Fort Riley Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
Table Contents
A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry at Fort Riley used to examine alleged misconduct or performance issues. Though not criminal, it can jeopardize a service member’s career and may escalate into reprimands, separation actions, or even court-martial proceedings. 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.
Yes, administrative separation can occur independently of any court-martial action. These proceedings focus on whether a service member should remain in the military rather than determining criminal guilt.
A Board of Inquiry is a formal administrative hearing that examines whether a service member should be retained. Nonjudicial Punishment is a command-level disciplinary tool addressing minor misconduct without creating a discharge decision by itself.
The burden of proof typically rests with the government to show that separation is warranted. The standard is lower than in criminal proceedings and focuses on whether the evidence supports the proposed administrative action.
A Board of Inquiry usually consists of three commissioned officers appointed by the command. They review the case, hear evidence, and make findings based on the facts presented.
The board may consider documents, witness testimony, service records, and other materials deemed relevant. The goal is to provide a comprehensive view of the circumstances surrounding the alleged issues.
A Board of Inquiry may review a service member’s overall record when assessing potential separation. Depending on the findings, the decision may influence whether the member continues toward eligibility for retirement benefits.
The board evaluates the service member’s entire record, including both performance and any alleged misconduct. Their findings help determine what characterization of service, if any, should be recommended.
Service members are generally permitted to have civilian counsel represent them in these proceedings at their own expense. The civilian attorney may assist with presenting evidence and participating in the hearing.
Fort Riley sits in north‑central Kansas between Junction City and Manhattan, positioned along the Flint Hills’ rolling terrain. Its placement near major highways and regional hubs allows steady movement of personnel and equipment. The surrounding civilian communities maintain close ties with the installation through commerce, housing, and shared services.
The Flint Hills region provides expansive maneuver land rarely found elsewhere in the Midwest. This terrain supports large-scale field exercises and mounted operations essential to the post’s mission. Its location also offers strategic access to national transportation networks.
Fort Riley is home to major Army combat elements with missions centered on readiness, mobilization, and sustained training. The installation hosts key headquarters and tenant units that support ground, aviation, and support capabilities. Its structure reflects a focus on deployable, combat‑credible forces.
The base’s mission revolves around preparing forces for global contingencies through intensive training cycles and integrated support activities. The installation provides the command infrastructure, ranges, and logistical systems required for rapid deployment. This mission anchors Fort Riley as a central Army hub in the central United States.
Fort Riley supports a significant active‑duty population that includes combat units, aviation assets, medical elements, and command personnel. The installation frequently hosts rotational training and maintains a consistent operational tempo. Its population shifts in response to training cycles and deployment schedules.
Units conduct field exercises, gunnery, aviation operations, and sustainment training throughout the year. The post also supports intelligence, logistics, and medical functions needed for full-spectrum readiness. These activities create a dynamic environment for personnel stationed there.
Personnel at Fort Riley may encounter investigations, administrative actions, non‑judicial punishment, or courts‑martial as part of routine military justice processes. The post’s high training tempo and deployment cycles can influence how legal issues emerge and are managed. Command oversight and regulatory procedures guide these actions.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Fort Riley in matters involving UCMJ actions and related proceedings. Their work covers cases arising from the installation’s operational environment. Service members may interact with them when addressing legal challenges connected to duty at the post.
Fort Riley is located in the Flint Hills region of northeastern Kansas, positioned between the cities of Junction City and Manhattan along the Kansas River. This setting places the installation within one of the largest intact tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America. The rolling terrain, variable seasons, and expansive training areas make the region particularly well-suited for maneuver-focused operations and combined-arms exercises. Surrounding civilian communities maintain close ties with the post, supporting service members while benefiting from the economic and cultural presence of the installation.
Fort Riley is home to major U.S. Army forces, including elements of a prominent heavy division known for its armored and mechanized capabilities. The installation’s mission centers on preparing these formations for rapid deployment and sustained ground operations. Fort Riley supports extensive field training, gunnery ranges, and mission command facilities that enable units to conduct realistic, large-scale exercises. The post also hosts key tenant organizations that provide sustainment, aviation support, and operational oversight, reinforcing its role as a critical hub for readiness within the central United States.
The installation supports a substantial active-duty population, along with family members, civilian employees, and rotational personnel. Units stationed at Fort Riley maintain a high training tempo, regularly participating in field operations, mobilization preparations, and joint exercises. The post’s infrastructure supports deployable brigades, aviation elements, logistics teams, medical professionals, and specialized support units. Because of its central location and mission profile, Fort Riley often experiences movement of personnel linked to overseas deployments or large-scale training rotations.
The demanding training environment and operational cycles at Fort Riley mean that service members may encounter a range of legal challenges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Investigations, non-judicial punishment, administrative separation actions, and courts-martial can arise from incidents on duty, in the field, or within nearby communities. These matters are shaped by the unique conditions of the installation, including high operational tempo, frequent movement of units, and the complexities of integrated civilian–military life. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Fort Riley, providing experienced support in navigating these legal processes.
https://home.army.mil/riley/
Yes, while a CDI itself does not impose punishment, its findings can lead to NJP, Letters of Reprimand, court-martial charges, or administrative separation.
The investigation is conducted by an appointed Investigating Officer, usually another service member, who is tasked with gathering facts and reporting findings to the command.
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.
