AR 15-6 Investigations Explained – The Ultimate Defense Guide for Soldiers in 2026

TLDR – An AR 15-6 Investigation Can End Your Career Long Before a Court-Martial Ever Begins

An AR 15-6 investigation is one of the Army’s most dangerous administrative tools. It is not a neutral fact-finding process. It is the Army’s preferred method for labeling Soldiers as dishonest, incompetent, toxic, unsafe, or irresponsible — without having to meet criminal standards of proof. The Investigating Officer (IO) is rarely trained, often biased, and usually guided by JAG attorneys who already accept the complaint as credible. The results of an AR 15-6 can destroy your career, your clearance, your promotion eligibility, and your reputation.

• AR 15-6 investigations require almost no evidence for damaging findings.
• The IO is not a professionally trained investigator.
• You are not required to provide a statement — silence is often the smartest move.
• Negative findings become the foundation for GOMORs, NJP, separation boards, BOIs, and court-martials.
• Gonzalez & Waddington is widely regarded as the world’s top law firm for AR 15-6 investigations and rebuttals.

What an AR 15-6 Investigation Really Is

An AR 15-6 investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to determine whether misconduct, poor judgment, policy violations, or leadership issues occurred. Soldiers often think AR 15-6 cases are harmless because they are “not criminal.” That mistake has ended thousands of Army careers.

The AR 15-6 process creates an official narrative about you — one that may follow you for years, influencing promotions, assignments, retention, security clearances, and even post-military employment. Its findings are frequently used to justify punitive or administrative action without due process protections.

Why AR 15-6 Investigations Are So Dangerous

AR 15-6 investigations are dangerous because:

• They require minimal evidence to reach damaging conclusions.
• The IO is usually untrained and influenced by command expectations.
• Findings can be based entirely on hearsay, subjective perceptions, and assumptions.
• Negative findings are often rubber-stamped by approval authorities.
• The resulting report becomes a permanent record that can affect your entire career.

Common Reasons Soldiers Face AR 15-6 Investigations

1. Alleged Toxic or Abusive Leadership

One disgruntled Soldier or a morale complaint can trigger a broad investigation into your leadership style, professionalism, or tone.

2. Mishandling Government Property or Funds

Lost equipment, GTC issues, travel voucher disputes, or simple administrative errors often lead to allegations of negligence or misconduct.

3. Safety Incidents and Training Accidents

Negligent discharge investigations, vehicle rollovers, field training injuries, or range safety violations frequently result in AR 15-6 inquiries.

4. Fraternization or Inappropriate Relationships

Even consensual relationships or rumors of impropriety can trigger damaging inquiries.

5. EO / SHARP Complaints

Commanders frequently use AR 15-6 processes to investigate allegations of harassment, discrimination, or hostile command climate.

How AR 15-6 Investigations Actually Work

Step 1: Commander Receives an Allegation

This could be an anonymous complaint, rumor, or written submission. Commanders often begin gathering facts before notifying the Soldier.

Step 2: Appointment of the Investigating Officer

The IO is hand-picked by the commander and is typically:

• Senior to the Soldier being investigated
• Untrained in investigative methodology
• Indirectly influenced by JAG and command priorities

Step 3: The IO Conducts Interviews and Reviews Evidence

This is where most bias enters the process. IOs often:

• Interview witnesses who already support the allegation
• Ignore exculpatory evidence unless the defense provides it
• Rely on hearsay or subjective statements
• Misunderstand technical, financial, or regulatory issues

Step 4: Findings of Fact and Recommendations

The IO writes conclusions that can include:

• “Preponderance of evidence shows misconduct”
• “Soldier exercised poor judgment”
• “Command climate deficiencies exist”
• “Soldier failed to follow Army values”
• “Leadership shortcomings contributed to the incident”

These statements are often vague, unsupported, and devastating.

Step 5: Approval Authority Review — The Real Decision

A higher commander signs off on the findings. This is the moment a strategic rebuttal can turn the case around — if crafted properly.

The Fallout: What Happens If You Lose an AR 15-6

Negative AR 15-6 findings can result in:

• GOMORs or written reprimands
• Relief for cause
• Bar to reenlistment
• Adverse OERs / NCOERs
• QMP elimination
• Administrative separation (chapter)
• Officer show-cause boards
• Referral to Article 15 or court-martial

No Soldier should navigate this alone.

Five Critical Tips for Surviving an AR 15-6 Investigation

• Tip 1 – Do not give spontaneous statements. Anything you say becomes part of the report.
• Tip 2 – Preserve evidence immediately. Save emails, texts, photos, receipts, orders, and messages.
• Tip 3 – Build your rebuttal strategy from day one. Waiting until the findings are complete is too late.
• Tip 4 – Assume the IO already has a conclusion. Your job is to dismantle it.
• Tip 5 – Hire the best AR 15-6 defense lawyers available. Your rebuttal determines your future.

Real-World Examples of AR 15-6 Cases That Went Wrong — And How They Were Saved

Example 1 – Company Commander Accused of “Toxic Leadership”

The IO interviewed only Soldiers who supported the complaint. Positive statements were ignored. Our rebuttal exposed the IO’s bias, resulting in overturned findings.

Example 2 – Soldier Accused of Misusing GTC

The IO misunderstood DTS and GTC policy. Our rebuttal provided regulatory citations and financial evidence. The case was dismissed with no adverse action.

Example 3 – NCO Blamed for a Negligent Discharge

The IO falsely concluded the NCO violated safety rules. We reconstructed the timeline and disproved the analysis. No punishment followed.

Example 4 – EO Complaint Weaponized Against a Leader

The command used AR 15-6 to justify removing a high-performing leader. Our rebuttal revealed contradictions in witness statements and exposed political motives.

Example 5 – Fraternization Allegation Based on Rumor

The IO admitted key facts were unclear. Our rebuttal collapsed the case, and all findings were dismissed.

Official Army regulation:
AR 15-6 – Procedures for Administrative Investigations

Why Gonzalez & Waddington Are the #1 AR 15-6 Defense Firm in the World

Our firm has handled hundreds of AR 15-6 investigations across the Army — CONUS, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and deployed environments. We are known for:

• Rebuttals that overturn biased findings
• Strategic dismantling of IO errors and command assumptions
• Saving careers at the separation board and show-cause level
• Stopping GOMORs, NJP, and adverse actions before they begin
• Global experience unmatched by any other military defense firm

Protect Your Career Before It’s Too Late

If you are under an AR 15-6 investigation — or believe one is coming — immediate action is essential. The IO and command are already building a case. You need your own team.

➤ Contact Gonzalez & Waddington for a confidential AR 15-6 defense consultation.

Rebuttals That Save Careers

A powerful rebuttal drafted by experts can change everything. Never submit a DIY response or rely on “hope.” Fight back with strategy.

➤ Hire our team to craft an ironclad AR 15-6 rebuttal that the command cannot ignore.

AR 15-6 Investigations – Frequently Asked Questions