Fort McNair Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry—not criminal—but its findings at Fort McNair can still jeopardize a service member’s career and escalate into reprimands, separation actions, or even court‑martial. Gonzalez & Waddington provides guidance on these processes. Call 1‑800‑921‑8607 for more information.
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.
Yes, administrative separation can occur without a court-martial when a command determines that a service member’s performance or conduct warrants review. This process is separate from the military justice system. It allows separation even when no criminal charges are pursued.
A Board of Inquiry is an administrative hearing focused on whether a service member should be retained. Nonjudicial punishment is a disciplinary tool used by commanders to address minor misconduct. The outcomes and procedures for each process are distinct.
The burden of proof is typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the board must find it more likely than not that the alleged basis for separation occurred. This standard is lower than that used in a court-martial. The board uses this threshold to make its findings.
A Board of Inquiry generally consists of three commissioned officers. These officers are senior to the service member being reviewed. They evaluate the evidence and determine the findings and recommendations.
The board may consider documents, witness testimony, and any exhibits submitted by either side. Rules of evidence are more relaxed than in a court-martial. The board decides what information is relevant and admissible.
If the board recommends separation, it may influence whether a service member reaches the required service for retirement eligibility. The impact depends on the member’s service record and current status. Retirement benefits are addressed according to applicable regulations.
A BOI may recommend a particular discharge characterization based on its findings. Characterizations can reflect the service member’s overall performance and conduct. The final approval authority reviews the recommendation before issuing a decision.
Service members may choose to have a civilian attorney represent them at a BOI. The civilian lawyer can participate in presenting evidence and questioning witnesses. Their involvement follows the same procedural rules that apply to all representatives.
Fort McNair sits at the tip of Greenleaf Point in southwest Washington, D.C., bordered by the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. Its position places it within walking distance of the Capitol district and several historic neighborhoods. The surrounding civilian community interacts closely with the installation through shared transportation corridors and civic programs.
The installation’s location near the federal core provides direct access to national decision-making centers. This proximity supports its role in hosting senior-level commands engaged in joint planning and education. The riverside setting also offers a secure yet connected environment for mission execution.
Fort McNair is primarily an Army installation and part of Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall. It houses high-level commands responsible for professional military education and strategic coordination. These missions contribute to shaping policy-level readiness across the force.
The installation includes institutions focused on senior leader development and interagency collaboration. Its tenant activities emphasize joint service cooperation rather than traditional field units. This creates a hub for advanced study and coordination among multiple military branches.
The population is smaller than that of operational posts, reflecting its focus on staff, faculty, and students. Personnel include officers attending long-term academic programs and those supporting command functions. Civilian specialists also contribute to the installation’s daily activity.
Academic cycles, strategic planning sessions, and interagency meetings drive the installation’s rhythm. Rotational cohorts of students arrive throughout the year to attend advanced courses. These activities shape the post’s steady but purposeful operational tempo.
Given its senior-leader academic focus, UCMJ matters often relate to administrative issues, investigations, or conduct expectations tied to professional duties. Personnel may also face legal actions arising from joint operations or temporary assignments. The structured environment can shape how cases are initiated and processed.
Service members assigned to or passing through Fort McNair may encounter investigations, non-judicial proceedings, or separation actions. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Fort McNair. Their experience supports personnel navigating the complexities of military justice within this strategic installation.
Fort McNair is located in Washington, D.C., at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, placing it at the heart of the National Capital Region. Its position on the peninsula of Greenleaf Point gives it a unique strategic vantage within the District, surrounded by civilian neighborhoods such as Southwest Waterfront, Buzzard Point, and Capitol Hill. The urban environment integrates tightly with the installation, with service members regularly interacting with federal agencies, district authorities, and the surrounding community. The humid mid-Atlantic climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, shapes daily operations and outdoor training schedules. Fort McNair’s location is significant not only for its proximity to national decision-making centers but also for the ease of coordination with other regional military commands and joint-service activities.
Fort McNair hosts a concentrated but influential military presence, most prominently under the Army and joint commands that support strategic-level education and senior leader development. The installation is home to key institutions focused on professional military education, national security studies, and interagency coordination. These commands contribute to shaping policy, guiding force development, and preparing senior leaders for global responsibilities. The base’s mission emphasizes intellectual readiness, strategic planning, and joint-force collaboration rather than large-scale maneuver training.
The service member population at Fort McNair is modest compared to larger operational installations, consisting primarily of staff, instructors, and students from multiple branches. Personnel rotate through for advanced education programs, short-term assignments, and interagency engagements. While the base does not house deployable combat units, it plays an essential role in preparing leaders whose decisions affect worldwide operations. The academic rhythm, visiting dignitaries, and constant influx of joint-service participants create a steady operational tempo unique to the installation’s mission.
Despite its academic and strategic focus, service members assigned to or passing through Fort McNair remain subject to the full scope of the UCMJ. Investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, and courts-martial can arise from misconduct occurring on or off the installation, especially given the demanding professional environment and close civilian-military interaction within Washington, D.C. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Fort McNair facing these challenges and navigating the complexities of military justice.
https://www.jbmhh.army.mil/
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.
Yes, CDI results can be used to initiate administrative separation or a Board of Inquiry, even if no criminal charges are filed.
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.
