[DustyMoment]

That's nice.

The military justice system doesn't observe the US Code.

They have the UCMJ which is what Lt. Pantano is charged with violating.

[verity]

I'll forgive your ignorance, but Title 10 of the United States Code is the authority for the UCMJ.

The US is not a banana republic.

[philetus]

(a) There is a Secretary of Defense, who is the head of the Department of Defense, appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. A person may not be appointed as Secretary of Defense within 10 years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer of a regular component of an armed force.

(b) The Secretary is the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the Department of Defense. Subject to the direction of the President and to this title and section 2 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401), he has authority, direction, and control over the Department of Defense.