Fort Bragg Article 15 Defense Lawyers – Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP) Attorneys

If you are stationed at Fort Bragg and facing Article 15 Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP), you are standing at a moment that can permanently alter your military career. Many Soldiers wrongly believe an Article 15 is minor because it is “not a court-martial.” This belief destroys more careers at Fort Bragg than almost any other misconception. A single Article 15 can lead to loss of rank, loss of pay, separation boards, a permanent GOMOR, a bar to reenlistment, loss of jump status, destroyed NCOER/OER ratings, and eventual involuntary separation.

Commands at Fort Bragg—especially within the 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command—use Article 15 aggressively. They often pressure Soldiers to accept NJP even when the evidence is weak or the allegation is exaggerated. Signing an Article 15 without a coherent defense strategy is one of the most damaging mistakes a Soldier can make. You must fight for your career.

If you have been notified of an Article 15, contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607. Our civilian military defense lawyers defend Soldiers worldwide and understand the unique NJP culture and command climate at Fort Bragg. We design individualized strategies to help Soldiers fight the allegation, negotiate better outcomes, prepare written rebuttals, confront legal errors, or demand trial when appropriate.

To provide accurate context and realism, this page draws upon Fort Bragg’s operational tempo, airborne culture, alcohol-related trends, SHARP-driven command pressure, and the Fayetteville legal environment. Official installation information is available at home.army.mil/bragg and the surrounding city information at fayettevillenc.gov.

Understanding Article 15 at Fort Bragg

What Is Article 15 Nonjudicial Punishment?

Article 15 allows commanders to discipline Soldiers without referring the matter to court-martial. While technically “noncriminal,” the consequences can be extremely severe. Commanders can impose:

• Reduction in rank
• Extra duty
• Restriction
• Forfeiture of pay
• Written reprimands

However, the real danger is NOT the immediate punishment—it is what happens afterward. At Fort Bragg, Article 15s often lead to adverse NCOERs/OERs, flags, QMP review, GOMORs, separation boards, or removal from elite units.

The Three Types of Article 15

1. Company-Grade Article 15

Imposed by a Captain or Company Commander. Lower maximum punishments but still career-threatening.

2. Field-Grade Article 15

Imposed by a Battalion or Brigade Commander. This is the most common type at Fort Bragg and carries maximum punishment, including reduction of NCOs.

3. Summarized Article 15

Often given to junior Soldiers for minor infractions. Even these can harm your record and lead to separation.

The Fort Bragg Command Climate and Why NJPs Are So Dangerous Here

Zero Tolerance for Discipline Issues

Elite units demand strict discipline. Even minor misconduct is magnified. Commanders often issue Article 15s to “send a message.”

Pressure from Higher Headquarters

Fort Bragg is under constant scrutiny from Army leadership and Congress. Article 15s are used to show “decisive action.”

SHARP, Alcohol, and Safety Campaigns

Political pressure drives commanders to punish harshly even when evidence is unclear or unreliable.

Use of Article 15 as a Separation Tool

Article 15s are frequently used to justify separation boards, particularly for:

• Domestic incidents
• Alcohol-related events
• Drug use allegations
• Misconduct in the barracks
• Sexual misconduct allegations not strong enough for court-martial

Command Bias Toward Believing Accusers

Accusations involving sexual misconduct, disrespect, violence, or leadership failures often lead to immediate punishment—even before an investigation is complete.

Common Allegations Leading to Article 15 at Fort Bragg

1. Alcohol-Related Misconduct

Bar fights, disorderly conduct, drunk and disorderly, and incidents downtown or in the barracks are common. Alcohol and airborne culture frequently collide, resulting in Article 15 actions.

2. Domestic Disputes

Arguments, pushing, yelling, and mutual combat often result in domestic allegations. Even when the spouse denies wrongdoing, commands proceed with NJP.

3. Drug Use (Article 112a)

Positive urinalysis, alleged THC usage, or possession cases commonly result in Article 15, even when testing irregularities exist.

4. Sexual Misconduct Allegations

When an Article 120 case is too weak to go to court-martial, commands often punish under Article 15 instead.

5. Assault (Article 128)

Minor fights or misunderstandings may lead to Article 15 even if both parties were equally responsible.

6. Orders Violations (Article 92)

Failure to obey policies, barracks rules, fraternization, or training standards frequently trigger NJPs.

7. Inappropriate Messages or Social Media Conduct

Texts, memes, jokes, or images taken out of context may result in accusations, especially in elite units with strict standards.

Why Many Article 15 Cases Are Misinterpreted or Unsupported

The Problem of Perception-Based Evidence

Witness statements are often based on emotion, bias, or poor memory—yet commands still impose NJP based on these unreliable accounts.

CID Does Not Always Investigate Fully

In many NJP cases, CID or MPs conduct limited investigations that fail to uncover favorable evidence.

Command Prejudgment

At Fort Bragg, leadership often decides guilt before the Soldier has had a chance to present their side.

Rumors and Barracks Gossip

Commands sometimes take action based on hearsay or third-hand accounts.

