Who must review and approve a court-martial sentence involving a flag officer before it can be executed?

In cases where a court-martial sentence involves a flag officer, it is essential for proper checks and balances to be maintained, reflecting the seriousness of such proceedings. The correct answer, which identifies the need for the President of the United States to review and approve the sentence, is rooted in the significant implications that a court-martial involving a flag officer carries.

Flag officers, who hold high ranks within the military, are subject to a specific process due to the potential impact on both military justice and the reputation of the armed forces. The nature of their position means that their cases require a higher level of oversight than would typically be present in other court-martial cases. Therefore, only the President has the authority to ensure that any sentence applied to a flag officer aligns with military regulations and the broader interests of the defense establishment.

This level of scrutiny is designed to uphold justice and maintain the integrity of military operations, given that flag officers often have a direct influence on strategy, leadership, and morale within the armed forces. Taking into account the overall administrative and legal structure, this requirement for presidential approval underscores the gravity with which such cases are treated in the military legal system.