I think he’s “using hi” becasue the lwyer needed someone with possible “standing” for the suit (yet to be determined).
If the suit doesn’t go forward, the lawyer doesn’t really pay a penalty and goes on. The officer, on the other hand is associated with the lawsuit and it will follow him for his career.
Remember, CDR Curt Lippold was exonerated of the USS Cole attack by two Pentagon investigations which spread blame across his chain of command, yet he was denied his promotion by SecNav — a political appointee
Luckily for this guy he is only a 1LT. Pressure can still come from above, but at least his selection for promotion happens far below the cabinet level (if I remember my officer promotions right).
I look at it this way, if the SCOTUS does not think a military officer has standing, we have already lost the battle and there is corruption all the way to and through the SC.