Could not agree more, Jim. I did not propose that with dispense with proper military trial.
But the "seen to be done" part is where, in the Navy, it was customary to hold the type of parade I mention. It's a leftover from the old days of sail when the whole ship's company was mustered amidships to witness any punishment meted out under the Articles of War.
I recall having to attend at least one of those parades at the Dockyard, in Esquimalt as a young seaman, when a Leading Seaman was so marched off to Edmonton after being found guilty of possession of narcotics. I can tell you that it makes a strong impression on a young member of the military such as I was then.
AS for the "locker box padlock" thing, ERC, I cannot comment on army matters, but I can tell you that I have never locked my cabin or even my locker in my cabin on any ship I served on. It has been pointed out to me from time to time but I have always answered that I would quit the Navy the day I felt I needed to lock it up. I have not had to quit
.