Airmen receive Article 15 punishments Published April 21, 2016 28th Bomb Wing Legal Office ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- From October through February, several Ellsworth Airmen received Article 15 nonjudicial punishments for their actions. A senior airman from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of damaging a mechanical ram assembly adapter plate with a sledgehammer, and one specification of damaging a battery box with a power drill. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic and forfeiture of $783 pay. A senior airman from the 28th Security Forces Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of wrongfully using Oxazepam, a scheduled IV controlled substance. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman first class, suspended forfeiture of $1,027 pay per month for two months, 45 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of drunken operation of a vehicle. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman. An airman first class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of failing to properly inspect a wire maintenance kit, and one specification of failing to properly remove two pins from a cannon plug connector. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, forfeiture of $200 pay and 15 days extra duty with five of those days suspended. A senior airman from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of AWOL, and one specification of making a false official statement to a superior. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class, forfeiture of $200 pay and 10 days extra duty. A technical sergeant from the 432nd Attack Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of AWOL. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to staff sergeant and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Operations Support Squadron received an Article 15 for two specifications of failing to obey a lawful order. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, forfeiture of $116 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. Suspension was later vacated. An airman from the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of wrongfully using marijuana. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months, 14 days extra duty and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of failing to go to his prescribed place of duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class, forfeiture of $1,027 pay per month for two months, 30 days extra duty with 15 of those days suspended and a reprimand An airman first class from the 28th Medical Support Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of failing to refrain from divulging protected health information. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, 30 days extra duty and a reprimand. A staff sergeant from the 432nd ATKS received an Article 15 for one specification of drunken operation of a vehicle. Punishment consisted of reduction to senior airman and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th LRS received an Article 15 for one specification of failing to obey a lawful order. Punishment consisted of suspended forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months, 45 days restriction to base, seven days extra duty and a reprimand. Suspension was later vacated. An airman first class from the 28th LRS received an Article 15 for one specification of failing to obey a lawful order, and one specification of drunken operation of a vehicle. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman, suspended forfeiture of $500 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of drunk and disorderly conduct, and one specification of unlawfully striking an individual in the face. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class, forfeiture of $1,041 pay per month for two months, 30 days extra duty and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th SFS received an Article 15 for one specification of unlawfully throwing an individual by the neck with their hand. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Comptroller Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of failing to obey a lawful order. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman and 60 days restriction to base. A staff sergeant from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of failing to wear a respirator while entering an aircraft fuel tank, and one specification of making a false official statement to a superior. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to senior airman, forfeiture of $1,225 pay per month for two months, 30 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th SFS received an Article 15 for one specification of using a Government Travel Card to purchase personal items. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman, suspended forfeiture of $878 pay, 30 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for one specification of conspiracy to commit larceny, and one specification of larceny. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, forfeiture of $251 pay and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of wrongfully damaging a privately owned vehicle, and one specification of mixing their sleeping pills with alcohol. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman first class, suspended forfeiture of $969 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. A captain from the 34th Bomb Squadron received an Article 15 for three specifications, one for unlawfully striking an individual, one for unlawfully shoving an individual to the ground, and one for unlawfully punching an individual. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $1,000 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th OSS received an Article 15 for one specification of drunken operation of a vehicle, and one specification of being drunk while on duty. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman. An airman first class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of wearing the improper rank. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman and 30 days extra duty. An airman first class from the 28th Force Support Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of larceny. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, forfeiture of $773 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 15 provides commanders the authority to impose NJP. It provides commanders with an essential and prompt means to maintain good order, morale and discipline. NJP also promotes positive behavior changes in servicemembers without the stigma of a court-martial conviction. NJP is considered when other non-punitive disciplinary measures, such as a counseling, letter 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. As a rehabilitative tool, portions of an NJP can be suspended, and will not take effect unless the member engages in further misconduct. The rules and procedures for NJP administration are governed by Air Force Instruction 51-202, "Nonjudicial Punishment."