I believe that the MoD has sometimes exercised discretion in deciding who to send to (for example) Northern Ireland depending on their religious background and links to that community. I'm surprised that similar discretion wasn't exercised here. Since it wasn't however, there was clearly no option but to charge him. I'm also inclined to wonder what genuine objection a medic would have to going - many COs have given invaluable service in previous conflicts in exactly that role. He may even have had opportunity to help his fellow Moslems.