Ellsworth Airman Receives Punishment Published Sept. 27, 2011 By 28th Bomb Wing Legal office 28th Bomb Wing Legal Office ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- An Ellsworth Airman received punishment consisting of a reduction in rank and confinement during a summary court martial. On Sept. 7, Airman 1st Class Billy J. Blair III pled guilty in a summary court martial to two specifications of Article 86 (absent without leave), one specification of Article 91 (insubordinate conduct toward a noncommissioned officer), and one specification of Article 92 (failure to obey an order or regulation). Blair's offenses included being late on different occasions, making disrespectful statements to an NCO and violating a lawful order that was issued by his commander. His punishment consisted of a reduction to the rank of airman basic and 27 days of confinement. A summary court martial is designed to prosecute military members for minor offenses punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Instead of a military judge, a SCM is presided over by a commissioned officer. The appointed officer is responsible for thoroughly and impartially inquiring into both sides of the matter. The officer is responsible for ensuring that the interests of the government and the accused are safeguarded and that justice is done.