Airmen receive Article 15 punishments Published Jan. 29, 2015 By 28th Bomb Wing Legal office ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Several Ellsworth Airmen recently received Article 15 nonjudicial punishments for their actions. A senior airman from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty, not wearing appropriate eye protection. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, 15 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Force Support Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of absent without leave. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, forfeiture of $250 pay per month for one month, 10 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for one specification of failure to go. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman basic, 14 days extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for two specifications of AWOL. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, 30 days of extra duty, 15 days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth Air Force Base and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Security Forces Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of falling asleep while posted as a sentinel. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th Bomb Wing received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty, failing to maintain dormitory room standards. Punishment consisted of suspended forfeiture of $100 pay per month for two months, 14 days extra duty, suspended 14 days restriction to the limits of Ellsworth Air Force Base and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th Munitions Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of processing sexually explicit material on a government computer and one specification of distributing sexually explicit material in the workplace. Punishment consisted of 28 days extra duty and a reprimand. A staff sergeant from the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of dereliction of duty, not following maintenance procedures properly. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to senior airman and a reprimand. A staff sergeant from the 28th Operations Support Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of displaying sexually explicit material on a government computer. Punishment consisted of 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."