Disobedience of, non-compliance with lawful orders, etc.
17.—(1) Every person subject to military law who by words or behaviour wilfully disobeys any lawful order, by whatever means communicated to him or her, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction by a subordinate military court to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years, and, if the offence is committed during active service, the person shall be liable on conviction by a subordinate military court to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or any less punishment authorised by this Act.
(2) Every person subject to military law who does not comply with any lawful order or neglects to perform or negligently performs any lawful duty or order shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction by a subordinate military court to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, and, if the offence is committed during active service, the person shall be liable on conviction by a subordinate military court to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or any less punishment authorised by this Act.