Mast Hearing

In naval tradition dating back to Pre Astro Terran times, a mast is a non-judicial punishment ("NJP") disciplinary hearing under which a commanding officer studies and disposes of cases involving those in his command.

If the officer conducting the proceeding is either a captain, or a lower ranking officer (typically a commander or lieutenant commander) serving as commanding officer of a naval vessel, an aviation squadron, or similar command afloat or ashore, then the proceeding is referred to as a captain's mast.

If an admiral is overseeing the mast, then the procedure is referred to as an admiral's mast or a flag mast.

A captain's mast or admiral'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;


 * Dispose of such charges by dismissing the charges, imposing punishment under the provisions of military law or referring the case to a court-martial.

An Admiral's or 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.