Airmen receive Article 15 punishments

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

A first lieutenant from the 28th Operations Group received an Article 15 for one specification of making a false official statement, one specification of conduct unbecoming of an officer and one specification for fraternization. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $2,292.00 pay per month for two months and a reprimand.

A senior airman from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty, for negligently falling asleep while on duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class and a reprimand.

A senior airman from the 28th Munitions Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification for failure to obey a lawful order by wrongfully driving a vehicle while driving privileges were suspended. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class, forfeiture of $300.00 pay per month for two months, seven days of extra duty and a reprimand.

An airman first class from the 28th Medical Group received an Article 15 for one specification for failure to go and one specification of dereliction of duty, for negligently failing to properly maintain equipment. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman with suspended reduction to airman basic, 45 days extra duty with 15 days extra duty suspended, 30 days restricted to base 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."