Article 15s for August

  • Published
  • By Base Legal Office
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  While the vast majority of members of Team Minot will never have to experience the unfortunate process of an Article 15, it is nevertheless important for all members to understand what misconduct typically warrants an Article 15 and what corresponding punishments are available for commanders. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, all commanders are given the right to initiate an Article 15, and the member in question is given the right to respond before the final decision on guilt and punishment is made. If after reviewing the member's response the commander finds the military member committed the charged offense, the commander then determines the member's punishment based on the severity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the offense, any matters in mitigation or extenuation presented by the member, as well as any previous misconduct. The maximum punishments for an Article 15 depend on the rank of the member being punished and the rank of the officer imposing punishment, however typical punishments generally include, but are not limited to, reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay and restriction to base. For the month of August 2014, the Minot AFB Legal Office processed the following Article 15s. These examples are provided to inform commanders, and members alike, as to the potential severity and serious nature of nonjudicial punishment.

1. A Senior Airman from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron received a reductions to the grade of Airman First Class, suspended; forfeiture of $959.00 pay per month for two months, suspended; 30 days of extra duties, 20 days suspended; and a reprimand for one violation of Article 92, Dereliction of Duty, for failing to follow a technical order.

2. A Senior Airman from the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman First Class; forfeiture of $1,017.00 pay per month for two months, suspended; and a reprimand for one violation of Article 111, Drunken Operation of a Vehicle, for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

3. An Airman First Class from the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman Basic; forfeiture of $765.00 pay per month for 2 months; restriction to base for 60 days; and a reprimand for one violation of Article 112, Drunk on Duty, for being intoxicated while on duty.

4. A Staff Sergeant from the 5th Munitions Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Senior Airman, suspended; and a reprimand for one violation of Article 92, Failure to Obey, for breaking a no-contact order.

5. A Senior Airman from the 5th Munitions Squadron received a forfeiture of $1,164.00 pay, suspended; and reprimand for one violation of Article 92, Failure to Obey, for breaking a no-contact order.

6. An Airman from the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman Basic; restriction to base for 30 days, suspended; and a reprimand for one violation of Article 92, Failure to Obey a Lawful Order, for using non-prescription medication for the purpose of getting high.

7. A Senior Airman from the 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman First Class, suspended, and 30 days of extra duties for one violation of Article 92, Dereliction of Duty, for failing to respond to an alarm situation in a timely manner.

8. A Senior Airman from the 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman First Class, suspended; forfeiture of $1,017.00 pay per month for two months, suspended; and 10 days of extra duties for one violation of Article 86, Absence Without Leave, for failing to be at his place of duty, and one violation of Article 134, Drunkenness, for being incapacitated for proper performance of duties.

9. A Senior Airman from the 705th Munitions Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman First Class and forfeiture of $1,017.00 pay per month for 2 months, suspended, for two violations of Article 86, Absence Without Leave, for failing to be at his appointed place of duty.

10. A Airman First Class from the 705th Munitions Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman and forfeiture of $858.00 pay per month for two months, suspended for two violations of Article 86, Absence Without Leave, for failing to be at his appointed place of duty, and one violation of Article 107, False Official Statement, for making a false statement to his supervisor.

11. A Senior Airman from the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman First Class and forfeiture of $474.00 pay, suspended, for one violation of Article 113, Misbehavior of a Sentinel, for falling asleep while on post.

12. An Airman from the 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron received a reduction to the grade of Airman Basic and forfeiture of $330.00 pay, suspended, for one violation of Article 92, Dereliction of Duty, for drinking alcohol while under the age of 21.