Article 15?

Question

Does anyone know what will happen if you have 2 NJP's in the Navy? Does the Navy try to change behavoiur before it discharges? Thanks

Answer 1

Article 15's are not very serious as long as they are only company grade (I don't know about the equivalent in the Navy, but it is only one week pay, 2 weeks restriction, etc.) Field grade Article 15's will follow you for a career since they go in your file and go to your next unit. I seriously doubt you or someone else is facing a discharge over two Article 15's unless they were 2 DUI's or something else fairly severe. Lastly, rank has a lot to do with it. E-4 and below can survive pretty much anything. If you are an E-5 and above when the Article 15's were handed out, you may have to worry.

Answer 2

Contrary to some answers, the military does try to change your behavior. I had an article 15 about a year before I got out. I was 22, and purchased my 19 year olf roomate some beer. I wasn't punished because I went in an admitted I f*cked up, and had no excuse.

I still received an honorable discharge. Of course, it all depends on what you did, and what your command wants to do. Will you get kicked out for two, I don't think so. Three would be pushing it in a 4 year period. Best bet, don't get in anymore trouble.

Answer 3

No one can change a person's behavior. The individual has to be willing to change. If the person receives a third Article 15, then chances are they will receive a General Discharge under Chapter 13, as being unsuitable for military service.

Answer 4

Usually the first one and all the associated paperwork working up to is to try to curb your behavior.(extra duty, forfieture of pay, loss of rank) If you got a second one depends on how much time has gone on between them, weather it was the same thing as the first one. If it was like a month later or the same thing, they will look at it like you dont care or you not tryin to change. If thats the case your most likely be kicked out.

Answer 5

As a general rule, no military branch worries about changing behavior. They'll just punish you for what you do wrong. Do enough, and you'll get kicked out with a DD.

Answer 6

I had two Captain's Mast in my four years. Extra duty, forfeiture of pay, loss of stripe and restriction.

Answer 7

they will force you into rehab for drugs and alcohol abuse while processing you out. dont join if you have plans on acting out so you can get kicked out dont waste my husbands time and money or yours. join and act right. troublemakers makes everyone elses job harder. so behave do what you know you should your not a child anymore so act like an adult. i understand sometimes things happen. but 99 percent can be avoided. so be have dont speed drive driunk or anything you know is wrong. dont make it harder on the rest of your command. follow the rules. your life and everyone elses will run better.
in regards to whether they change behavior i yes they will send you for counseling but it only works if the sailor wants to change

Answer 8

ARTICLE 15 FACT SHEET


This fact sheet contains detailed answers to common questions concerning Article 15s, sometimes called non-judicial punishment. This fact sheet is not intended as a substitute for speaking with a defense attorney. Any soldier who is read a company or field grade Article 15 has an absolute right to consult with a defense attorney before deciding whether to accept the Article 15.

What is an Article 15 and why is it sometimes called non-judicial punishment?

The authority for commanders to give an Article 15 is found in what is called Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. An Article 15 is considered non-judicial punishment, meaning that it is not considered a judicial proceeding. Non-judicial punishment is a military justice option available to commanders. It permits commanders to resolve allegations of minor misconduct against a soldier without resorting to higher forms of discipline, such as a court-martial. The decision to impose an Article 15 is completely the commander's. A soldier may, however, refuse to accept the Article 15 and instead demand trial by court-martial.

If I agree to accept the Article 15, am I admitting guilt?

No, you are only agreeing to let your commander decide whether you are guilty and, if guilty, what punishment you should receive. If you plead not guilty, your commander must listen to your side of the case. You may present your own case or have a non-lawyer act as your spokesman. You can present witnesses or other evidence (such as statements, police reports, pictures, and diagrams) on your behalf to help explain your side of the story. You may also present evidence regarding your duty performance, reputation for truthfulness or honesty, and other facts that indicate you are not guilty or deserving of a light sentence.

Why should I accept the Article 15 rather than demand trial by court-martial?

Possible maximum punishments at an Article 15 are much lower than what a court-martial could adjudge. For example, you cannot be sentenced to confinement at an Article 15 hearing. Also, even if found guilty at an Article 15 hearing, you still have no federal conviction with a court-martial conviction. Additionally, most Article 15s (especially first time Article 15s for minor offenses) won't affect your ability to remain in the Army. Court-martial convictions can result in discharge, either by a punitive discharge adjudged by the court or administrative discharge after the court-martial.

