A few points that I need to make after someone's google search. First, the Commandant is the top officer in the Coast Guard, so I assume you're talking about the Commandant of Cadets, who is a captain (O-6). I assume that was just an innocent mistake by you. The Commandant of Cadet makes recommendations to a board and the Superintenant.
In the context of my post I was referring to the Commandant of cadets at the USCGA. We agree here - he would not have power to dismiss but would make a recommendation to a board and the Supe.
The Coast Guard Academy CAN in fact hold a true Mast, and considering that the Coast Guard Academy is a base and not just a college, this can be done. Cadets are typically given an administrative equivalent, in which separation is adviced. This doesn't rise to the level of the Secretary of Homeland Security. The results of a mast can be appealled to the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Yes they can but this is not what they chose to do. My point was IF the CGA and USCG had chosen to press charges this is the route they would go.
IF they have a true MAST it would fall under the UCMJ.
It is also important to understand that "heard by the Coast Guard" does not mean that CGA is out of the picture. Recommendation for a Courts Martial is given by the Superintendant, and the only Court Martial involving a cadet in 2006 was done at CGA, in Hamilton Hall. "In house" or not, the Coast Guard Academy is a Headquarters unit.
Again, by 'in-house" I mean at the Academy level - not the UCMJ level.
Not physically, understanding that a Court Martial could indeed be held at the academy.
I am still trying to figure out why you brought up the Sullivan case, I would guess just to sling mud.
Not slinging mud at all. Just making an observation.
When you say the link is not credible are you saying that the story is a fabrication? I can provide a more credible link:
http://coastguardnews.com/senior-co...guilty-of-wrongful-use-of-cocaine/2009/06/17/
If I was going to speculate, I could speculate that is one reason why a Court martial was not sought - seeing the presidence here perhaps the "Powers that be" felt it would be pointless.
I don't know where anyone gets the idea that I am bashing or criticizing the Coast Guard Academy or the US Coast Guard. I am not judging but just pointing out that it could have been worse for these cadets. A point that Fleiger83 made back in post #10 before he piled on me.
To paraphrase Sandbar - "Cool your jets and stop being so combative"
This has been a good discussion with some good information that might help educate some folks - unless you want to turn it into a "shoot the messenger" campaign.