The Article 32 proceeding marks an early stage in the military justice process, where a neutral officer must now determine if the case against the Air Force officer should move forward. The defense team, led by Christopher J. Mutimer, Special Counsel Lorena M. Marez, Major Bruha, and attorney Collin Harris, argued that the speech-related charges lack probable cause. Furthermore, counsel contended that should any charges proceed, the case ought to be handled by a special court-martial rather than a general court-martial.
Air Force Major Jason P. Watson Faces Article 32 Hearing
“I did not swear that oath as a military officer, and I did not swear it to any administration, any party, or any person,” Major Jason P. Watson told a hearing officer at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, asserting his commitment to the Constitution during a preliminary hearing held this past Friday.
Watson remains presumed innocent as he awaits the hearing officer's written report, which the defense expects to receive this week. The outcome of this recommendation will dictate whether the military pursues further legal action against the major.
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