Airmen receive Article 15 punishments Published April 1, 2015 By 28th Bomb Wing Legal office 28th Bomb Wing Legal Office ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- During the month of February 2015, the following Airmen received Article 15s: An airman 1st class from the 28th Munitions Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of AWOL. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, 28 days restriction to base - 14 days suspended. An airman 1st class from the 28th Security Forces Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty - negligently failing to refrain from consuming alcohol in a manner that could impair his ability to handle a firearm while on duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman and a reprimand. An airman from the 28th SFS received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty - consuming prescription medication within eight hours before duty, and one specification of wrongful use of marijuana. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman basic, suspended forfeitures of $773 for two months, 45 days extra duty and a reprimand. A staff sergeant from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty - negligently failing to properly install a gearbox sub assembly panel. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to senior airman, forfeiture of $150 for two months, 45 days extra duty and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for one specification of AWOL and one specification of dereliction of duty - negligently failing to maintain tool accountability. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman 1st class, forfeiture of $250 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 - negligently failing to properly document his work on the Air Force Technical Order Form 781A. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman 1st class, forfeiture of $500 for two months and a reprimand. An airman 1st class from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty - negligently failing to disconnect a forward outboard adapter Ball-lok pin during an engine change installation. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, with reduction below airman suspended. A senior airman from the 28th AMXS received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty - negligently failing to clear equipment from the flight control surfaces of a B-1B aircraft before applying hydraulic pressure to lower its flaps and slats. Punishment consisted of 30 days extra duty - 15 days suspended, suspended forfeiture of $500 for two months 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."