May benefit if we want to say with/without the ability to appeal

I think the last few years have been a struggle to get this published. I'm fine with leaving it as is, if realistic, however I am thinking everyone might breathe a bit easier if we say by the end of February?

I suspect this could benefit from a touch more clarification, essentally I'm reading this as all Non-CO ship members are Junior Officers disciplined by the CO? Also, can clarify if this is related to highest OOC achieved rank.