Why is Fort Drum considered a high-risk environment for UCMJ issues?

Fort Drum’s cold climate, geographic isolation, limited off-post recreation and heavy mission tempo contribute to stress, alcohol use, relationship tension and higher-than-average disciplinary issues.
These factors make UCMJ actions, Article 15s, domestic disputes and sexual assault allegations more common than many Soldiers expect.

What are the most common military legal issues at Fort Drum?

Frequent cases include:

• Article 120 and 120b sexual assault and abuse cases
• Domestic violence under Article 128b
• Alcohol-related incidents (DUI, drunk and disorderly)
• Barracks fights and assaults
• Drug allegations under Article 112a
• Article 92 failure to follow orders
• GOMORs and adverse counseling
• Administrative separations for alleged misconduct or patterns

Many of these actions begin quietly long before the Soldier is notified.

How does the local Watertown/New York civilian justice system affect Fort Drum cases?

Off-post misconduct often leads to involvement by Watertown police, Jefferson County sheriffs or New York State Police.
Civilian charges can escalate into UCMJ actions or separation boards, and civilian plea deals can be used against the Soldier at Fort Drum.
Coordination between civilian and military defense is crucial.

What triggers a CID investigation at Fort Drum?

Investigations begin when:

• A Soldier reports misconduct
• A spouse or partner calls 911
• A medical provider reports injuries
• Leadership refers allegations
• Digital evidence is discovered by the command or another Soldier

Once CID opens a case, the Soldier becomes a subject whether they are formally notified or not.

Should I talk to CID if they say they “just want my side of the story”?

Usually not.
CID investigators often sound friendly, but their goal is to gather evidence that supports the allegation.
Many Fort Drum cases are built almost entirely from the accused Soldier’s own statements.
Politely ask for a lawyer and remain silent.

What is a 15-6 investigation, and how is it used at Fort Drum?

A 15-6 investigation is an administrative inquiry conducted by an appointed officer.
It is not neutral, and it is not a trial.
Fort Drum commands routinely use 15-6 findings to:

• Issue GOMORs
• Remove Soldiers from leadership positions
• Initiate adverse evaluations
• Begin separation boards

The accused has limited rights unless they proactively involve counsel early.

Do I get a lawyer for a command investigation?

You are not automatically assigned one, but you may consult TDS or hire civilian counsel.
An attorney can help prevent self-incrimination, prepare statements and ensure your rights are protected.

How serious is an Article 15 at Fort Drum?

Very serious.
Fort Drum commanders often impose significant punishments such as rank reduction, forfeitures, and extra duty.
Even a local Article 15 can derail promotions and lead to separation later.

Can I turn down an Article 15 and demand a court-martial?

In most cases, yes.
Many Soldiers at Fort Drum choose to turn down NJP when the accusation is false or overblown and they prefer a higher standard of proof in court.
This decision should always be strategic and coordinated with experienced counsel.

How are GOMORs handled at Fort Drum?

GOMORs at Fort Drum are often career-ending if permanently filed.
They frequently arise from alleged DUIs, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and leadership “loss of confidence.”
The rebuttal memorandum determines whether the reprimand is filed locally or permanently.

What should my GOMOR rebuttal include?

A strong rebuttal is:

• Concise
• Fact-focused
• Devoid of emotional venting
• Supported by evidence and character statements

Poorly written rebuttals often hurt Soldiers more than the original reprimand.

Why does Fort Drum initiate so many administrative separation boards?

The operational tempo and personnel turnover at Fort Drum lead commands to separate Soldiers they view as legal, disciplinary or readiness liabilities.
Even minor misconduct or one-time incidents can result in separation actions.

What makes Fort Drum court-martials unique?

Fort Drum courts-martial often involve:

• Experienced prosecutors
• Serious felony-level charges
• Heavy reliance on digital forensics
• Alcohol-related sexual misconduct cases
• Domestic disputes triggered by stress and long separations

Many cases hinge on witness credibility, forensic evidence and cross-examination skill.

How important is the Article 32 hearing at Fort Drum?

Critical.
Article 32 hearings let the defense challenge witnesses early, lock in testimony, expose contradictions and influence command decision making.
A strong showing at this stage can shift the entire trajectory of a case.

Could acquittal still lead to a separation board?

Yes.
Commands sometimes pursue separation boards even when a Soldier is found not guilty at trial.
The burden of proof at a board is lower, so Soldiers need strong representation at both stages.

Why do Soldiers from Fort Drum hire Gonzalez & Waddington?

Fort Drum Soldiers hire us because we handle serious, high-stakes UCMJ cases every day, including:

• Sexual assault (120, 120b, 120c)
• Child pornography and online sexual misconduct
• Domestic violence and strangulation
• Serious assault and drug cases
• High-visibility leadership and officer misconduct cases

Our firm brings deep courtroom experience and specialized cross-examination skill to complex UCMJ litigation.

What experience do Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington bring to Fort Drum cases?

Our attorneys have defended military clients for decades across the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
They teach trial skills, write books on cross-examination and military law, and are known for dismantling weak investigations and exposing inconsistent testimony.

Can I still work with my TDS lawyer if I hire civilian counsel?

Yes.
Most Fort Drum Soldiers use a combined defense team.
TDS provides base access, daily coordination and on-post support, while civilian counsel leads strategy, trial preparation and cross examination.

How does a UCMJ case affect life at Fort Drum?

Investigations often result in:

• Loss of weapons access
• No contact orders
• Housing restrictions
• Temporary duty changes
• Social isolation due to stigma

These effects can last months or longer.

How does a pending case affect my family?

Legal problems can impact:

• Child custody disputes in New York courts
• Household income
• Housing and relocation
• Family stability

Families often struggle with uncertainty during long investigations.

What should I avoid doing if I am under investigation at Fort Drum?

Avoid:

• Talking to CID or MPs without a lawyer
• Trying to fix the situation yourself
• Deleting texts, photos or social media
• Discussing the case with coworkers
• Violating protective or no-contact orders

These mistakes commonly turn a defensible case into a severe one.

What should I do immediately if accused of misconduct?

Stay calm, ask for a lawyer, avoid making statements and preserve digital evidence.
Then contact a civilian military defense lawyer to begin building a strategy before the command hardens its position.