Is it possible for an Airman to attend BTZ if they have recently received an Article 15?

An Airman who has received an Article 15 typically faces disqualification from Below-The-Zone (BTZ) consideration. The purpose of this policy is to maintain a standard of conduct and accountability among Airmen being considered for early promotion. An Article 15 is a non-judicial punishment that indicates some level of disciplinary action due to a violation of military regulations or conduct. As such, receiving an Article 15 generally suggests behavior that may not align with the Air Force’s standards for leadership and promotion potential, which are essential criteria for BTZ eligibility.

While there may be other pathways for various situations, including appeals or meeting certain requirements, these are typically secondary considerations and not standard practice. Therefore, in general, having an Article 15 on one’s record prevents the Airman from being considered for the BTZ promotion opportunity.