Article 15 is one of the most thrown around articles in the Air Force and other military branches. You'll want to get smart on them. To protect yourself and in the unfortunate event you have use Article 15 as a supervisor.
Article 15: Commanding Officers Nonjudicial Punishment
Gives authority to commanders to impose non-judicial punishment against members under their command.
- Allows commanders to take care of certain offenses without trial by court-martial unless the individual objects
- Accepting the NJP proceedings is simply a choice of forum; not an admission of guilt
- NJP does not constitute a criminal conviction
Types of Punishment
The maximum punishment is based on the grade of the offender at the time the punishment is imposed; and the grade of the commander imposing the punishment
Note: Lieutenants, Captains, and Majors cannot impose NJP on CMSgts or SMSgts
If Commander is a Lieutenant or Captain
- 7 days forfeiture of pay
- Amn - SrA: Reduction to AB
- SSgt: Reduction to next inferior grade
- TSgt – MSgt: No reduction in grade
- 14 days extra duty
- 14 days restriction
- Reprimand
If Commander is a Major
- Forfeiture of ½ month’s pay for 2 months
- Amn - SrA: Reduction to Airman Basic
- SSgt - TSgt: Reduction to next inferior grade
- MSgt: No reduction in grade
- 45 days extra duty
- 60 days restriction
- Reprimand
If Commander is a Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel
- Forfeiture ½ month’s pay for 2 months
- SrA – Amn: Reduction to Airman Basic
- SSgt – MSgt: Reduction to Next inferior grade
- SMSgt & CMSgt: One grade by MAJCOM CC or Promotion Authority Delegee
- 45 days extra duty
- 60 days restriction
- Reprimand