Armed Forces Bill

The problem is simple. The commanding officer must have the power to say, ““No. There is no case to answer. I have listened to what the legal authorities have to say, and in my judgment, as commanding officer, this soldier should not be prosecuted. This should go no further.”” On the other hand, he may be in a position to say, ““Absolutely. This is beyond my powers to deal with.”” Ultimately, he must have that sanction; otherwise the measure cuts away at the fundamental relationship between officer and soldier.