What type of punishment is not applicable to E-7 through E-9 at nonjudicial punishment?

Reduction in grade is not applicable to personnel in pay grades E-7 through E-9 when it comes to nonjudicial punishment (NJP). This limitation is established due to the high rank and responsibility associated with these enlisted grades.

In the context of NJP, extra duty, confinement, and correctional custody are permissible forms of punishment. Since these higher ranks are seen as leaders within the enlisted community, the regulations are designed to maintain their position and ensure that their ability to lead is not undermined through the penal measures that can be applied to junior personnel. Reducing the grade of an E-7 to E-6, for instance, could significantly impact their career trajectory and authority, which is why it is not an option for NJP at these ranks.