JAG Hunter here: Command influence was made unlawful under Article 37 of the UCMJ enacted in 1951 (punishable under Art. 98). And yet, although the illegal practice has been rampant for 53 years, no senior commander has ever faced prosecution for the act.

Court-martial's quirks designed especially for armed forces' needs / Military justice puts more power in commanding officer's hands

Matthew B. Stannard | Staff Writer
San Francisco Chronicle

"It is the commander who will decide whether there is to be an investigation, whether somebody will be charged and with what offense, whether it will go to court martial ... or whether we'll look the other way and pat him on the back..."