FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Once a rising star among the U.S. Army’s top battle commanders, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sinclair is now fighting sexual assault charges that could land him life in a military prison if convicted.

Sinclair, who was the deputy commander of the 82nd Airborne, was set to appear Tuesday in a Fort Bragg courtroom to face court martial on criminal charges that include physically forcing a female captain under his command to perform oral sex.