Fair comment on the blacks, I actually darkened them a smidge, (image updated) but at "conversion."
The protocol only applies to official portraits for promotion boards and such. Does not apply here (I am an active duty officer and former NCO, also very familiar with protocol). By the same standards B&W is no longer acceptable for an official portrait anyway. If its aesthetically or philosophically objectionable thats fine, but no protocol applies here.
I'm sure the print from the B&W 4X5 negative is spectacular. No conversion. A scan.
Lots of DR to play with so if ya like lots of shadow detail it's there and if not theres always a grade 4 paper and you can let the shadows go black. 80kb compressed jpgs is really no way to judge DR. The print is a completely different beast so I'm sure this will make a wonderful full range print.
But whats even more important than the technical aspects is the feeling of pride I get from your subject. The direct eye contact and the camera being just slightly lower than eye level giving the subject stature. Again well done.
I especially like the lighting here. The shadow edge is perfect. Hard enough to be useful in defining the shape of the face and soft enough for nice smooth highlights. Excellent expression. Great job!!
Great to see another portrait by you Evan! This one is very nice. As one who had shot portraits with a 4x5, all I can say is you are a glutton for punishment!
This is nice Rembrandt lighting that works well for the subject. The one small suggestion I have is to watch Peter Hurley's "It's the Jaw!" video. If he had extended his chin just slightly, it would have slimmed his neck below the chin. Still, that's just a tiny thing in an otherwise excellently executed traditional portrait.
Evan this is really a timeless image. I love the BW conversion, expression, eye contact, and the shadows on his face really add depth to the image in a very pleasing way. My only nit is the crop feels a little off center with the way the subject's left arm falls out of the frame. It doesn't really detract away from the image though. Excellent job all around
at "conversion." 
