Airmen receive Article 15 punishments Published Oct. 26, 2015 28th Bomb Wing Legal Office ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- During the month of September, several Ellsworth Airmen received Article 15 nonjudicial punishments for their actions. An airman from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for five specifications of AWOL. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, and 20 days extra duty. An airman from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of wrongful use of marijuana. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, forfeiture of $773 pay, 21 days extra duty, and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Security Forces Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of wrongful use of marijuana. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, suspended forfeiture of $773 pay per month for two months, 45 days extra duty, and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th Operations Support Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of unlawfully dispensing prescription drugs. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman first class, and a reprimand. A staff sergeant from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of wrongful use of marijuana. Punishment consisted of reduction to senior airman. An airman first class from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for one specification of failing to operate a vehicle with due regard for the safety of persons or property. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman, suspended forfeiture of $200 pay per month for two months, suspended 10 days extra duty, and a reprimand. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 15 provides commanders the authority to impose nonjudicial punishment. NJP provides commanders with an essential and prompt means to maintain good order, morale and discipline. It also promotes positive behavior changes in servicemembers 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. 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."