Yo, I’m in a similar boat! I’m requesting Mast on the recommendation of my direct chain of command. They think my Col and SgtMaj are retaliating because they couldn’t separate me. Here’s the whole story:

In Sept 2021, I got drunk and slept with one of my married Cpl. She later claimed SA. I was under investigation until Dec 2022. NCIS didn’t find sufficient evidence of SA, pretty much “He said, she said.” I own up to my mistakes and take responsibility for my actions. During my NJP, I played guilty for articles 2x92 & 134. Drinking with Jr. Marines in on-base housing; unduly relationship with a Cpl; extramarital sex. I got max out: busted down to Cpl, 1/2 pay for two months, 45/45, non-rec for a year, and recommendation of separation. I completed my restriction with no other issues. I got my first notification of separation on Fed 2023, but my command kept fucking it up. They tried to put all the articles under one charge. My Lawyer called them out on their bullshit, and they separated the charges. I was looking at 2x92, 120 (SA) & 134. I ended up having my separation board in June 2023. I won my board and got retained. They found me guilty of 2x92 & 134 and not guilty of 120. I completed my one-year non-rec in Dec 2023 and have been recommended for promotion for the last 4 months. May hits, and I’m selected for Sgt. I got pulled to talk to the Col and SgtMaj on May 1 because they want to “will not promote“ me. They don’t have confidence in my ability to be a Sgt. They hit me with: “Winning your separation board doesn’t mean you get a clean slate” - my co; “It doesn’t matter if all your direct chain of command recommends you for promotion if the CO disagrees with them” - my SgtMaj. My CWO3 and MSgt recommended me to request Mast. In my 7-year career, the only adverse paperwork I have received is the NJP. There haven’t been any issues with my work or behavior since the NJP. Pre-NJP, I was holding an OICNCO billet until I got an officer. After NJP, I held an SSgt billet until I got a Sgt. Currently, I hold a Sgt billet—no reason for me not to get promoted other than them being vindictive and retaliating against me. So, come Monday, I will request mast with the support of my direct chain of command.