ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – During the month of July several Ellsworth Airmen received Article 15 nonjudicial punishments for their actions.
An airman from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of disorderly conduct. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, suspended forfeiture of $365 pay, 14 days extra duty, suspended 14 days restriction to base, and a reprimand.
A staff sergeant from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of driving under the influence. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to senior airman, forfeiture of $555 pay, and 14 days extra duty.
A senior airman from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class and a reprimand.
A staff sergeant from the 28th Medical Support Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of wrongfully using their Government Travel Card (GTC). Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to senior airman, 30 days extra duty, and a reprimand.
A staff sergeant from the 28th MDSS received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to senior airman, 15 days extra duty, and a reprimand.
A senior airman from the 28th Munitions Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of driving under the influence. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class, forfeiture of $1,041 pay per month for two months, and a reprimand.
A first lieutenant from the 34th Bomb Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of driving under the influence. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $1,250 pay per month for two months and a reprimand.
An airman first class from the 89th Attack Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of being absent without leave and one specification for violating a general order. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman and a reprimand.
Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 15 provides commanders the authority to impose nonjudicial punishment. It provides commanders with an essential and prompt means to maintain good order, morale and discipline. NJP also promotes positive behavior changes in service members without the stigma of a court-martial conviction.
NJP is considered when other non-punitive disciplinary measures, such as a counseling, letter of reprimand and administrative withholding of privileges, are not effective. By imposing NJP fairly, swiftly and efficiently, the commander promotes good order and discipline within the unit. As a rehabilitative tool, portions of an NJP can be suspended, and will not take effect unless the member engages in further misconduct. The rules and procedures for NJP administration are governed by Air Force Instruction 51-202, "Nonjudicial Punishment."