Your Rights When Facing an Article 15 at Fort Bragg

Right to Turn Down the Article 15

You can demand trial by court-martial. This shifts the burden to “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Many Soldiers win by turning down Article 15s when the case is weak.

Right to Present Evidence

You may present:

• Witness statements
• Character letters
• Texts and digital messages
• Videos or photos
• Medical documents

Right to an Open Hearing

You can present your case in person before the commander.

Right to Counsel

You may consult with civilian or military counsel to prepare a defense.

How Fort Bragg Commanders Decide Article 15 Guilt

Commanders Look for a Narrative

They respond strongly to “simple stories” that appear to show misconduct. The government frames your behavior in the worst possible light.

Commanders React to Perceived Risk

If they fear embarrassment or higher headquarters scrutiny, they will issue NJP regardless of explanation.

Commanders Respond to SHARP, Alcohol, and Safety Themes

If your allegation fits one of these categories, you are already fighting uphill.

Commanders Consider Rank and Perceived Replaceability

Junior Soldiers are often punished quickly. NCOs and leaders may be punished even harder because expectations are elevated.

How to Fight Article 15 at Fort Bragg

1. Build Your Narrative Before the Government Builds Theirs

Your chain of command will present a damaging story. The defense must present a more compelling, accurate narrative supported by evidence.

2. Attack the Reliability of Witnesses

Most NJPs rely on flawed witness statements. Highlight their inconsistencies, motives, and contradictions.

3. Present Digital Evidence

Texts, timestamps, and photos frequently refute allegations or show mutual responsibility.

4. Show Lack of Intent

Article 15 requires proof you intentionally committed misconduct. Many allegations involve accidental or misunderstood behavior.

5. Use Character Evidence Strategically

Your overall service record—deployments, awards, leadership impact—must be presented in a powerful way.

6. Demonstrate Context

Training stress, operational tempo, barracks culture, and emotional context matter. The defense must explain them.

7. Challenge Command Bias

Show how assumptions or emotional reactions shaped command decisions.

Should You Turn Down an Article 15 at Fort Bragg?

When Turning Down Is Wise

Turn down NJP when:

• The evidence is weak
• Witnesses contradict each other
• You have strong exculpatory digital evidence
• Your command is biased or retaliatory
• You are likely to be separated anyway

When Accepting May Be Better

Accepting may be beneficial when:

• You committed the misconduct
• Your goal is mitigation rather than acquittal
• You want to preserve rank or avoid federal conviction

The Fort Bragg Context

At Fort Bragg, many commanders give harsher Article 15 punishments than Soldiers realize. Turning down NJP may be your only chance to win.

How Gonzalez & Waddington Defends Article 15 Cases

We Rebuild the Truth

We reconstruct the event using digital evidence, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony.

We Prepare Written Rebuttals

A strong rebuttal can influence the commander’s decision dramatically.

We Represent You During the NJP Hearing

Your presentation and demeanor matter. We coach you for maximum impact.

We Provide Court-Martial Strategy If You Turn Down NJP

Turning down an Article 15 requires a strategic plan—one that we build with you from day one.

Common Mistakes Soldiers Make at Fort Bragg When Facing Article 15

1. Speaking to CID or Leaders Without Counsel

Anything you say becomes evidence. CID is not neutral. Commanders are not legal advisors.

2. Assuming the Truth Will Save You

Facts alone rarely win NJPs. Presentation, narrative, and strategy determine outcomes.

3. Ignoring Digital Evidence

Digital messages, time stamps, and media are often the key to victory.

4. Accepting NJP Too Quickly

Commanders push NJPs aggressively. Accepting without review is a mistake.

5. Failing to Prepare

Preparation determines whether your commander sees you as valuable or expendable.

Special Considerations for 82nd Airborne and XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers

82nd Airborne Division

This division has a strict discipline culture. NJPs are issued rapidly for alcohol, barracks misconduct, training issues, and relationship-related incidents.

XVIII Airborne Corps

Senior NCOs and officers face harsh scrutiny. NJPs frequently accompany investigations or adverse evaluations.

USASOC

Special operations units treat discipline violations with zero tolerance. Even minor allegations can lead to NJP and removal from special duty.

Pro Tips for Soldiers Facing Article 15 at Fort Bragg

Tip 1: Stay Silent Until You Have Counsel

Silence protects you. Explanations hurt you.

Tip 2: Save All Messages

Digital evidence often proves your innocence.

Tip 3: Do Not Post Online About Your Case

Social media posts become evidence used against you.

Tip 4: Build a Timeline

Timelines help destroy false allegations.

Tip 5: Hire Civilian Counsel Early

TDS is overloaded. Civilian counsel gives you the advantage you need.

Connection to the Fort Bragg UCMJ Defense Hub

This Article 15 guide is part of the Fort Bragg Military Justice Hub, which includes in-depth resources on sexual assault, domestic violence, child pornography, assault, Article 120b, Article 120c, separation boards, BOIs, and command investigations.

Bottom Call to Action

If you are stationed at Fort Bragg and face Article 15 Nonjudicial Punishment, contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607 immediately. Your career, rank, and future depend on making the right decisions now.