Airmen receive Article 15 punishments

  • Published
  • 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 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of being AWOL less than three days. Punishment consisted of 45 days extra duty, a reprimand, suspended forfeiture of $1,096 pay per month for two months and suspended 30 days restriction.

A staff sergeant from the 28th Comptroller Squadron received an Article 15 for three specifications of being AWOL less than three days and three specifications of willful dereliction of duty - failure to seek placement on medical quarters. Punishment consisted of reduction to senior airman, a reprimand, 45 days extra duty (of which 30 days were suspended) and suspended forfeiture of $250 pay per month for two months.

A senior airman from the 28th Munitions Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of operating a vehicle while drunk. Punishment consisted of reduction to airman, a reprimand and forfeiture of $500 pay per month for two months.

A senior airman from the 28th Maintenance Squadron received an Article 15 for one specification of willful dereliction of duty - failure to do physical training during the prescribed time. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $500 pay per month for two months, a reprimand and suspended reduction to airman first class.

A senior airman from the 28th MXS received an Article 15 for two specifications of failure to obey a lawful general regulation. Punishment consisted of a reprimand and reduction to airman (of which reduction below airman first class was suspended).

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."