to forward it to the immediate commander of the suspect. This action is critical because it ensures that the incident is reviewed and addressed at the appropriate level of command. The immediate commander is responsible for the discipline and behavior of their personnel, and forwarding the report allows them to take necessary actions, which may include investigation, disciplinary measures, or other appropriate responses.

Handling the report personally or ignoring it can lead to a lack of accountability and may worsen the situation, while contacting legal counsel may be necessary at certain stages but is not the immediate first step that should be taken upon receiving the report. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the chain of command and proper protocol in addressing offenses within the military structure.