Based on everything said....I’d agree there is a conflict of interest. The problem is....you’d almost have to reach over into the Army or Air Force....to find a judge or defense support team who isn’t tainted. That won’t happen.
So my bet....the case goes forward....they get some type of conviction...and it gets thrown out a year later because of the tainted nature. The Marines will then be stuck, with no way to repeat the process (I think), and that clears the deck entirely. Maybe it’s planned this way, or just the luck of the draw.
I believe there is precedence for the assignment of an Army or Air Force JAG. However, this will require the swallowing of pride and the order by higher ups to avoid the appearance of taint. Given the fact that it would have to be higher than Sec Navy and that Obama has zero respect for the military ... I don’t see it happening unless a lot of pressure is brought into play.
Reference the book Honor and Betrayal (Patrick Robinson) for similar machinations by the military command and prosecution’s devious dealings to hamstring the defense. Hutchins may have to go outside the military to find a competent defense attorney. As for the judge, they’re all tainted now, since they are careerists and know which side of their bread is buttered.