Airmen receive Article 15 punishments Published Oct. 30, 2014 By 28th Bomb Wing Legal office ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Several Ellsworth Airmen recently received Article 15 nonjudicial punishments for their actions. An airman first class from the 28th Security Forces Squadron received an Article 15 for disorderly conduct. Punishment consisted of a suspended reduction to airman, a reprimand, and 15 days extra duty. A technical sergeant from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for failure to obey. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, suspended forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months and 30 days extra duty. An airman from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of absent without leave. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, suspended forfeiture of $500 pay per month for two months and 15 days extra duty. An airman first class from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for two specifications of being away without leave. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman, suspended reduction to airman basic, a reprimand, and suspended forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months. An airman first class from the 28th Munitions Squadron received an Article 15 for two specifications of absent without leave. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman, a reprimand, and suspended reduction to airman basic. A master sergeant from the 28th MXS received and Article 15 for failure to obey. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months, a reprimand, and suspended 30 days extra duty. An airman from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for one specification of absent without leave. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, a reprimand, and suspended forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months. 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. The rules and procedures for NJP administration are governed by Air Force Instruction 51-202, "Nonjudicial Punishment."