Fairchild Air Force Base Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal proceeding, yet it can still jeopardize a service member’s career through possible reprimands, separation actions, or referral to court-martial. At Fairchild Air Force Base, Gonzalez & Waddington provides guidance on these processes. 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, a service member at Fairchild Air Force Base may face administrative separation without a court-martial. Administrative processes operate independently of the military justice system and can result in discharge based on documented performance or conduct concerns.
Answer: A Board of Inquiry is an administrative hearing focused on whether a service member should be retained. Nonjudicial Punishment is a disciplinary tool for minor offenses and does not itself determine separation.
Answer: The burden of proof at a BOI is typically a preponderance of the evidence standard. This means the board evaluates whether it is more likely than not that the alleged conduct or performance issues occurred.
Answer: A BOI is usually composed of three commissioned officers, with seniority requirements based on the member’s rank. These officers review the evidence and make findings regarding retention or separation.
Answer: The board may review documents, witness statements, service records, and any materials submitted by the member. Both favorable and unfavorable information can be evaluated as part of the administrative record.
Answer: Administrative separation may impact a member’s ability to reach a qualifying retirement milestone. The board’s findings can influence whether the member continues service long enough to earn retirement benefits.
Answer: Administrative separations may result in Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Under Other Than Honorable Conditions characterizations. The final characterization is based on the board’s assessment of service history and the underlying conduct.
Answer: Service members may retain a civilian attorney to participate in the BOI process. The civilian lawyer can present evidence, question witnesses, and support the member during the hearing.
Fairchild Air Force Base sits in eastern Washington, just west of Spokane and near the towns of Airway Heights and Medical Lake. The region features a mix of forested terrain and open plains shaped by the Columbia Plateau. Its position near major transportation corridors enhances its operational value.
The base maintains close connections with Spokane County through shared services, workforce ties, and local support organizations. Military families rely on nearby schools, medical facilities, and retail areas. This integration strengthens both community resilience and base sustainability.
The installation is operated by the U.S. Air Force and serves as a key hub for air mobility operations. It hosts units that contribute to global reach and sustained air operations. Tenant organizations support a range of mission requirements.
The base is known for its air refueling mission, supported largely by KC‑135 aircraft. Its capabilities enable long‑range operations across the Indo‑Pacific and other regions. Training and readiness activities occur continuously throughout the year.
Fairchild supports a substantial active‑duty population along with civilian personnel and dependents. Activity levels remain steady due to constant mobility requirements. Deployable units cycle through regular training and rotational commitments.
Aircrew, maintenance, medical, security, and support functions operate at a high tempo. The base also manages mobility training that draws personnel from across the Air Force. These missions contribute to ongoing global tasking.
Service members may encounter UCMJ actions stemming from investigations, administrative matters, non‑judicial punishment, or courts‑martial. The base’s operational pace and training demands influence how such issues emerge and proceed. Command responsibilities shape the handling of legal processes.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at or passing through Fairchild Air Force Base. Their work includes cases connected to the installation’s mission environment and operational structure. Representation may involve matters linked to the base’s refueling and mobility activities.
Fairchild Air Force Base is located in eastern Washington, just west of Spokane and situated near the small communities of Airway Heights and Medical Lake. Its position on the edge of the Columbia Plateau provides a mix of open terrain, pine forests, and a four‑season climate that includes cold winters and dry summers. The base sits near major transportation corridors that connect the Inland Northwest to the rest of the Pacific Northwest and the northern tier states, offering strategic access for aviation and mobility operations. Fairchild’s proximity to Spokane means the installation is deeply integrated with civilian life, drawing on the region’s schools, hospitals, and workforce while contributing significantly to the local economy and regional identity.
Fairchild Air Force Base is a key installation for the U.S. Air Force, home to Air Mobility Command units that focus on global air refueling and rapid mobility operations. The base hosts major tanker aircraft and supports missions that extend across the Indo‑Pacific, Europe, and other theaters. Additional tenant units conduct survival training and support operational planning, giving Fairchild a distinct role in both global reach and specialized training. Its mission set makes the installation one of the primary hubs for aerial refueling operations in the western United States.
The base supports a substantial active duty population, including aircrew, maintainers, survival instructors, medical personnel, and support staff. Fairchild maintains a steady operational rhythm due to continuous tanker taskings, joint exercises, and periodic overseas deployments. Training airspace in the surrounding region allows for frequent flight operations and survival training rotations, bringing additional personnel through the installation throughout the year.
With its high activity level and constant movement of aircrews and trainees, Fairchild Air Force Base sees a full range of UCMJ matters, from command investigations and administrative actions to non‑judicial punishment and courts‑martial. The operational tempo and training demands can influence how legal issues emerge and how quickly they must be addressed. Service members assigned to or passing through Fairchild often seek experienced legal guidance, and the military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in these matters.
https://www.fairchild.af.mil/
Yes, the scope of a CDI can be expanded if new allegations or issues arise during fact-finding. This is common in practice.
The length of a CDI varies depending on complexity, number of witnesses, and command urgency. Some are completed quickly, while others may take weeks or months.
Service members retain certain rights, including Article 31(b) protections when suspected of an offense. These rights apply even though the investigation is administrative.
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.
