Why does Fort Hood have such a high rate of UCMJ investigations?

Fort Hood’s massive population, high-stress operational units, rapid deployments, young Soldier demographics and the nightlife/club scene around Killeen all contribute to frequent disciplinary issues.
The installation has faced national scrutiny for its handling of criminal cases, leading to aggressive investigative and prosecutorial approaches.

What types of UCMJ cases are most common at Fort Hood?

The most frequent cases include:

• Article 120 and 120b sexual assault and sexual abuse allegations
• Domestic violence, assault and strangulation (128 & 128b)
• Indecent conduct and online sexual misconduct (120c, 134)
• Drug distribution, THC vapes, mushrooms and cocaine cases
• DUI, hit-and-run and alcohol-related crimes
• Weapons charges, including concealed carry violations off-post
• Article 92, 107 and 121 (orders violations, false statements, larceny)

Fort Hood also sees a high number of GOMORs and administrative separations.

How does the Killeen civilian legal environment impact Fort Hood Soldiers?

Killeen Police, Bell County Sheriff’s Office and Texas DPS aggressively investigate DUIs, assaults, domestic violence and allegations involving soldiers.
Civilian charges frequently trigger parallel UCMJ actions.
Plea deals, statements and protective orders in civilian court can directly affect military outcomes.

What happens when CID opens an investigation at Fort Hood?

CID immediately begins building a criminal case. They may:

• Interview alleged victims and witnesses
• Seize phones, laptops or barracks room property
• Request emergency or command search authorizations
• Order SANE exams in sexual assault cases
• Coordinate with Killeen Police or Bell County authorities

Your command may flag you, issue no-contact orders or temporarily remove you from duties.

Should I talk to CID if I know I’m innocent?

In most cases, no.
Innocent Soldiers often incriminate themselves during “just tell us your side” interviews.
CID does not conduct interviews to clear suspects—they conduct them to gather evidence.
Ask for a lawyer and remain silent.

What is an AR 15-6 investigation and how is it used at Fort Hood?

An AR 15-6 investigation is an administrative inquiry frequently used to address:

• Leadership failures
• Sexual harassment or misconduct
• Safety violations
• Fraternization
• Toxic command issues

At Fort Hood, 15-6 investigations often lead to GOMORs or administrative separation boards.

Do Soldiers get legal representation during a 15-6?

Soldiers are not automatically assigned a lawyer but may consult TDS or hire civilian counsel.
Legal guidance during early stages prevents self-incrimination and protects career options later.

How serious is an Article 15 at Fort Hood?

Article 15s can result in rank reduction, forfeitures and career-ending consequences.
A single Article 15 can lead to:

• QMP / QSP boards
• Administrative separation initiation
• Loss of promotability
• Bar to re-enlistment

Fort Hood commands frequently use NJP as a stepping stone to separation.

Can I turn down an Article 15?

Yes—most Soldiers can refuse NJP and demand a court-martial, especially in contested cases.
This decision must be made strategically with legal counsel because the stakes are higher.

How do Fort Hood commanders use GOMORs?

GOMORs at Fort Hood are commonly issued for:

• DUIs
• Sexual misconduct allegations
• Domestic violence incidents
• Leadership failures
• Misconduct involving firearms

A permanently filed GOMOR is often career-ending.

What makes a strong GOMOR rebuttal?

A strong rebuttal is:

• Fact-based and strategic
• Supported by credible evidence
• Written carefully to avoid unintended admissions
• Professional and concise

Poor rebuttals often worsen a Soldier’s situation.

Why does Fort Hood initiate so many separation boards?

The post’s size and operational climate lead commands to aggressively eliminate Soldiers viewed as disciplinary liabilities.
Many boards involve:

• Patterns of misconduct
• Domestic incidents
• Sexual misconduct allegations
• DUI or drug use
• Substandard performance

The burden of proof at boards is low compared to court-martial.

Why are Fort Hood courts-martial often high risk?

Fort Hood handles a high volume of serious cases, often involving:

• Sexual assault and child abuse
• Domestic violence and strangulation
• Drug distribution and conspiracy
• Firearms or violent crime

Prosecutors at Fort Hood tend to be experienced, and many cases receive command attention due to the installation’s national visibility.

How does the Article 32 hearing help the defense?

Article 32 hearings allow the defense to:

• Test the credibility of key witnesses
• Expose contradictions
• Lock in testimony
• Show weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory

A strong Article 32 can significantly weaken the government’s case.

Can a Soldier be acquitted at trial but still separated afterward?

Yes.
Fort Hood frequently initiates administrative separation boards even after acquittal because the burden of proof is lower.
An acquittal does not guarantee job security.

Why do Fort Hood Soldiers hire Gonzalez & Waddington?

Because Fort Hood cases are often complex, high-profile and involve career-ending allegations.
Our firm has defended Soldiers from Fort Hood in:

• Article 120, 120b and 120c sexual offense cases
• Child pornography and online misconduct cases
• Domestic violence and strangulation allegations
• Drug distribution and conspiracy prosecutions
• GOMORs, AR 15-6 rebuttals and separation boards

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

They have tried some of the most serious military cases worldwide and taught trial skills across the legal community.
Their books on cross-examination and military defense strategy are used by lawyers around the world.
Soldiers hire them for strong courtroom advocacy and strategic, evidence-driven defense.

Will my TDS lawyer still help me if I hire civilian counsel?

Yes.
Most Fort Hood Soldiers use a dual-defense approach:
TDS provides on-post support while your civilian attorney leads strategy, investigation and trial preparation.

How does being under investigation affect life at Fort Hood?

Soldiers may face:

• No-contact orders
• Weapon restrictions
• Spotlight from leadership
• Duty reassignments
• Stigma among peers

These effects often last months.

How does a case affect family life?

Consequences may include:

• Protective orders from Bell County
• Custody issues in Texas state courts
• Financial strain
• Housing disruptions

Families often feel intense stress during long CID investigations.

What are the biggest mistakes Fort Hood Soldiers make?

The most damaging mistakes include:

• Talking to CID
• Deleting digital evidence
• Calling or texting the accuser
• Posting about the case online
• Violating no-contact orders

These actions turn winnable cases into severe ones.

What should I do immediately if accused?

Stay silent, request an attorney, preserve evidence and contact an experienced civilian military defense lawyer immediately.
Early strategy often determines the entire trajectory of the case.