Article 296 — Want of Discipline.

Any member of the Defence Forces who: (a) absents himself without proper authority from barracks, camps or military quarters, or is found without proper order or authority in a place forbidden to him, or outside the bounds laid down for him; or (b) takes part in a quarrel or brawl, or in disturbances, or refuses to obey an order to desist issued to him by a superior officer; or (c) misbehaves or disobeys orders in a hospital, in sick- quarters or else-where at the risk of complicating or aggravating his condition or of causing his treatment to be prolonged; or (d) in any other way, by word of mouth, gesture or deed, disturbs good order or military discipline, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years.