Mast (naval)

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In naval tradition, a mast is a non-judicial disciplinary hearing in which a commanding officer studies and disposes of cases of those in his or her command. In most instances, 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]

Captain's mast is a procedure whereby the commanding officer may:

• Make inquiry into the facts surrounding minor offenses allegedly committed by a member of his 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.

Captain's mast is not:

• A trial, as the term "nonjudicial" implies;
• A conviction;
• An acquittal if a determination is made not to impose punishment.

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.

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