(a) General rule.--The punishment which a court-martial may direct for an offense may not exceed such limits as the Governor or department may prescribe for that offense. In no instance may a sentence to confinement exceed more than five years for a military offense.
(b) Punitive offenses.--The limits of punishment for an offense described in Chapter 60 (relating to punitive sections) shall be prescribed by the Governor or department by regulation. In no instance shall any punishment exceed that authorized by this section or the maximum punishment authorized by the United States Manual for Courts-Martial.