June 2012 Article 15s

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

An airman basic from the 28th Force Support Squadron received an Article 15 for two specifications of absent without leave and one specification of bringing discredit upon the armed forces. Punishment consisted of suspended forfeiture of $300 pay per month for two months.

A senior airman from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class, 10 days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth Air Force Base and 20 days extra duty.

A second lieutenant from the 28th Munitions Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of drunken driving. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $1,414 pay per month for two months and a reprimand.

An airman first class from the 28th MUNS received an Article 15 for one specification of absent without leave. Punishment consisted of suspended forfeiture of $934 pay for one month, 20 days of extra duty and a reprimand.

A senior airman from the 28th Security Forces Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of misbehavior of sentinel. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class, forfeiture of $100 pay per month for two months, 15 days of extra duty and a reprimand.

An airman first class from the 28th SFS received an Article 15 for one specification of misbehavior of sentinel. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, forfeiture of $50 pay per month for two months, 15 days of extra duty and a reprimand.

Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, provides commanders with the authority to impose nonjudicial punishment (NJP). 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 counselings, 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.