Military justice actions in 2017 Published Jan. 28, 2018 By Senior Airman Cardell Morgan 71st Flying Training Wing Staff Judge Advocate Office VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – Five military members at Vance Air Force Base received Article 15 non-judicial punishment, three were discharged from active duty and two were demoted for fitness failures during the third and fourth quarter of calendar year 2017. An Article 15 is a disciplinary measure used to stimulate positive behavioral changes in service members without the stigma of a court-martial. During the third quarter one airman first class, one senior airman, and one staff sergeant were given Article 15s for violations of Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 92, Failure to obey order or regulation; and Article 111, Drunken or reckless driving. The individuals received reductions in grade, suspended reductions and reprimands from their commanders. Two individuals received extra duty totally 22 days. During the fourth quarter one airman first class and one staff sergeant received Article 15s for violations of Article 92 and Article 134, a general article that covers offenses not specified in other articles. One member received a suspended reduction in grade, four days extra duty and a reprimand. The second member received a reduction in grade and reprimand. An Article 15 can be given for violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or violations of state or federal laws. Punishment under Article 15 can affect promotions, assignments and re¬enlistment opportunities. Commanders tailor decisions on each punishment to the circumstances, seriousness of offenses committed and the member’s past disciplinary history. In the third quarter of 2017 there was one administrative discharge for misconduct. The member had previously received a non-judicial punishment. The misconduct was severe enough to warrant separation from the Air Force. During the fourth quarter of 2017 there were two discharges for conditions that interfere with military service. The members were diagnosed with a personality disorder or mental disorder not constituting a physical disability. Air Force Instruction 36-3208, “Administrative Separation of Airmen,” gives the grounds on which a member may be administratively separated from military service. In 2017, two members were administratively demoted for three fitness failures. Each member was reduced one grade from E-4 and E-3, in accordance with AFI 36-2502, “Enlisted Airman Promotion/Demotion Programs.”