Edwards Air Force Base Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal process, but it can still threaten a service member’s career at Edwards Air Force Base by escalating into reprimands, separation actions, or even court-martial. For guidance, contact Gonzalez & Waddington at 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.
Administrative separation can occur without a court-martial when the command believes a service member’s conduct or performance warrants review. This process is separate from criminal proceedings and uses different standards. It allows the Air Force to address issues that may not rise to the level of judicial action.
A Board of Inquiry is a formal administrative hearing that evaluates whether a service member should be retained. NJP, on the other hand, is a disciplinary tool used by commanders to address minor misconduct. The two processes operate independently and serve different purposes within military justice.
The burden of proof at a BOI is typically based on a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the board evaluates whether allegations are more likely true than not. This is a lower standard than that used in criminal court. The board uses this standard to reach its findings and recommendations.
A BOI usually consists of three commissioned officers selected by the convening authority. These officers review evidence and make findings about the case. At least one member is generally required to be in a grade equal to or higher than the respondent.
The board may consider documents, witness statements, records of service, and any other materials deemed relevant. Both the government and the respondent may offer evidence for review. The board determines what information is admissible and how much weight it carries.
The board’s findings can influence whether a service member continues service long enough to reach retirement eligibility. Administrative outcomes may also affect how a member’s service is recorded. Retirement-related impacts depend on the board’s final recommendations and the approving authority.
Possible administrative characterizations include Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Other Than Honorable. The characterization reflects the member’s overall service record. It is determined after the board reviews all available information.
Service members may have a civilian lawyer represent them during a BOI in addition to their assigned military counsel. The civilian attorney can participate in the proceedings under the same rules that apply to counsel. All representation must follow the board’s procedural guidelines.
Edwards Air Force Base sits in the western Mojave Desert of Southern California, positioned between Rosamond and California City. Its high-desert terrain and dry climate create conditions ideal for aerospace testing. The base connects closely with surrounding Kern and Los Angeles County communities through shared infrastructure and regional support systems.
The expansive Rogers Dry Lake and open airspace provide an environment uniquely suited for flight testing. These geographic features enable controlled test corridors not found in more congested regions. The surrounding desert communities help sustain the specialized workforce required for these operations.
The installation is primarily home to the U.S. Air Force and serves as a cornerstone for aerospace research, test, and evaluation. Major tenant units include organizations responsible for experimental aircraft, range operations, and developmental programs. Its mission supports the advancement of next‑generation air platforms.
The base oversees flight testing for aircraft, weapons, and associated systems across multiple stages of development. It plays a central role in validating performance and airworthiness before platforms enter operational service. This mission supports broader readiness and modernization objectives.
The installation hosts a moderate active duty population supported by civilian engineers and contractors. Personnel are engaged in continuous testing cycles rather than large-scale deployment rotations. Activity levels reflect the technical demands of developmental aviation programs.
Members support flight operations, engineering assessments, logistics functions, and command oversight of test programs. The base also receives visiting units for specialized evaluations and test events. These activities maintain a steady and predictable operational tempo.
Service members may encounter UCMJ matters tied to the pressures of high‑visibility testing environments or the demands of specialized missions. Investigations, administrative actions, and courts-martial can arise for personnel stationed on the flight line or in technical units. The structured nature of test operations shapes how legal issues are managed.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Edwards Air Force Base. Their representation covers those assigned to permanent units as well as individuals temporarily supporting test activities. This support is available regardless of a member’s role in the broader test mission.
Edwards Air Force Base is located in the western Mojave Desert of Southern California, spanning Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties. The installation sits north of Lancaster and Palmdale and is surrounded by vast desert terrain, dry lakebeds, and open airspace that uniquely support high‑speed flight testing and experimental aviation. Nearby civilian communities such as Rosamond and California City maintain strong ties to the base, with many military families living, working, and attending school in these areas. The remote location is operationally significant: the wide expanses, clear weather, and restricted airspace make Edwards one of the few places in the country capable of hosting advanced aerospace testing and large‑scale training operations.
Edwards Air Force Base is a major installation for the United States Air Force and serves as the home of the Air Force Test Center and the Air Force Test Pilot School. Its mission centers on developmental testing of aircraft, weapons systems, and aerospace technologies. The base supports a mix of test wings, engineering elements, and specialized aviation units responsible for evaluating next‑generation capabilities before they enter operational service. Tenant organizations from other branches and defense agencies also participate in joint testing programs, reinforcing Edwards’ role as a cornerstone of national aerospace advancement.
The active duty population at Edwards is moderate in size but highly specialized. Personnel include pilots, maintainers, engineers, logisticians, medical staff, and students attending the Test Pilot School. While the base does not typically host large deployable wings, it supports continuous flight operations, visiting test units, and rotational teams conducting short‑term evaluations. The steady pace of experimentation, flight testing, and technical training creates a demanding environment that differs from traditional operational bases.
Because of its high‑tempo test environment, service members at Edwards may encounter UCMJ matters involving safety investigations, administrative actions, non‑judicial punishment, courts‑martial, or separation proceedings. The unique technical mission can shape how incidents are reviewed and how accountability is assessed. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Edwards Air Force Base who are facing these types of challenges and require experienced legal guidance.
https://www.edwards.af.mil/
A Command-Directed Investigation is ordered by a commander with appropriate authority over the service member or unit involved. The decision is often made after consultation with legal advisors.
No, a Command-Directed Investigation is administrative, not criminal, but it can lead to criminal, disciplinary, or separation action based on its findings.
A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to gather facts about alleged misconduct, performance issues, or concerns affecting good order and discipline. It is not a criminal proceeding.
Many service members choose to hire civilian military defense lawyers during a CDI because early involvement can affect how statements, evidence, and findings are documented and later used.
The CDI report itself is not always permanently filed, but its findings and resulting actions often become part of the service member’s administrative record.
