- Mast (naval)
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For information about a ship's mast, see Mast (sailing).
In naval tradition, a mast is a non-judicial punishment ("NJP") disciplinary hearing in which a commanding officer studies and disposes of cases involving those in his or her command. If the officer is a captain, as in most cases, it is referred to as a captain's mast. If an admiral is overseeing the mast, it is then referred to as an admiral's mast or a flag mast.[1]
A captain's mast is a procedure whereby the commanding officer must:
- Make inquiry into the facts surrounding minor offenses allegedly committed by a member of the command;
- Afford the accused a hearing as to such offenses; and
- Dispose of such charges by dismissing the charges, imposing punishment under the provisions of military law or referring the case to a court-martial.
A captain's mast is not:
- A trial, as the term "non-judicial" implies;
- A conviction, even if punishment is imposed;
- An acquittal, even if punishment is not imposed.
In the United States Navy and Coast Guard, these proceedings take place under the authority of Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The term mast may also refer to when a captain or commanding officer makes themself available to hear concerns, complaints or requests from their crew. Traditionally, the captain would stand at the main mast. The crew, who by custom did not speak with the captain, could speak to him directly at these times. In modern times, a meritorious mast refers to the commanding officer taking this time to single out a member of the crew for praise. It could also refer to the naval punishment of tying one to a mast and lashing them with a whip.
References
- ^ "Navy: Admiral seeks retirement in lying case". CNN. 2008-04-21. http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/21/admiral.convicted/. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
Categories:- Military law
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