What type of court martial requires the highest level of offense?

A general court-martial is designed to handle the most serious offenses under military law, including those that could lead to severe punishments such as dishonorable discharge, confinement for over one year, or even the death penalty in exceptional cases. This type of court-martial can try any military member for any offense that constitutes a felony under military regulations.

In contrast, the other types of court-martial address less severe offenses. A summary court-martial typically deals with minor disciplinary infractions and is used for quick resolution of cases, while a special court-martial handles intermediate-level offenses, allowing for more serious consequences than a summary court-martial but not as severe as those that generally warrant a general court-martial. A field court-martial is often organized in the field and may be used in combat situations, but generally does not pertain to the highest level of offenses housed under the military judicial system.

Thus, the general court-martial is the appropriate answer as it encompasses the highest level of offenses that can be prosecuted in military justice.