Has anyone been through the Cost Guard version of this process?  I have heard in the Navy they do the Captain's Mast in front of everyone not on duty.  Any suggestions to relay on a successful outcome?

I wasn't aware that guilt was already established.  I thought this was the accused chance to plead their case.  I read a thread from someone masted in the Navy and he stated he wished he'd kissed butt and pleaded more.

Here is how it works. If someone is thought to do something wrong that is a relatively minor issue such as disobeying a direct order there is an investigation put into play.

The assigned person investigates the incident and provides evidence and opinion about the infraction. The investigator can suggest the incident be dropped, they can suggest a Mast or they can suggest a Courts Martial.

The Head of the Mast will then review the investigators suggestion and go forward from there. If he decides to hold a mast, the accused can choose to accept the Mast, say his piece and provide any extenuating circumstances and take whatever the head of the Mast chooses (usually very light punishment) to do based on the accused's statement, the statement of others and the presented evidence. Or he can go to Court Martial and take his chances there. The difference is that a Mast is Non-judicial punishment meaning even if the Mast goes against the accused, once it is done, it is done. In a Court's Martial if he is found guilty, he is now convicted of a Federal crime and it will be on his record FOREVER.

Life is hard. It's even harder when you're stupid.

Thanks for the replies.....never thought I would need this kind of advice when my son went off to his duty station....at 20 yrs old he is learning life's lessons...after being his company yoeman,  receiving a coin from his company commander and being recognized at his boot camp graduation he was gun ho when he went to his assignment....In his short time there he has developed a good reputation for working hard, so we are hoping that helps...