Fort Bragg Command-Directed Investigations – AR 15-6 Defense Lawyers

If you are stationed at Fort Bragg and targeted in a command-directed investigation, especially an AR 15-6 investigation, the decisions you make now will shape your future. A command investigation is often the first step in a process that leads to a GOMOR, Article 15, administrative separation board, suspension, relief for cause, or even court-martial. Contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607 for a confidential consultation. Our civilian military defense lawyers defend Soldiers worldwide and understand the unique investigative culture at Fort Bragg and in the surrounding Fayetteville, North Carolina area.

Command-directed investigations at Fort Bragg are not neutral fact-finding missions. They are often initiated when leadership wants answers fast—and sometimes wants justification for a decision already made. Soldiers mistakenly believe these investigations are informal or low-risk, only to learn later that the findings are used to force them out, issue a GOMOR, revoke their jump status, pull their clearance, or destroy their professional reputation. This page explains exactly how Fort Bragg investigations work and how to protect yourself from their consequences.

Understanding AR 15-6 Investigations at Fort Bragg

What an AR 15-6 Really Is

An AR 15-6 investigation is a commander-directed inquiry into alleged misconduct, leadership failures, SHARP complaints, alcohol-related incidents, toxic leadership, financial irregularities, safety violations, inappropriate relationships, or any allegation the chain of command wants examined. It is an administrative process—not criminal—but the consequences can be just as severe.

Why AR 15-6 Investigations Are Dangerous

Unlike CID, which uses trained agents, AR 15-6 investigations often rely on inexperienced officers who lack legal training, investigative skill, or understanding of evidence and witness credibility. Many investigating officers default to accepting accusations as fact, especially if the command expects a particular result. A flawed, one-sided 15-6 can form the foundation for elimination, separation, flags, adverse paperwork, or criminal referral.

The Fort Bragg Command Climate and BOI/Sep Board Pipeline

Fort Bragg’s leadership environment is fast-paced and unforgiving. Because the installation houses elite units—the 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, special operations commands—leaders often take aggressive action to protect readiness and reputation. A 15-6 finding is frequently the first document used to justify further action such as:

• Relief for cause
• Loss of jump status
• GOMOR / LOR
• Bars to continued service
• Article 15 NJP
• Officer BOI (elimination board)
• Enlisted administrative separation board
• CID referral or criminal charges

This is why it is critical not to underestimate a 15-6 investigation at Fort Bragg.

How Command Investigations Begin in the Fort Bragg Environment

Common Sources of Allegations

Command investigations often begin with:

• Complaints from Soldiers or NCOs
• SHARP or EO allegations
• Domestic disturbances reported by Fayetteville police
• Alcohol-related events downtown or in off-post housing
• Rumors or unit gossip
• Anonymous tips
• Misinterpreted text messages or social media posts
• Accusations from disgruntled subordinates or peers

Immediate Reactions by Fort Bragg Commands

Commands frequently:

• Flag the Soldier
• Issue no-contact orders
• Remove the Soldier from leadership positions
• Reassign the Soldier to administrative duties
• Seize electronic devices
• Restrict access to classified areas

These actions typically occur before the investigation begins, demonstrating that the chain of command may already have an opinion of guilt.

The Role of the Investigating Officer

Why IOs Are Often Unqualified

AR 15-6 Investigating Officers (IOs) are often:

• Junior officers with minimal investigative training
• Peers or subordinates of key witnesses
• Unfamiliar with digital evidence, metadata, or forensics
• Influenced (intentionally or not) by command expectations

Bias in Investigations

Many IOs enter the process with an assumption that misconduct occurred simply because the command initiated the investigation. The structure encourages confirmation bias—the IO looks for evidence that supports allegations and disregards evidence that contradicts them.

What IOs Frequently Get Wrong

Common errors include:

• Misinterpreting texts, tone, or context
• Assuming guilt based on emotional statements
• Failing to interview key witnesses who support the Soldier
• Misunderstanding Army policy or regulation
• Mischaracterizing lawful behavior as misconduct
• Relying on hearsay or second-hand summaries
• Not understanding the nuances of consent, leadership dynamics, or operational tempo

These errors are later treated as “facts” unless effectively dismantled.

Types of Command Investigations Common at Fort Bragg

1. SHARP / Sexual Misconduct Investigations

Fort Bragg aggressively investigates allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and inappropriate conduct. Even minor or ambiguous incidents can trigger formal inquiries. These cases frequently escalate to CID and Article 120 charges, even when evidence is weak. AR 15-6 findings are often used to justify GOMORs or elimination attempts.

2. Toxic Leadership Allegations

High-tempo units often confuse strict discipline with toxicity. Subordinates may misinterpret firm standards or heated moments during stressful operations. Commanders sometimes use 15-6 findings to remove leaders they no longer want in position.

3. Domestic Incidents Originating in Fayetteville

Fayetteville police respond to thousands of domestic calls each year, many involving Soldiers. Even if no one is arrested, military commands often initiate command-directed investigations. Statements from partners or neighbors can be misinterpreted or exaggerated.

