Airmen receive punishments Published Aug. 6, 2012 28th Bomb Wing Legal Office ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Several Ellsworth Airmen recently received Article 15s for their actions. An airman first class from the Air Force Financial Services Center received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, 30 days extra duty, 30 days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth Air Force Base and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of wrongful use of marijuana. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, 30 days extra duty, 30 days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for four specifications of larceny. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, forfeiture of $745 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction to duty and one specification of driving under the influence of alcohol. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of making a false official statement. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, 20 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for one specification of being Absent Without Leave for three days or less. Punishment consisted of suspended forfeiture of $934 pay per month for one month, 20 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for one specification of disobeying a lawful command. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman and a reprimand. A staff sergeant from the 28th Security Forces Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of having an unprofessional relationship. Punishment consisted of reduction to senior airman, forfeiture of $1,181 pay per month for two months, suspended $1,181 pay per month for one month, 15 days extra duty and a reprimand. A staff sergeant from the 28th SFS received an Article 15 for one specification of adultery. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to senior airman, 14 days extra duty and a reprimand. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 15 provides commanders the authority to impose nonjudicial punishment. Nonjudicial punishment 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.