7 Dyess Airmen receive Article 15 punishment in December Published Jan. 12, 2010 By Bradley Amys 7th Bomb Wing Judge Advocate DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The following Airmen assigned to Dyess Air Force Base received an Article 15 between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009: A 7th Force Support Squadron airman first class received an Article 15 for dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of a reduction to airman. A 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron airman first class received an Article 15 for dereliction of duty and making a false official statement. Punishment consisted of five days extra duty and a reprimand. A 317 AMXS technical sergeant received an Article 15 for dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of a suspended reduction to staff sergeant, suspended forfeiture of $1,414 pay and a reprimand. A 7th Civil Engineer Squadron technical sergeant received an Article 15 for two specifications of maltreatment of an airman. Punishment consisted of a suspended reduction to Staff Sergeant, forfeiture of $1,414 pay per month for two months, 7 days extra duty and a reprimand. A 7th Communication Squadron staff sergeant received an Article 15 for being absent without leave. Punishment consisted of a reduction to senior airman and a reprimand. A 7th Munitions Squadron senior airman received an Article 15 for drunkenness - incapacitation for the performance of duties through prior wrongful indulgence in intoxicating liquor. Punishment consisted of a suspended reduction to airman, forfeitures of $100 pay per month for two months, suspended forfeitures of $100 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. A 317 AMXS technical sergeant received an Article 15 for three specifications of dereliction of duty. Punishment consisted of a reduction to staff sergeant and a reprimand. The military justice system is a commander's program designed to support good order and discipline in the unit and to ensure mission accomplishment. When commanders decide to impose nonjudicial punishment, they can choose from a variety of punishments. For enlisted members, the list includes reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, restriction, extra duties and a reprimand. Officers can receive forfeiture of pay, arrest in quarters, restriction, and a reprimand. While the facts of some offenses may appear similar, commanders take into account the member's duty performance, attitude, potential and disciplinary history, such as previous counselings, reprimands or nonjudicial punishments when deciding upon an appropriate course of action.