How Long Do Military Investigations Take?
The Definitive 2026 Guide for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps & Coast Guard
The Short Answer: What to Expect
While every case is unique, the average military criminal investigation in 2025 takes between 6 to 12 months to complete. Simple cases (like a positive urinalysis) may resolve in 3 to 5 months, while complex cases involving digital forensics, financial fraud, or sexual assault allegations can drag on for 18 to 24 months or longer.
During this time, you are likely “flagged,” barred from reenlistment, and potentially removed from your duties.
Investigation Timelines by Agency
Different branches utilize different investigative bodies, each with unique procedural bottlenecks. Identifying your agency is the first step in understanding the timeline.
Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID)
CID is currently facing significant caseload backlogs. A standard felony investigation often takes 9 to 14 months. Cases involving “titling” or probable cause determinations are notoriously slow to update in the sprawling Army bureaucracy.
Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI)
OSI investigations are thorough and methodical. While they are often faster than CID on administrative matters, OSI cases involving computer crimes or complex fraud can take 12 to 18 months due to the depth of their digital forensic analysis.
Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
NCIS handles Navy and Marine Corps cases. Their timelines are heavily influenced by fleet operations. If key witnesses or subjects are deployed on ships, investigations can pause for months. Expect a timeline of 8 to 15 months for serious offenses.
Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS)
CGIS is a smaller agency, which can sometimes mean faster resolution (5 to 9 months). However, jurisdictional issues between federal, state, and maritime law can cause unexpected delays in complex cases.
The “Black Hole”: Why Cases Stall
If your case feels like it has entered a black hole, it is likely due to one of three factors:
| Delay Factor | Impact on Timeline | The Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Forensics | +6 to 12 Months | Crime labs are overwhelmed. Examining a single iPhone or laptop for data can take up to a year. |
| DNA & Toxicology | +3 to 6 Months | Military labs prioritize high-profile cases. Routine drug or DNA testing sits in a queue. |
| Legal Review (Opine) | +2 to 4 Months | Even after the investigation ends, JAGs (prosecutors) must review the file to decide on charges. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common questions regarding investigation timelines and your rights.
How long does an Army CID investigation usually take?
The average Army CID investigation lasts between 6 to 12 months. However, complex cases involving digital forensics (computers/phones) or sexual assault allegations can easily extend to 18 to 24 months due to backlog at the crime labs.
Why is my NCIS investigation taking so long?
NCIS investigations often stall due to “operational tempo”—if witnesses or subjects are deployed on ships or stationed overseas, interviews are delayed. Additionally, digital evidence processing is a major bottleneck across all branches.
Can I separate or retire while under investigation?
Generally, no. You will be “flagged” (Army) or placed on a “legal hold” (Navy/AF/USMC), preventing retirement, reenlistment, promotion, or separation until the investigation is formally closed and adjudicated.
What happens if the investigation takes longer than my ETS date?
If the government believes they have enough evidence to prosecute, they can involuntarily extend you past your ETS date (stop-loss) for the purpose of a Court-Martial. You cannot simply walk away just because your contract ended.
Does a Command Investigation (AR 15-6) take as long as law enforcement?
Usually, no. Command investigations (AR 15-6 or JAGMAN) are administrative and typically finish within 30 to 90 days, though they can be extended by the appointing authority if more time is needed.
Can I speed up a military investigation?
You cannot force law enforcement to close a case, but a defense lawyer can file formal inquiries or Article 138 complaints if the delay becomes unreasonable or violates your due process rights.
Will I get back pay if the investigation clears me?
If you were suspended from duties or denied promotion solely due to the investigation, and you are fully exonerated, you may be eligible for retroactive promotion and back pay, though this process is bureaucratic and often requires legal assistance.
⚠️ Pro Tips: Protecting Yourself During the Wait
Never speak to investigators (CID, OSI, NCIS) simply because you want the investigation “over with.” They are trained to make you incriminate yourself. Invoking your Article 31 rights does not make the investigation take longer; it protects you.
Many service members wait until the investigation ends to hire a lawyer. This is a mistake. By then, the government has had months to build a case against you. Hiring a lawyer during the investigation allows us to gather exculpatory evidence before it disappears.
Stop Waiting. Start Defending.
The government is using this time to build a case against you. You should be building your defense. Gonzalez & Waddington represents service members worldwide. We don’t wait for permission to fight for you.
