[Airborne1986]

"Black requested the court martial after refusing an admiral's mast, which is his right."

Thank you for that additional information. It puts it all in context. He turned down nonjudicial punishment. He may have been advised that the command would drop the whole thing or just issue a reprimand if he demanded a court-martial. A risky decision. This guys career is over either-way and a Court-Martial conviction is considered a federal conviction. Nonjudicial punishment doesn't follow you into your civilian life.

[A.A. Cunningham]

The superintendent intends to make an example out of Black and a mast would end his career. The investigating JAG recommended a "non-punitive letter of caution and counsel" but Rempt balked. A court martial gives him the chance to make his case to a jury of his peers and more importantly he gets to confront Whisenhant on the stand, under oath. The Midshipman in question accepted his apology but Whisenhant forced the issue. She may end up regretting that she ever got involved. The trial should be interesting.

Academy professor unfairly targeted for sex comments?

[R. Scott]

Nonjudicial punishment doesn't follow you into your civilian life.

It doesn’t follow as a conviction, but it is a career ender.