An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

The Justice Files: Nonjudicial Punishment for February 2013

  • Published
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Legal Office
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice enables commanders to maintain good order and discipline in a fair and swift process without the negative implications for an Airman that are carried with a court-martial conviction.

An Airman who is offered nonjudicial punishment has the right to either accept the offer of nonjudicial punishment or to demand a trial by court-martial. By accepting nonjudicial punishment, an Airman is not admitting guilt to the offense(s) for which the Airman has been offered nonjudicial punishment; rather, the Airman is electing to allow the commander to decide whether the Airman is guilty and, if so, what the Airman's punishment should be. Potential punishments a commander may issue include reduction in grade, forfeiture of pay, extra duty, restriction and a reprimand.

In February 2013, the following Airmen received nonjudicial punishment here:

1. A 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron master sergeant was offered NJP for committing abusive sexual contact in violation of Article 120 of the UCMJ, and for assault consummated by a battery, in violation of Article 128 of the UCMJ. The Airman was found guilty and received punishment of a suspended reduction to technical sergeant, forfeiture of $600 pay per month for two months and a reprimand.

2. A 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron senior airman was offered NJP for being derelict in duty, thereby causing a negligent discharge of an issued weapon, in violation of Article 92 of the UCMJ. The Airman was found guilty and received punishment of a reduction to airman first class and a reprimand.

3. A 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron airman first class was offered NJP for making a false official statement, in violation of Article 107 of the UCMJ, and for wrongful appropriation of non-military property with a value less than $500, in violation of Article 121 of the UCMJ. The Airman was found guilty and received punishment of forfeiture of $250 pay and a reprimand.

4. A 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron staff sergeant was offered NJP for drunk and disorderly conduct that was prejudicial to good order and discipline, in violation of Article 134 of the UCMJ. The Airman was found guilty and received punishment of a suspended reduction to senior airman and a reprimand.

For more information on NJP, refer to AFI 51-202, Nonjudicial Punishment, and Part V of the Manual for Courts-Martial.