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Nonjudicial punishments

  • Published
  • By the 51st Fighter Wing Legal Office
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The following Airmen received Article 15s during the week of Aug. 18 to 22.

-- An airman, (E-2), assigned to the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron received an Article 15 for larceny: stealing a SNCO's cell phone.

Punishment consisted of reduction to the rank of E-1, restriction to base for 45 days and a reprimand.

-- A technical sergeant from the 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron received an Article 15 for failure to go, dereliction of duty and making a false official statement by not showing up to outprocessing appointments, and intending to deceive a senior enlisted member when asked about them.

Punishment consisted of suspended reduction to E-5, forfeiture of $1,352 and a reprimand.

-- An airman first class assigned to the 51st Security Forces Squadron received an Article 15 for dereliction of duty: being late to work. Punishment consisted of 20 days extra duty and a reprimand.

Editor's note: The military justice system is a commander's program designed to support good order and discipline in the unit and to ensure mission accomplishment.

When commanders decide to impose nonjudical punishment, they can choose from a variety of punishments.

For enlisted members, that list includes reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, restriction, extra duties and a reprimand. At some Air Force bases, correctional custody is also an option.

Officer members can receive forfeiture of pay, arrest in quarters, restriction, and a reprimand.

While the facts of some offenses appear similar, commanders consider the member's duty performance, duty potential, attitude, and disciplinary history, such as previous counselings, reprimands or nonjudicial punishments.