Airmen receive Article 15 punishments

  • Published
  • 28th Bomb Wing Legal Office
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Several Ellsworth Airmen recently received Article 15 nonjudicial punishments for their actions.

An airman first class from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of willful dereliction of duty - underage consumption of alcohol. Punishment consisted of 15 days extra duty, 15 days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth Air Force Base and a reprimand.

An airman first class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of AWOL less than three days. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $200 pay per month for two months, a reprimand and suspended reduction to airman.

An airman first class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for two specifications of AWOL less than three days, 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.

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 technical sergeant from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of disrespect to an officer and four violations of Article 134 - use of inappropriate language in a way that was prejudicial to good order and discipline. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $1,150 pay per month for two months, a reprimand and suspended reduction to staff sergeant.

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."