Section 117: Right of election of officers, warrant and petty officers to be tried by court-martial

Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing sections of this Act, a commanding officer shall not proceed summarily with the trial of an officer, a warrant or petty officer until he has afforded the officer, warrant or petty officer an opportunity of electing to be tried by a court-martial and if the person so elects in writing, the commanding officer shall take the prescribed steps with a view to the charge being tried by a court-martial.