Camp Foster Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative, fact-finding inquiry—not a criminal process—but at Camp Foster it can still jeopardize a service member’s career and lead to reprimands, separation, or court-martial. Gonzalez & Waddington provide defense guidance; for assistance call 1-800-921-8607.
Watch the criminal defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington break down how they defend criminal cases and service members worldwide against Federal Charges, Florida State Charges, UCMJ allegations, CID/NCIS/OSI investigations, court-martials, Article 120 cases, administrative separations, and GOMORs. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, this video explains what your rights are and how experienced criminal defense lawyers can make the difference.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges or a criminal investigation by federal authorities, the military, or the State of Florida, early defense matters. Gonzalez & Waddington provide disciplined, trial-focused criminal defense for high-stakes cases involving serious allegations and complex evidence. To speak with experienced criminal defense lawyers and get confidential guidance, call 1-800-921-8607 or text 954-909-7407 to request a no-cost, confidential consultation.
Answer: Yes, administrative separation can occur without a court-martial because it is a non‑judicial personnel process. It focuses on a service member’s suitability for continued service rather than criminal guilt. The procedures and rights differ significantly from those in military justice proceedings.
Answer: A BOI is an administrative hearing that examines whether separation is appropriate, while NJP is a disciplinary tool used by commanders for minor offenses. NJP may result in punishment but does not, by itself, decide separation. A BOI is more formal and involves a panel of officers reviewing evidence.
Answer: The government must meet a lower burden of proof than is required at a court‑martial. Typically, the standard is a preponderance of the evidence, meaning something is more likely than not. This standard applies to the allegations and the basis for possible separation.
Answer: A BOI is usually composed of three commissioned officers. They are selected to evaluate the evidence and determine whether the alleged conduct occurred. One officer serves as the president of the board and manages the proceedings.
Answer: The board may review documents, records, witness statements, and testimony presented by both the government and the service member. The rules of evidence are more relaxed than in a court‑martial. The board determines the weight and relevance of each item presented.
Answer: A BOI can influence whether a service member remains on active duty long enough to become retirement‑eligible. It may also review matters related to honorable service in determining retention. Retirement decisions ultimately follow service regulations and administrative findings.
Answer: The board reviews the member’s overall record, the specific allegations, and service history when recommending a characterization. Options typically include Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Other Than Honorable. The recommendation is forwarded through the chain of command for final action.
Answer: Yes, service members may be represented by a civilian attorney at their own expense. They may also be assigned or assisted by a military attorney. Both types of counsel can participate in presenting evidence and questioning witnesses during the hearing.
Camp Foster sits along the central coast of Okinawa, positioned between Ginowan and Chatan. Its placement within a densely populated area fosters regular interaction between military personnel and surrounding civilian communities. The base’s coastal environment provides strategic access to regional transportation routes.
Okinawa’s location in the Ryukyu Islands places Camp Foster near key Indo-Pacific sea lanes. This setting supports rapid coordination with nearby U.S. installations and Japanese municipalities. The base’s integration with local infrastructure contributes to shared regional stability efforts.
The installation is a major hub for the U.S. Marine Corps in Okinawa. It hosts command, support, and administrative elements that underpin broader Marine operations across the island. These functions reinforce coordination among adjacent Marine camps and partner facilities.
Camp Foster provides command-and-control, logistics, and medical support for Marine forces stationed throughout Okinawa. The base plays a central role in sustaining readiness for forward‑deployed units. Its functions help align training, deployment cycles, and regional security commitments.
The population includes thousands of active duty Marines, supported by civilians and family members. Many personnel rotate through the installation as part of overseas assignments. Activity levels remain steady due to continuing operational requirements in the region.
Camp Foster hosts administrative headquarters, medical facilities, and logistics centers serving the broader Marine presence on Okinawa. These activities support both daily operations and long-term force posture. The installation also manages transient personnel tied to training and regional missions.
Because of its command functions, the base regularly handles investigations, administrative actions, and other UCMJ processes involving assigned personnel. Operational tempo and overseas responsibilities can influence how cases arise and proceed. Units rely on established legal channels to manage these situations.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Camp Foster. Their work involves supporting those confronted with actions such as non‑judicial procedures, courts‑martial, or separation matters. Representation occurs within the framework of the installation’s legal environment.
Camp Foster sits in the central corridor of Okinawa, Japan, bordered by the civilian communities of Ginowan, Chatan, and Okinawa City. Positioned along Route 58, the installation is embedded within one of the island’s most developed urban zones, creating continual interaction between Marines, families, and local residents. The subtropical climate, coastal terrain, and proximity to Kadena Air Base and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma make Camp Foster a key hub within the larger U.S. presence on Okinawa. Its location supports rapid movement of personnel and equipment across the island and provides access to regional sea and air routes that are critical for Indo-Pacific operations.
Camp Foster is a major Marine Corps installation that houses component commands for III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations Pacific. The base supports command-and-control functions, regional coordination, and forward-deployed operations extending throughout the Pacific. As a headquarters and support platform, it plays a central role in sustaining Marine forces positioned across Okinawa and partner nations. While not a primary training base, Camp Foster provides essential operational planning, logistics, medical support, and administrative infrastructure that enable Marine units to maintain readiness for rapid deployment.
The installation hosts a substantial active duty population, along with DoD civilians and family members who rely on its services, schools, housing areas, and medical facilities. Personnel stationed at Camp Foster support everything from logistics command functions to regional operational planning. The base experiences steady rotational activity, with units moving through Okinawa for exercises, joint operations, and forward-postured missions tied to U.S.–Japan security cooperation. The presence of medical, legal, engineering, and headquarters elements gives the installation a wide operational footprint that differs from training‑focused bases elsewhere.
Because Camp Foster hosts a diverse and continuously active military population, service members may encounter UCMJ matters ranging from command investigations and administrative actions to non-judicial punishment or courts-martial. High operational demands, combined with the unique overseas environment, can influence how cases arise and are processed. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Camp Foster who are facing these challenges and require guidance through the military justice system.
https://www.okinawa.usmc.mil/
Yes, statements made during a CDI are often included in the investigative report and can be used in later administrative or criminal proceedings.
Yes, a CDI can escalate into a court-martial if the findings support criminal charges under the UCMJ. Commands may refer the case for prosecution after review.
The standard of proof is administrative, typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning more likely than not. This is much lower than the criminal standard.
Yes, while a CDI itself does not impose punishment, its findings can lead to NJP, Letters of Reprimand, court-martial charges, or administrative separation.
The investigation is conducted by an appointed Investigating Officer, usually another service member, who is tasked with gathering facts and reporting findings to the command.
