Minot Airmen receive Articles 15 Published Feb. 11, 2016 By Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Several Minot Airmen recently received non-judicial punishment for their actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The following cases are from January 2016. A Master Sergeant from the 5th Communications Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Technical Sergeant and a reprimand for two specifications of Article 128, assault consummated by battery upon child. A Staff Sergeant from the 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Senior Airman, suspended forfeitures of $1225 pay per month for two months, and a reprimand for one specification of Article 111, drunken driving. A Senior Airman from the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman First Class with reduction to Airman suspended, suspended forfeitures of $878 pay per month for two months, restriction to base for 30 days suspended and a reprimand for two specifications of Article 128, assault consummated by battery. An Airman First Class from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman with reduction to Airman Basic suspended, suspended forfeitures of $783 pay per month for two months and 45 days extra duty with 15 days suspended for one specification of Article 92, Failure to obey a lawful order, one specification of Article 92, Dereliction of duty and one specification of Article 107, making a false official statement. An Airman First Class from the 5th Communications Squadron received a suspended reduction to the grade of Airman, forfeitures of $878 pay with forfeiture of $753 pay suspended and a reprimand for one specification of Article 92, willful dereliction of duty. An Airman First Class from the 5th Munitions Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman, forfeitures of $878 pay per month for two months with forfeiture of $878 pay for one month suspended, restriction to base for 30 days and a reprimand for two specifications of Article 92, dereliction of duty. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Articles 15 provide commanders the authority to impose non-judicial 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 non-punitive 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, "Non-Judicial Punishment."