How Command Investigations Destroy Military Careers — And How to Stop It

TLDR – Command Investigations Are Career Killers Unless You Fight Strategically

A military command investigation is not a neutral search for truth. It is a tool used by commanders to create an official narrative that can justify punishment, adverse evaluations, reprimands, administrative separation, or even a court-martial. Investigating officers are often untrained, biased, or influenced by what the command “expects” them to find. If you mishandle a command investigation, you can lose your rank, your reputation, your clearance, your retirement, and your future.

• Your chain of command controls the investigation—and its outcome.
• Most IOs have minimal investigative training and rely heavily on hearsay.
• The IO’s “findings of fact” become the foundation for all follow-on actions.
• The single biggest mistake service members make is trying to “explain” themselves.
• Gonzalez & Waddington are known worldwide as the top command investigation defense lawyers.

The Truth About Command Investigations: They Are Not Designed to Protect You

Command investigations exist to protect commanders—not service members. The legal office advises the commander, not the accused. The IO works for the command and has no obligation to be fair. The entire process is built to shield leadership, manage risk, and maintain discipline—often at the expense of innocent service members.

This is why so many careers are destroyed not in court-martial proceedings, but during the command investigation phase. What happens here determines everything that follows.

Why Command Investigations Are More Dangerous Than Criminal Investigations

Most service members fear CID, OSI, NCIS, or CGIS. But the real danger is the administrative system. Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Administrative actions require almost nothing—just a “belief” by the commander that something happened.

A command investigation can lead to:

• GOMORs and written reprimands
• Article 15s / NJP
• Relief for cause
• Denied promotion or PME selection
• Bars to reenlistment
• Loss of security clearance
• Administrative separation
• Officer elimination or show-cause boards
• Referral to court-martial

A weak or biased command investigation can ruin your life before a lawyer even sees your case.

How Command Investigations Actually Work (The Parts Nobody Tells You)

Step 1: Someone Complains or the Command “Receives Information”

This may start with a verbal complaint, an anonymous statement, a rumor, a SHARP/EO filing, a failed inspection, or a minor incident.

Step 2: The Commander Begins an RCM 303 or Informal Inquiry

This step is often hidden. Leaders gather information before you ever receive notification.

Step 3: The Commander Selects an Investigating Officer

The IO is usually:

• Not trained in investigative techniques
• Not neutral—they know what the command expects
• Influenced by JAG advisers who already believe the complainant

Step 4: Evidence Collection Begins—Without You Knowing

The IO may gather:

• Emails, texts, and social media screenshots
• Witness interviews (often one-sided)
• Statements from the complainant drafted with legal assistance
• Evaluations of your “leadership style” or past issues
• Command climate assessments

Step 5: You Are Notified—Usually After Bias Has Already Set In

By the time you are told you’re a subject, the IO has often already formed a conclusion.

Step 6: The IO Drafts Findings and Conclusions

These findings become gospel unless aggressively rebutted with legal skill.

Step 7: The Approving Authority Signs Off

This higher commander has enormous discretion and can accept, reject, or modify findings based on your rebuttal.

Examples of Why Service Members End Up Under a Command Investigation

1. Complaints of Toxic or Abusive Leadership

Even great leaders can be targeted by unhappy subordinates, competing peers, or command politics.

2. Accusations of Inappropriate Relationships

In today’s hyper-scrutinized environment, harmless interactions can be twisted into misconduct.

3. Misuse of Government Resources

Travel vouchers, GTC errors, mileage claims, or misunderstanding orders can trigger formal inquiries.

4. Safety or Training Incidents

Accidents involving weapons, vehicles, or equipment losses almost always lead to investigations.

5. EO, SHARP, or Climate Complaints

These investigations can be biased, emotional, and driven by group dynamics—not facts.

How Command Investigations Destroy Careers—Even When the Allegations Are Weak

Command investigations are used as the “evidence” to justify damaging administrative actions. A poorly handled investigation can create a permanent record that follows you for the rest of your service.

A Single Line in the Findings Can End Your Promotion Chances

An IO’s statement like “Subject demonstrated questionable judgment…” can kill an O6 board or senior NCO packet.

Relief for Cause Becomes Almost Unbeatable

The command will point to the investigation as justification—even when the investigation is flawed.

A Negative Investigation Can Trigger Tiered Consequences

• Immediate counseling or reprimands
• Placement in UIF/SRB or EPR/OER damage
• Mandatory review by higher echelons
• Separation or elimination boards

Your Clearance Can Be Suspended Permanently

Even unsubstantiated allegations can trigger an adjudication that ends your career path.

The Most Important Decision You Will Ever Make: Whether to Give a Statement

Most careers are lost here. Service members think:

• “I’ll just explain myself.”
• “This is all a misunderstanding.”
• “I didn’t do anything wrong; I’ll clear it up.”

This is a trap. Anything you say becomes evidence—even if false, misquoted, or taken out of context.

Five Critical Tips to Protect Yourself During a Command Investigation

• Tip 1 – Say nothing without counsel. Silence protects your future.
• Tip 2 – Gather digital evidence immediately. Screenshots, texts, emails—preserve everything.
• Tip 3 – Do not rely on military defense counsel for strategy. They are overloaded and often cannot engage early enough.
• Tip 4 – Assume the IO already has a narrative. Your rebuttal’s job is to dismantle it.
• Tip 5 – Hire the most experienced civilian military defense team available. Command investigations are won by strategy—not cooperation.

Army regulation governing investigations:
Army Regulation 15-6 – Procedures for Administrative Investigations

Why Gonzalez & Waddington Are the World Leaders in Command Investigations

Our firm has represented service members in hundreds of command investigations, CDI cases, JAGMAN inquiries, and AR 15-6 rebuttals across the globe. Our rebuttals are known for precision, strategic framing, and compelling evidence use. We are the firm service members and other lawyers call when a command investigation threatens a career.

• Known worldwide for aggressive rebuttals that reverse findings
• Decades of experience defending officers, NCOs, aviators, intel specialists & SOF members
• Expert-level knowledge of AR 15-6, CDI, and JAGMAN procedures
• Global representation capability—Europe, Asia, Middle East, stateside
• Authors of leading books on trial strategy, cross-examination, and legal warfare

Stop the Investigation From Destroying Your Career

You do not get a second chance to handle a command investigation. The IO is writing your story right now. You must take control of the narrative before the findings damage your career.

➤ Speak with Gonzalez & Waddington for immediate command investigation defense

Master Your Rebuttal Before the Approval Authority Decides Your Fate

A strategic rebuttal can prevent reprimands, separation, loss of rank, or referral to NJP/court-martial. Never submit a weak or emotional rebuttal.

➤ Hire our team to craft a commanding rebuttal that shifts the outcome

Command Investigation Defense – Frequently Asked Questions