Captain’s Mast Explained: Protecting Your Career with Top Military Defense Lawyers
Captain’s Mast—also known as non-judicial punishment (NJP) under Article 15 of the UCMJ—is a disciplinary hearing used in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to address alleged misconduct without referring the case to a court-martial. While it’s technically an administrative proceeding, the consequences of a Captain’s Mast can be severe: reduced rank, restriction, extra duty, forfeiture of pay, and even separation from the military.
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is a premier military defense firm that helps Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen understand their rights before, during, and after NJP proceedings. Our team ensures you don’t walk into a Captain’s Mast unprepared—and that your record, career, and future aren’t destroyed by a rushed, one-sided process.
What can happen at Captain’s Mast:
- 📄 You may be found guilty of misconduct based on low evidentiary standards.
- 📉 You can lose rank, pay, and face career-ending evaluations.
- 🪪 You may be involuntarily separated following repeated NJPs or if the command pushes for administrative action afterward.
- 🧾 You may receive adverse documentation that limits promotion, reenlistment, or PCS opportunities.
How Gonzalez & Waddington helps protect your rights at NJP:
- ✅ We review evidence and prepare rebuttals or written defenses before Mast is held.
- ✅ We help clients decide whether to accept NJP or demand a court-martial when appropriate.
- ✅ We craft statements, identify witnesses, and expose procedural errors or command bias.
- ✅ We assist with post-Mast consequences like GOMORs, separation boards, and appeals.
Captain’s Mast is not “just a slap on the wrist.” It can be the first step toward discharge or career derailment. Contact Gonzalez & Waddington before you go to Mast. We help you fight back—strategically and early.
Captain’s Mast – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Captain’s Mast in the military?
Captain’s Mast is a form of non-judicial punishment (NJP) used by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard under Article 15 of the UCMJ. It allows a commanding officer to discipline a service member without a court-martial. It is less formal but can still carry serious consequences, including loss of rank, pay, and future career advancement.
Can I refuse Captain’s Mast and demand a court-martial?
Yes, in most cases. Sailors and Marines have the right to refuse NJP and demand trial by court-martial unless they’re attached to a ship or deployed unit. That decision must be made carefully with legal advice, as court-martials carry higher stakes but stronger procedural protections.
Can I have a lawyer represent me at Captain’s Mast?
No. You do not have the right to be represented by an attorney during Mast, but you may consult with a civilian or military lawyer beforehand. We help clients prepare written statements, gather evidence, and decide whether to refuse NJP entirely.
What happens after a guilty finding at Mast?
Punishment may include reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, restriction, or extra duty. In many cases, especially for repeat offenses, commands use NJP findings to initiate administrative separation proceedings. We help clients fight those actions and protect their discharge status.
Will a Captain’s Mast stay on my record?
Yes. The results of NJP may be recorded in your personnel file, evaluation reports, and become part of promotion or reenlistment reviews. That’s why it’s crucial to respond strategically and, when appropriate, fight the allegation before it becomes part of your record.
Captain’s Mast Explained: Protecting Your Career with Top Military Defense Lawyers
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is one of the world’s leading military defense firms. We defend U.S. servicemembers facing Captain’s Mast, NJP, court-martial, administrative separation, and UCMJ action in the Navy, Coast Guard, and across all military branches. Led by renowned trial lawyers Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, our team has helped thousands of servicemembers protect their careers and reputations.
What Is Captain’s Mast?
Captain’s Mast is a form of Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP) used by the Navy and Coast Guard to discipline servicemembers without court-martial. Although considered “informal,” it can have long-term effects on your rank, pay, assignments, and future in the military.
Why You Should Be Concerned
Over 20,000 Navy and Coast Guard members face Captain’s Mast each year. Even if you’re innocent, your career could be derailed if you don’t fight back with the help of a skilled military defense lawyer.
- Penalties can include loss of rank, pay, and duties
- May lead to administrative separation or letter of reprimand
- Negative marks in service record can affect security clearance and future assignments
How Captain’s Mast Works
1. Notification of Charges
You’ll receive written notice of the alleged UCMJ violation and be informed of the date, time, and format of the Mast. You are not required to accept NJP and may request trial by court-martial instead, depending on your status.
2. The Hearing
Your commanding officer will hear evidence. You may present your side, submit documentation, and call witnesses. Having a civilian military lawyer prepares you for what to say—and what not to say.
3. Punishment
If found guilty, you may be punished with restriction, reduction in rank, extra duties, or a reprimand. These actions are documented and can affect your evaluations and promotion opportunities.
4. Limited Appeal Rights
Unlike courts-martial, appeal rights are limited. However, in cases of procedural error or injustice, you may appeal through your chain of command.
Defending Yourself at Captain’s Mast
Too many servicemembers walk into Mast unprepared or try to talk their way out of it without counsel. That’s a mistake. Gonzalez & Waddington can help you present a defense, expose false allegations, and protect your record.
What If You’re Falsely Accused?
- Document Everything – Texts, calls, messages, witness interactions.
- Hire a Skilled Civilian Military Defense Lawyer – Especially for serious accusations like false sexual harassment or insubordination.
- Push Back – Don’t let career-ending claims go unchallenged. Let your lawyer guide a powerful rebuttal.
Top Military Defense Lawyers for NJP Cases
Our firm has successfully defended servicemembers in over a dozen countries and in every branch of the military. Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington are known for taking on tough cases and winning. We prepare every client like they’re going to trial—even for NJP.
- Over 20 years of exclusive military criminal defense experience
- Nationally recognized experts on UCMJ and NJP law
- Authors of multiple books on cross-examination and trial strategy
- Global reach: We represent clients worldwide
- Available for confidential, immediate consultations
Contact Gonzalez & Waddington
If you are facing a Captain’s Mast or NJP, don’t go in alone. Contact Gonzalez & Waddington today at 800-921-8607 for a confidential consultation. Our defense team will help you understand your options and build a strong defense that protects your military career and your future.