What are the different types of Article 15s and what are the maximum punishments?

There are three types of Article 15s:

1. Summarized. Any company grade commander may administer this type of Article 15. Soldiers who are read a summarized Article 15 are not entitled to consult with a defense attorney. They may, turn down the summarized Article 15 and demand trial by court-martial; but, normally this is not a good idea! The maximum punishment authorized at a summarized Article 15 is any combination of:

a. extra duty for 14 days
b. restriction for 14 days
c. oral reprimand or admonition

2. Company Grade. Any company grade commander may administer this type of Article 15. The maximum punishment authorized at a company grade Article 15 is any combination of:

a. extra duty for 14 days
b. restriction for 14 days
c. oral reprimand or admonition
d. forfeiture of seven days base pay
e. reduction in rank of one grade (E-4 & below only)

3. Field Grade. A commander in the rank of major or above may administer this type of Article 15. The maximum punishment authorized at a field grade Article 15 is:

a. extra duty for 45 days
b. restriction for 60 days (maximum of 45 days if combined with extra duty)
c. oral reprimand or admonition
d. forfeiture of one-half base pay per month for two months
e. reduction in rank to E-1 (E-4 and below) or reduction in rank of one grade (E-5 & E-6 only)

If I am found guilty at the Article 15, when does the punishment begin?

Usually the punishment begins immediately, even if you appeal the Article 15. The commander may, however, delay starting the punishment under certain circumstances (leave, illness, AWOL, field exercise). If you appeal the Article 15 and no decision is made within 5 calendar days, you can request that any punishment involving extra duty or restriction be interrupted pending the outcome of the appeal.

What is suspended punishment?

Your commander may suspend any or all punishment for a period not to exceed six months. If the punishment is suspended, it does not take affect. You are, in essence, on "probation" for the suspension period. As long as you do not engage in any misconduct, the suspended punishment will not take affect. However, if you engage in misconduct of any kind, the commander can withdraw (vacate) the suspension and the original punishment takes effect. You do not have a right to contest or appeal the vacation of the suspension. Furthermore, the violation action will not preclude further judicial or nonjudicial punishment for the same misconduct.

Can I appeal the decision my commander makes at the Article 15 proceeding?

If you are found guilty during an Article 15 hearing, you have the right to appeal to the next higher commander. For example, if the imposing commander is your company commander, the appellate authority is usually the battalion commander. The appeal must be submitted within five days of your hearing. There are three grounds for appeal: (1) there was not enough evidence to find you guilty; (2) the punishment imposed was too severe; or (3) the commander did not follow proper procedures. The commander considering your appeal can overturn a finding of guilty, lessen the punishment or keep the punishment the same. The commander acting on your appeal cannot make your punishment more severe.

How do I appeal?

You appeal by checking the appropriate block on Line 7 of DA Form 2627 immediately after your imposing commander announces your punishment. He will ask you whether you want to appeal. If you wish to appeal, it is recommended that you check Block 7(c) which states "I appeal and submit additional matters." If you are not sure if you want to appeal, we recommend you go ahead and check the "I appeal" block. Appeals are normally made in writing, stating the reasons for the appeal and why relief should be given. If you need assistance preparing an appeal, contact the Trial Defense Service. A soldier can request to appear in person at the appeal, but the appeal authority does not have to approve the request.

Will a finding of guilty at an Article 15 hearing be filed in my military records?

A finding of guilty at an Article 15 hearing will be filed in your military records; however, the rules vary depending on your rank.

If you are in the grade of E4 and below, the Article 15 will be filed locally in non-judicial punishment files. The Article 15 will be destroyed two years from the date of imposition or upon your PCS/ETS, whichever occurs first.

If you are in the grade of E-5 or above, the imposing commander will determine whether the Article 15 will be filed in either the restricted or performance fiche of your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). Article 15s filed in your OMPF will likely have adverse affects on your future military career. Consult the Trial Defense Service for more details regarding the career ramifications of this important filing determination. It is possible to petition the Army to transfer or remove Article 15s in your OMPF. Again, consult the trial defense service for more details in how to transfer or remove Article 15s from your official record.

Where can I get additional information about Article 15s?

The Article 15 process is discussed in detail in Part V of the Manual for Courts-Martial and in Chapter 3 of AR 27-10. These materials are available for review at the Trial Defense Service.