Airmen receive punishments Published Sept. 5, 2012 28th Bomb Wing Legal Office ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Several Ellsworth Airmen recently received Article 15s for their actions. A senior airman from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of assault consummated by a battery, disrespecting another NCO in the office, drunk and disorderly conduct on station and resisting apprehension. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to E-3, forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. A master sergeant from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of inappropriate advances towards a 14 year old. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to E-6, forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. A 1st lieutenant from the 28th Comptroller Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of adultery, conduct unbecoming - unprofessional relationship and fraternization. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $2,209 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. A staff sergeant from the 28th Force Support Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of drunk driving. Punishment consisted of reduction to E-4 and 30 days extra duty. A staff sergeant from the 28th FSS received an Article 15 for four specifications of making a false official statement and one specification of signing a false official statement. Punishment consisted of a suspended reduction to E-4. A staff sergeant from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to E-3 and a reprimand. A technical sergeant from the 28th Munitions Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of having an unprofessional relationship. Punishment consisted of a suspended reduction to E-5, forfeiture of $400 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. An airman 1st class from the 28th Operations Support Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of driving under the influence of alcohol. Punishment consisted of reduction to E-2, 30 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman 1st class from the 28th Security Forces Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of driving under the influence of alcohol. Punishment consisted of reduction to E-2, suspended forfeiture of $186 pay per month for two months, 15 days extra duty and a reprimand. 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 service members 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. The rules and procedures for NJP administration are governed by Air Force Instruction 51-202, Nonjudicial Punishment.