Eight Vance Airmen receive Article 15s for alcohol incidents, failure to go Published April 18, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Brandon Blunt 71st Flying Training Wing Staff Judge Advocate Office VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Eight military members assigned to Vance Air Force Base received Article 15 nonjudicial punishment during the first quarter of calendar year 2012. The Article 15 is a disciplinary measure used to promote positive behavioral changes in service members without the stigma of a court-martial. Three Airmen first class were punished for underage drinking. One received a suspended reduction to the rank of airman, a reprimand and was ordered to forfeit $835 pay per month for two months. The second received 15 days of extra duty in addition to a suspended reduction to the rank of airman, a reprimand and the forfeiture of $835 pay per month for two months. The third received a reduction to the rank of airman, suspended forfeiture of $500 pay per month for two months, 30 days of extra duty and a reprimand. An airman first class received an Article 15 for underage drinking and making a false official statement. The member was reduced in rank to airman and received a suspended forfeiture of $835 pay per month for two months, 20 days of extra duty and a reprimand. Two airmen received Article 15s for providing alcohol to a person under the age of 21. They both received suspended reductions to the rank of airman basic, 30 days of extra duty, a reprimand and forfeited $500 pay per month for two months. A master sergeant was punished for being drunk and disorderly. The member received a suspended forfeiture of $500 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. A senior airman was given an Article 15 for failure to go. The member received a suspended reduction to the rank of airman first class, a reprimand and was ordered to forfeit $700 pay per month for two months. 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 and seriousness of offenses committed and the members' past disciplinary history.