Fort Myer Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative, noncriminal inquiry that can still jeopardize a service member’s career through potential reprimands, separation actions, or escalation toward court-martial. At Fort Myer, Gonzalez & Waddington provide guidance on navigating these actions. 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.
Administrative separation can occur without a court-martial because it is a nonjudicial, administrative process. The command initiates it based on regulatory grounds rather than criminal conviction. The process focuses on a service member’s suitability for continued service.
A BOI is an administrative hearing focused on whether a service member should be retained. NJP is a disciplinary action used by commanders to address minor misconduct. NJP does not determine retention, while a BOI evaluates service suitability.
The burden of proof is typically a preponderance of the evidence, which is an administrative standard. This means the board decides whether the allegations are more likely than not true. It is lower than the criminal standard used in courts-martial.
A BOI generally consists of three commissioned officers. Members are usually senior to the service member and selected to ensure fairness and impartiality. They evaluate evidence and make findings on the case.
The board may review documents, records, and witness testimony relevant to the allegations. Administrative boards allow broader evidence than a court-martial, including materials that may not meet strict evidentiary rules. Both the government and the service member can present information.
A BOI can examine whether a service member is eligible to retire or whether separation should occur instead. Retirement-related decisions depend on the board’s findings and the applicable regulations. Outcomes may influence pay and benefits status.
The board evaluates the service record and the underlying allegations to recommend a characterization. Possible characterizations include Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable, depending on the circumstances. These labels reflect the quality of service as assessed by the board.
A service member may be represented by a civilian attorney at a BOI. The civilian lawyer can present evidence, question witnesses, and assist with the case within the board’s procedural rules. The member can also consult appointed military counsel.
Fort Myer sits in Northern Virginia within Arlington County, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and minutes from Washington, D.C. Its position on high ground above the Potomac River has long provided strategic value for defense and ceremonial functions. The installation is closely connected to surrounding civilian neighborhoods such as Arlington’s Lyon Village and Pentagon City.
The base operates in a dense metropolitan environment with heavy federal, diplomatic, and military presence. Seasonal weather ranges from humid summers to cold winters, influencing training and ceremonial operations. Its proximity to national institutions affects coordination with civilian agencies and local partners.
Fort Myer is part of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and hosts primarily Army units with a strong ceremonial and support focus. Tenant organizations contribute to national-level missions and daily operational requirements. The installation plays a central role in ceremonial duties across the capital region.
The mission centers on readiness, ceremonial operations, and support services for the National Capital Region. Units based there execute functions tied to national leadership events and defense responsibilities. The installation also supports interagency coordination due to its proximity to federal headquarters.
Fort Myer hosts a concentrated but active population of soldiers, Marines, and joint-service personnel. While smaller than major training bases, its operations remain steady throughout the year. Activity levels rise during ceremonial seasons and periods of national events.
The base manages ceremonial support, administrative functions, and readiness duties. Personnel often rotate through short-term assignments linked to national missions. Coordination with nearby commands ensures continuity of operations across the capital area.
Because of its high-visibility mission, service members may face UCMJ actions related to workplace expectations, investigations, or administrative matters. The tempo of ceremonial and support operations can shape how legal issues arise. Command oversight reflects the installation’s national-level responsibilities.
Service members stationed at or visiting Fort Myer can face investigations, non-judicial punishment, or courts-martial. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Fort Myer in these matters. Their work supports personnel navigating the military justice system in this unique operational environment.
Fort Myer sits in Northern Virginia within Arlington County, directly adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Its position within the National Capital Region places it at the heart of the federal defense and policymaking environment, with close proximity to the Pentagon, Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall, and the surrounding communities of Arlington, Crystal City, and Rosslyn. The area’s urban setting, temperate Mid-Atlantic climate, and dense transportation network make the installation highly accessible for joint operations, ceremonial missions, and interagency coordination. The base’s longstanding integration with Arlington’s civilian neighborhoods also shapes daily activity, as military personnel interact frequently with local businesses, schools, and community services.
Fort Myer is best known for its association with the U.S. Army and its role as part of Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall. The installation supports high-visibility ceremonial units and key headquarters elements that serve the National Capital Region. Its mission is distinct from traditional training or maneuver bases; instead, it focuses on ceremonial support, joint-service coordination, and readiness functions that directly support senior military leadership and national events. Major tenant elements contribute to both operational continuity and the military’s ceremonial presence in the nation’s capital.
The installation hosts a steady population of active duty personnel, many of whom support ceremonial details, administrative headquarters, joint-service operations, and specialized readiness missions. While Fort Myer does not house large-scale deployable brigades, its units maintain a demanding operational rhythm tied to national ceremonies, overseas coordination, and interagency support duties. Personnel assigned here often balance routine garrison responsibilities with events that require precision, rapid response, and close synchronization with other services in the region.
Service members stationed at or passing through Fort Myer may encounter UCMJ matters such as investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, or separation proceedings. The installation’s unique mission—characterized by constant public visibility, joint-service integration, and high operational expectations—can increase the likelihood that legal issues must be addressed efficiently and professionally. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Fort Myer, providing support for those facing military justice challenges within this demanding environment.
https://www.jbmhh.army.mil/
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.
Yes, CDI results can be used to initiate administrative separation or a Board of Inquiry, even if no criminal charges are filed.
