August 2011 Article 15s Published Sept. 19, 2011 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 failure to go. Punishment consisted of suspended forfeiture of $280 for two months, 15 days of extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of failure to go. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, 15 days of extra duty and a reprimand. A staff sergeant from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to senior airman, forfeiture of $450 for two months and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of being absent without leave. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, 15 days of extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of failure to obey a lawful order. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, suspended forfeiture of $733 for two months, 15 days of extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th CES received an Article 15 for one specification of wrongful use of marijuana. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of failure to obey a lawful order. Punishment consisted of 30 days of extra duty. An airman first class from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of assault consummated by a battery, and one specification of drunk and disorderly conduct. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman, 14 days of extra duty and a reprimand. A technical sergeant from the Air Force Financial Services Center received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of reduction to staff sergeant. 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.