Legal office issues Article 15s to Andersen Airmen

  • Published
  • By 36th Wing Legal Office
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  During the month of November 2007, four Andersen Airmen received Nonjudicial Punishment. The circumstances of the cases are as follows:

An airman first class from the 736th Security Forces Squadron failed to go to his appointed place of duty at the prescribed time, in violation of Article 86, Uniform Code of Military Justice. For this action, the member received a suspended reduction to the rank of airman.

A staff sergeant from the 554th RED HORSE Squadron rode a motorcycle without attending a motorcycle safety course and failed to use the proper protective equipment, in violation of Article 92, UCMJ. The member also operated a motorcycle while drunk, in violation of Article 111, UCMJ. For this action, the member received a reduction to the rank of senior airman and a reprimand.

An airman first class from the 36th Security Forces Squadron failed to obey a lawful order to report to the Security Forces building, in violation of Article 86, UCMJ. The member was also derelict in the performance of his duties by not keeping his dorm room clean, in violation of Article 92, UCMJ. For these actions, the member received reduction to the rank of airman, 14 days restriction to Andersen, and 14 days extra duty, which was suspended.

An airman first class from the 36th Maintenance Squadron made a false official statement, in violation of Article 107, UCMJ. The Airman also unlawfully struck another Airman in the head with his fist, in violation of Article 128, UCMJ. For these actions, the Airman received reduction to the rank of airman and a reprimand.

Punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ, otherwise known as Nonjudicial Punishment, is action by a servicemember's commander in response to suspected violations of the UCMJ. The commander determines if the service member committed the offense and, if so, imposes appropriate punishment. Accepting procedures under Article 15 is a choice of forum and not an admission of guilt. Service members always have the option to turn down Article 15 proceedings and demand to be tried by court-martial.

The legal office is available to brief at unit commander calls or other unit functions regarding current military justice or other legal issues affecting Andersen. Please direct any questions or concerns to the Military Justice team at 36WG.jam@andersen.af.mil or 366-2939.