Fort Leavenworth Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to assess alleged misconduct or performance issues. Although not criminal, it can seriously impact a career and may escalate to reprimands, separation, or court‑martial actions at Fort Leavenworth. Gonzalez & Waddington offers guidance: 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 if commanders believe a service member no longer meets retention standards. This process is separate from the military justice system and follows its own regulations and timelines. It is handled through administrative channels rather than criminal proceedings.
Answer: A BOI is an administrative fact‑finding process used to determine whether a service member should be retained. NJP, by contrast, is a disciplinary tool allowing commanders to address alleged minor misconduct. While NJP focuses on punishment, a BOI evaluates suitability for continued service.
Answer: The burden of proof at a BOI is typically a preponderance of the evidence. This means the board considers whether it is more likely than not that the alleged conduct occurred. The board uses this standard when evaluating evidence and making findings.
Answer: A BOI is typically composed of three commissioned officers. At least one member is usually senior to the service member being reviewed. These officers are responsible for assessing the evidence and making recommendations.
Answer: A BOI may review documents, service records, witness testimony, and any exhibits relevant to the allegations. The board can consider both favorable and unfavorable information. Its goal is to gain a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding the case.
Answer: A BOI may review a service member’s overall record when considering issues related to retirement eligibility. Certain findings can influence whether a member is permitted to retire in their current grade. Retirement decisions depend on applicable regulations and the board’s recommendations.
Answer: A BOI may recommend a discharge characterization based on the evidence and a member’s service history. Possible characterizations include Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable. The final determination is made by the appropriate separation authority.
Answer: Service members are generally allowed to hire civilian counsel at their own expense for a BOI. Civilian attorneys may participate in presenting evidence and questioning witnesses. Their involvement occurs alongside any assigned military counsel.
Fort Leavenworth sits in northeastern Kansas along the Missouri River, directly adjacent to the city of Leavenworth and not far from the Kansas City metropolitan area. Its position on rolling river bluffs gives it a distinct Midwestern landscape that influences daily operations. The installation’s proximity to established civilian communities creates a long-standing military–civilian connection unique to the region.
The post’s location near major transportation routes in Kansas and Missouri supports its function as a central hub for command and education activities. Its placement within the Midwest allows easy access for personnel arriving from units across the country. This regional accessibility strengthens its role in joint and interagency coordination.
Fort Leavenworth is primarily an Army installation known for its educational and leadership development mission. It hosts key organizations focused on doctrine, training, and professional military education. These activities position the post as a cornerstone of Army intellectual development.
The installation supports command functions, analytical work, and leadership training that influence Army operations worldwide. Its tenant commands contribute to shaping planning, readiness, and modernization efforts. This mission profile reinforces its reputation as an institutional rather than a heavily deployable base.
The population includes active duty personnel, students, instructors, and support staff associated with educational programs. While the post does not host large combat formations, it maintains continuous activity due to its academic cycles. This steady tempo brings a diverse mix of service members throughout the year.
Activities focus on command training, seminars, analytical collaboration, and leadership development. Many personnel rotate through on temporary or school-related assignments. These functions create a dynamic environment distinct from more operational posts.
Because the installation hosts a broad population of students and permanent staff, UCMJ matters may arise from training requirements, academic pressures, or command responsibilities. Investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, and separation processes may occur as part of routine military oversight. The post’s structured environment can influence how such matters develop.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at or passing through Fort Leavenworth. Their work encompasses cases involving the full range of UCMJ issues that can surface within the installation’s academic and command-focused setting. This support reflects the unique legal needs of a leadership-centered Army post.
Fort Leavenworth is located in northeastern Kansas along the Missouri River, directly adjacent to the historic city of Leavenworth and just north of the Kansas City metropolitan area. This placement at the crossroads of the Midwest gives the installation a blend of open plains, river bluffs, and a four‑season climate that shapes daily operations and training conditions. The post maintains close ties with surrounding civilian communities, with many military families living or working in Leavenworth, Lansing, and Platte County, Missouri. The proximity to a major urban center provides access to transportation networks, academic institutions, and joint-service partnerships that support the installation’s mission.
Military Presence & Mission
As one of the U.S. Army’s oldest continuously operating posts, Fort Leavenworth is known for its leadership, education, and doctrinal development missions rather than large-scale maneuver forces. The installation hosts the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, the Command and General Staff College, and other key training and doctrine organizations that influence Army operations worldwide. Its primary focus is developing leaders, refining operational concepts, and supporting professional military education for U.S. and allied officers. While not a major power‑projection platform, the post plays a central role in shaping the Army’s intellectual and strategic direction.
Service Member Population & Activity
The active duty population at Fort Leavenworth consists largely of mid‑career officers, instructors, and specialized support personnel. The tempo of activity is driven by academic cycles, doctrinal updates, and visiting units or partner‑nation officers attending courses. Though the installation does not support large deployable brigades or aviation fleets, its work directly influences operational planning, readiness, and global deployment strategies across the force.
Military Law & UCMJ Relevance
Because Fort Leavenworth hosts senior leaders, instructors, and students transitioning between assignments, a wide range of UCMJ matters can arise, from administrative investigations and non‑judicial punishment to courts‑martial and separation actions. The professional environment and high expectations placed on both resident and transient personnel mean that legal issues are handled with particular scrutiny. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at or passing through Fort Leavenworth who are facing these challenges.
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After completion, the Investigating Officer submits a written report with findings and recommendations. The command then decides what action, if any, to take.
Yes, digital evidence such as texts, emails, social media messages, and call logs are commonly reviewed during CDIs.
Yes, a CDI can proceed without live witnesses if sufficient documentary or digital evidence exists. Written statements are often used.
Legal advisors typically review the CDI for sufficiency and compliance before command action is taken. However, the Investigating Officer is not the service member’s lawyer.
Yes, CDI findings are frequently used to support Letters of Reprimand or Non-Judicial Punishment. These administrative actions often rely heavily on the CDI report.
