Airmen receive Article 15 punishments Published Aug. 18, 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 Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for signing a false official statement. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, suspended forfeiture of $100 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, forfeiture of $500 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Communications Squadron received an Article 15 for absent without leave. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Comptroller Squadron received an Article 15 for three specifications of dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman, suspended forfeiture of $150 pay per month for two months, 30 days restriction to base, 14 days extra duty and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron received an Article 15 for failure to go to his appointed place of duty and signing a false official statement. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class, suspended forfeiture of $959 pay per month for two months, 15 days extra duty and a reprimand. A staff sergeant from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of reduction to senior airman, suspended forfeiture of $500 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for assault consummated by physical battery. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman basic, forfeiture of $503 pay per month for two months, 30 days restriction to base 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 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."