Legal office issues Articles 15 to seven Airmen Published March 8, 2007 By Submitted by 36th Wing Legal Office ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- During the month of February 2007, seven Andersen Airmen received non-judicial punishment. The circumstances of the cases are as follows: A staff sergeant from the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron was disrespectful to his first sergeant, in violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice. For this, the member received a reduction to senior airman. A staff sergeant from the 734th Air Mobility Squadron was drunk and disorderly, in violation of Article 134, UCMJ. When security forces responded to the sergeant's home, he was drunk and noncompliant. For this action, the member received forfeiture of $200 pay for two months and a reprimand. A senior airman from 36th CES was drunk and disorderly, in violation of Article 134, UCMJ. The airman was drunk in a public place and disrespectful to the security forces who responded to the scene to assess the airman's safety. For this action, the member received a reduction to airman 1st class and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 36th Communications Squadron arrived late to mandatory physical training, in violation of Article 86, UCMJ. For this action, the member received a suspended reduction to airman 1st class and a reprimand. A senior airman from the 734th AMS operated a vehicle while drunk, in violation of Article 111, UCMJ. Security forces noticed the airman standing outside his vehicle on Marianas Boulevard. When questioned by security forces, he slurred his speech and stumbled while telling them he was looking for his identification and that he had been drinking. The airman was then transported to the security forces building. He was given a breathalyzer test with the result of .144 percent blood alcohol content. For this action, the member received a reduction to airman 1st class, forfeiture of $864 pay for two months and a reprimand. An airman 1st class was drunk and disorderly and derelict in the performance of his duties, in violation of Article 134 and Article 92, UCMJ. The Airman pulled the fire alarm in a non-emergency situation while drunk. When security forces and the fire department responded, the airman continued his disorderly conduct. For these actions, the member received a suspended reduction to airman, forfeiture of $250 pay and 36 days extra duty. An airman was derelict in his duties and was disrespectful to a fellow airman, in violation of Article 92 and Article 134, UCMJ. The airman did not update the Wing Drink Responsibly Board and used indecent language toward a fellow airman. For these actions, the member received a reduction to the grade of airman basic and six days extra duty. Punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, otherwise known as non-judicial punishment, is action by a service member'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 commanders' calls or other unit functions regarding current military justice or other legal issues affecting Andersen AFB. Please contact the Military Justice team at 36wg.jam@andersen.af.mil for more information.