Airmen receive Article 15 punishments Published March 26, 2013 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. Punishment consisted of a reduction to airman, 45 days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth Air Force Base and a reprimand. An airman from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of misbehavior of a sentinel. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, a reprimand and suspended forfeiture of $758 pay per month for two months. A technical sergeant from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of drunkenness - incapacitation for performance of duties. Punishment consisted of reduction to staff sergeant and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of AWOL three days or less, two specifications of willful dereliction of duty and four specifications of making a false official statement. Punishment consisted of 30 days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth AFB, a reprimand, suspended reduction to airman and suspended forfeiture of $849 pay. A senior airman from the 28th CES received an Article 15 for one specification of AWOL three days or less. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman first class, a reprimand, 30 days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth AFB (15 days of which were suspended) and suspended forfeiture of $849 pay. A senior airman from the 28th Medical Operations Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of AWOL three days or less. Punishment consisted of a reprimand, 45 days extra duty (30 days of which were suspended) and suspended reduction to airman first class. 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."