February 2012 Article 15s

  • Published
  • By 28th Bomb Wing Legal Office
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  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, 45 days extra duty, and a reprimand.

An airman first class from the 28th AMS received an Article 15 for one specification of being Absent Without Leave. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, 45 days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth Air Force Base, and a reprimand.

A staff sergeant from the 28th AMS received an Article 15 for one specification of wrongful use of marijuana. Punishment consisted of reduction to senior airman, 45 days of extra duty, and a reprimand.

A staff sergeant from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty, misuse of a government travel card. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to senior airman, forfeiture of $437 pay for one month, suspended forfeiture of $437 pay for one month, and 20 days of extra duty.

A senior airman from the 28th Munitions Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of driving while intoxicated. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman first class, suspended forfeiture of $975 pay for two months, and a reprimand.

An airman first class from the 28th Operations Support Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of failure to obey a lawful order. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, forfeiture of $400 pay for one month, suspended forfeiture of $400 pay for one month, 20 days of extra duty, and a reprimand.

An airman first class from the Air Force Financial Services Center received an Article 15 for one specification of being AWOL and one specification of signing a false official statement. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman basic, seven days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth Air Force Base, suspended seven days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth Air Force Base, seven days extra duty, suspended seven 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.