Vance nonjudicial punishments for second, third quarters Published Oct. 28, 2008 By Maj. Robert Rushakoff 71st Flying Training Wing Staff Judge Advocate VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Nonjudicial punishment is a disciplinary measure used to promote positive behavioral changes in service members without the stigma of a court-martial. Action under Article 15 can be based on a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or violations of state or federal laws. Punishment under Article 15 can affect promotion and assignment availability. Several Vance members received Article 15s during the second and third quarters of 2008. A senior airman who failed to obey a no-contact order issued by his commander received a reduction to airman first class, forfeiture of $890 pay and a reprimand. A senior airman who abandoned his watch received a suspended reduction to airman first class, suspended forfeiture of $843 pay per month for two months, 10 days extra duty, seven days restriction to base and a reprimand. A suspension of a punishment is like being on probation. If the person complies with the terms of the suspension and doesn't get in trouble during the period of the suspension, then no further action will occur. If, on the other hand, the person doesn't comply with the terms of the suspension or gets in more trouble, then the suspension can be vacated and the previously suspended punishment will be meted out. A senior airman who was disrespectful in language and manner toward two NCOs and disrespectful in manner toward one senior NCO and failed to obey a lawful order received a reduction to airman, with the rank below airman first class suspended. A senior airman who operated a motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration in his breath exceeded the state limits received a reduction to airman first class, forfeiture of $250 pay for two months and a reprimand. A technical sergeant who stole U.S. property of a value of less than $500 and was both willfully and negligently derelict in the performance of her duties received a reduction to staff sergeant, suspended forfeiture of $1,361 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. An airman first class who made a false official statement to her first sergeant received a reduction to airman, suspended forfeitures of $350 pay per month for two months and 14 days extra duty. A major who was disrespectful toward a superior commissioned officer received a forfeiture of $1,250 pay per month for two months with the portion over $500 suspended. A senior airman who violated a no-contact order on various occasions and committed adultery received reduction to airman, suspended forfeitures of $754 and a reprimand. An airman first class who violated a no-contact order on various occasions and committed adultery received a reduction to airman basic, suspended forfeitures of $673 and a reprimand. A senior airman who failed to report to duty received a suspended reduction to airman first class and forfeitures of $100 per month for two months. An airman first class who uttered worthless checks received a suspended reduction to airman, suspended forfeitures of $100 for one month and 45 days of extra duties. An airman who failed to report to duty received a suspended reduction to airman basic, suspended forfeitures of $300 for two months and 45 days restriction to base.