4. Fraternization and Inappropriate Relationships

Accusations of relationships across rank lines or between officers and enlisted Soldiers often trigger 15-6 investigations. Many are based on rumor, jealousy, or misunderstood social interactions.

5. Misuse of Government Resources or Travel Funds

Investigations into DTS, government credit cards, or lodging receipts can lead to administrative or criminal consequences.

6. Hazing or Maltreatment Cases

Training environments, airborne practices, or high-pressure units may create conditions where joking or tough instruction is mischaracterized as hazing.

How Investigations Expand Into UCMJ Consequences

From AR 15-6 to CID

If the IO suspects criminal misconduct, the case often escalates immediately to CID. This creates a dual-track threat where administrative findings feed into criminal inquiries.

From Findings to GOMORs

A negative 15-6 is frequently used to issue a GOMOR, which can destroy an officer’s or NCO’s career even without formal punishment.

From GOMOR to BOI or Separation Board

The Army often uses 15-6 findings as justification for kicking Soldiers out through elimination boards or enlisted separation boards.

From AR 15-6 to Article 15 or Court-Martial

Commanders rely on 15-6 findings when deciding whether to impose nonjudicial punishment or refer a court-martial.

How to Survive an AR 15-6 Investigation at Fort Bragg

Do Not Speak Without Counsel

The number one mistake Soldiers make is giving statements without legal advice. Attempting to “clear things up” often leads to self-incrimination. IOs and chain of command members may misinterpret or twist statements to fit the allegation.

Gather Your Own Evidence

Save texts, screenshots, social media posts, photos, videos, and witness names. Many Soldiers fail to preserve critical evidence that could prove innocence.

Document Your Version Privately

Prepare a detailed written account of events immediately. Share it only with your attorney. Do not email it, message it, or store it on shared devices.

Identify Witnesses Early

Many IOs ignore defense witnesses unless directly told to interview them. Civilian counsel ensures your story is heard.

Challenge Procedural Errors

If the IO fails to follow AR 15-6 rules or shows bias, those defects can weaken the entire case.

How Gonzalez & Waddington Defends Soldiers in AR 15-6 Investigations

We Dismantle Flawed Investigations

We examine the investigative file line-by-line, exposing bias, incomplete evidence, and false assumptions. We show how alternative explanations make more sense than the narrative the command is pushing.

We Rebuild the True Story

We construct a coherent, fact-based narrative that explains what actually happened, supported by witness statements, digital evidence, and Soldier performance history.

We Prepare Soldiers for Interviews

When Soldiers must speak, preparation is everything. We ensure they understand the questions, avoid traps, and articulate facts clearly.

We Attack the Government’s Case at Every Level

Whether the government relies on a weak 15-6, a biased IO, incomplete interviews, or digital misunderstandings, we expose the weaknesses and force the command to confront their own investigative failures.

Types of Evidence We Analyze in AR 15-6 Cases

Digital Communications

Texts, emails, Signal/WhatsApp chats, social media messages, and group chat histories often tell a different story than the accuser’s statements.

Social Media and Metadata

Timestamps, location data, and image metadata can disprove allegations or show that claims were fabricated.

Witness Statements

We examine witness relationships, motives, and inconsistencies. Many 15-6 witnesses are biased or misinformed.

Performance History and Evaluations

NCOERs, OERs, awards, and deployment history can undermine the narrative that a Soldier suddenly became untrustworthy.

Why Fort Bragg Soldiers Need Civilian Counsel for AR 15-6 Cases

Military Lawyers Are Overloaded

Trial Defense Service attorneys are often stretched thin. Civilian counsel provides the focused attention your case requires.

Command Bias Is Real

Commands at Fort Bragg frequently prefer action over fairness. Civilian lawyers push back and force due process.

The Stakes Are Enormous

An AR 15-6 finding can lead to separation, loss of benefits, adverse evaluations, court-martial, or permanent reputational harm.

Pro Tips for Soldiers Facing Command Investigations

Tip 1: Assume You Are Being Observed

Anything you say or do may be reported or included in the investigative file.

Tip 2: Be Strategic, Not Emotional

Emotional reactions are often misinterpreted as guilt.

Tip 3: Stay Away From Social Media

Do not discuss your case or post anything that could be twisted by investigators.

Tip 4: Follow Orders, But Do Not Volunteer Information

You must comply with lawful orders, but you do not have to incriminate yourself.

Tip 5: Get Civilian Counsel Early

Your chances of success are highest when we intervene before the IO interviews you or submits findings.

Connection to the Fort Bragg Military Defense Hub

This page is part of the Fort Bragg Military Justice Knowledge Center. Related topics include BOIs, Article 15 defense, Article 120 actions, domestic violence, separation boards, assault allegations, and child pornography defense. Together, these pages form the most comprehensive military justice resource available for Fort Bragg Soldiers.

Bottom Call to Action

If you are stationed at Fort Bragg and face a command-directed investigation or AR 15-6 inquiry, do not navigate this alone. Contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 1-800-921-8607 for a confidential consultation. We defend Soldiers worldwide and are ready to help you challenge the investigation and protect your future.