Joint Base Andrews Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to address concerns about a service member’s conduct. Though not criminal, it can impact careers and may escalate to reprimands, separation, or court-martial actions. At Joint Base Andrews, Gonzalez & Waddington can be reached 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 process. It is handled through command channels and administrative boards rather than the military justice system.
A BOI is a formal administrative process used to determine whether a service member should be retained. NJP is a disciplinary tool for minor offenses and does not decide separation but may be used as supporting evidence in later administrative actions.
The burden of proof is typically by a preponderance of the evidence. This means the board evaluates whether the alleged conduct is more likely than not to have occurred.
The board usually consists of three commissioned officers senior in grade to the service member. They review the evidence and make findings based on the record presented.
The board may consider documents, witness statements, personnel records, and other relevant materials. Rules of evidence are more relaxed than in a court-martial, allowing broader types of information to be included.
A BOI can influence whether a service member reaches eligibility to retire. It may also lead to decisions that impact retirement grade determinations.
The board reviews the service member’s record and the underlying allegations when recommending a characterization. Possible characterizations range from honorable to other-than-honorable, depending on the circumstances reviewed.
Yes. Service members may retain a civilian attorney at their own expense. Civilian counsel may participate alongside appointed military counsel during the proceedings.
Joint Base Andrews sits in Prince George’s County, Maryland, just southeast of Washington, D.C., placing it within one of the nation’s most strategically significant corridors. Its proximity to the capital and surrounding communities like Camp Springs and Clinton shapes daily operations and local cooperation. The region’s humid subtropical climate and mild terrain allow consistent year-round flight activity.
The base’s immediate access to federal agencies and national command authorities elevates its strategic value. Nearby transportation routes, including major highways and the D.C. Beltway, support rapid movement of personnel and aircraft. Civil–military interactions are frequent due to the area’s dense population and shared infrastructure.
The installation is led by the Air Force and serves as home to key aviation and executive airlift missions. Tenant units include high-profile operational and support commands tied to national leadership transport. These missions shape the base’s daily rhythm and security posture.
Joint Base Andrews supports rapid-response aviation, national-level mobility, and specialized aircrew operations. Its runways handle a mix of distinguished visitor aircraft and operational airframes. The base also maintains critical support capabilities that enable continuity of government functions.
The installation hosts a substantial active duty and civilian workforce that reflects the complexity of its mission. Personnel include aircrew, logistics specialists, medical staff, and command-level support teams. Rotational activity remains steady due to continuous flight operations and mission readiness requirements.
Daily operations involve flight training, executive transport preparation, and maintenance cycles that run across multiple shifts. Units maintain high alert status to support national-level movements. The tempo remains elevated during periods of increased federal travel or global events.
Service members stationed at or moving through the installation can encounter UCMJ matters tied to investigations, administrative reviews, or disciplinary actions. The base’s demanding operational environment can influence how such issues arise. Command structures work closely with legal offices to manage these proceedings.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Joint Base Andrews. Their work supports personnel dealing with courts-martial, non-judicial actions, or separation-related concerns. Representation often intersects with the base’s unique aviation and national support missions.
Joint Base Andrews is located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, just southeast of Washington, D.C., placing it at the center of one of the nation’s most significant political and military corridors. Its proximity to Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and major federal agencies gives the installation a uniquely strategic role that few other bases share. The surrounding communities—such as Camp Springs, Clinton, and Suitland—provide essential civilian support, housing, and services for military families. The region’s mid-Atlantic climate, with four distinct seasons and frequent coastal weather systems, can influence flight operations and readiness planning, especially for missions requiring rapid response.
The installation is operated primarily by the United States Air Force, with supporting elements from other branches, and is best known as the home of the 316th Wing and the aircraft used for senior executive airlift, including support for Air Force One. Joint Base Andrews maintains a global mission set tied to national leadership transport, rapid mobility, and secure aviation operations. Several tenant units conduct critical command, communications, and security functions, reflecting the base’s role in safeguarding national-level continuity and mobility. Its aviation focus and its proximity to national leadership hubs make it a centerpiece of strategic readiness.
The base supports a large, diverse population of active duty personnel, reservists, and specialized aviation crews. Daily operations involve high-tempo flight schedules, maintenance activity, and coordination with federal agencies. Rotational aircrews, deployable support elements, and mission-essential logistics teams contribute to a dynamic environment marked by frequent travel and sustained readiness requirements. While not a basic training installation, Joint Base Andrews regularly hosts transient units, distinguished visitors, and joint-service personnel tied to aviation, medical, security, and communications missions.
The operational demands and constant movement through Joint Base Andrews mean that service members may encounter UCMJ matters ranging from investigations and administrative actions to non-judicial punishment or courts-martial. The high-visibility nature of missions and the joint-service environment often require swift legal responses and thorough command oversight. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at or passing through Joint Base Andrews who face these challenges.
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CDIs are often triggered by complaints, performance concerns, policy violations, interpersonal conflicts, or incidents that require command clarification.
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.
