Airmen receive Article 15 punishments Published April 8, 2014 28th Bomb Wing Legal Office ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Several Ellsworth Airmen recently received Article 15 nonjudicial punishments for their actions. A staff sergeant from the 28th Operations Support Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of assault consummated by a battery and one specification of drunk and disorderly conduct. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $300 pay, 15 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, failure to follow a technical order. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to senior airman, forfeiture of $150 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of violating a general order by using spice, one specification of making a false official statement, and one specification of false swearing. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, suspended forfeiture of $765 pay per month for two months, 14 days restriction and a reprimand. An airman first class from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for one specification of violating a general order by using spice. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman basic, suspended forfeiture of $765 pay per month for two months, 45 days extra duty, 45 days restriction and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of other offenses prejudicial to good order and discipline, for making inappropriate and threatening statements to another member of his squadron. Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to airman first class, 15 days extra duty and a reprimand. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 15 provides commanders the authority to impose nonjudicial punishment. Nonjudicial punishment 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.