Airmen receive Article 15 punishments Published May 13, 2013 28th Bomb Wing Legal Office ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Several Ellsworth Airmen recently received Article 15 nonjudicial punishments for their actions. A master sergeant from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of willful dereliction of duty - misuse of Government Travel Card. Punishment consisted of 30 days extra duty, a reprimand and suspended reduction to technical sergeant. A technical sergeant from the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of driving while drunk. Punishment consisted of reduction to staff sergeant and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of drunkenness - incapacitation for performance of duties. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman first class, 14 days extra duty, a reprimand and suspended forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months. A senior airman from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of willful dereliction of duty - misuse of Government Travel Card. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $100 pay per month for two months, a reprimand and suspended reduction to airman first class. An airman first class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of driving while drunk. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman, 30 days extra duty, 15 days restriction to base, a reprimand and suspended forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months. An airman first class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for two specifications of failure to go and one specification of drunkenness - incapacitation for performance of duties. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic (of which reduction below airman was suspended) and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of failure to go. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic (of which reduction below airman was suspended) and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Contracting Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of failure to go. Punishment consisted of 15 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th LRS received an Article 15 for one specification of simple assault and one specification of assault consummated by battery. Punishment consisted of 30 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for one specification of fleeing the scene of an accident. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman, a reprimand and suspended forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 15 provides commanders the authority to impose nonjudicial punishment. NJP provides commanders with an essential and prompt means to maintain good order, morale and discipline. It also promotes positive behavior changes in servicemembers without the stigma of a court-martial conviction. NJP is considered when other nonpunitive disciplinary measures - such as counseling, letters 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."