November 2012 crime and punishment Published Jan. 4, 2013 355th Fighter Wing Legal Office DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- ARTICLE 15 ACTIONS: During November 2012, D-M commanders administered five Nonjudicial Punishment actions under Article 15 of the UCMJ. The punishments imposed reflect the commander's determination of an appropriate punishment after considering the circumstances of the offense and the offender's record. A "suspended" punishment does not take effect unless the offender engages in additional misconduct or fails to satisfy the conditions of the suspension. The suspension period usually lasts for six months unless a lesser amount is specified. Failure to Obey and False Official Statement - A Senior Airman received a suspended reduction to the grade of Airman, and 30 days of extra duty. Assault - An Airman First Class received a suspended reduction to the grade of Airman, 15 days extra duty, and a reprimand. Assault - A Staff Sergeant received a suspended reduction to the grade of Senior Airman, and 30 days extra duty. Dereliction of Duty - An Airman First Class received suspended forfeitures of $745 pay per month for 2 months, restriction to base for 45 days, and a reprimand. Dereliction of Duty, Damaging Non-Military Property, and Drunk and Disorderly Conduct - An Airman First Class received a reduction to the grade of Airman, forfeitures of $835 pay per month for 2 months suspended on the condition that he pay restitution in the amount of $913. Article 15 Metrics: DM 89% Compliant The Air Force metric is to process 80% of all Article 15s within 30 calendar days. Article 15 Q&A Q: What does it mean to conditionally suspend a portion of an Article 15 punishment? A: A suspension of any punishment automatically includes a condition that the member does not violate any punitive articles of the UCMJ. However, commanders may specify other conditions as well. For instance, if a member commits an offense that involves property damage the commander could conditionally suspend forfeitures on the condition that the member pays for the damage he or she caused. If the member fails to pay for the damage then the commander could vacate the suspension of the forfeitures. If you are thinking about a conditional suspension as part of a punishment for an Article 15, give us a call at the legal office. 2011 2012* 355 MXG 27 11 355 MSG 9 11 355 FW 0 0 355 MDG 0 1 355 OG 1 1 12 AF 3 1 TENANTS 12 9 DMAFB TOTAL 52 34 *Current as of 30 November