Airmen receive Article 15 punishments

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerry Fleshman
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE S.D. --  During the month of April, several Airmen received Article 15 nonjudicial punishments for their actions.

An airman first class from the 28th Bomb Wing Staff received an Article 15 for one specification for failure to go. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, 14 days of extra duty, 7 days extra duty suspended and a reprimand.

A senior airman from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty, for negligently failing to remain alert while operating a government motor vehicle. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class and a reprimand.

A technical sergeant from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty, for negligently failing to refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages in a government vehicle, one specification for cruelty, maltreatment and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline for wrongfully lap dancing on a subordinate. Punishment consisted of reduction to staff sergeant and a reprimand.

An airman first class from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron received an Article 15 for two specifications of absences without leave and two specifications of dereliction of duty, for negligently failing to receive a foreign travel briefing before traveling overseas and negligently failing to include the area or country of final destination, two specifications of false official statements for falsifying first and last day of chargeable leave. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, forfeiture of $867.00 pay per month for two months, 12 days of extra duty and a reprimand.

Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 15 provides commanders the authority to impose nonjudicial punishment. Nonjudicial punishments give commanders 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."