Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry—not a criminal action—used to address alleged misconduct or performance issues. At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, these inquiries can still jeopardize a service member’s career and may escalate into reprimands, separation proceedings, or court‑martial. 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.
Answer: Yes, a service member can face administrative separation without going through a court-martial. This process is separate from judicial proceedings and focuses on a member’s suitability for continued service. It follows administrative rules rather than criminal procedures.
Answer: A BOI is an administrative hearing that reviews alleged misconduct or performance issues to determine whether separation is warranted. NJP is a commander-led disciplinary tool that addresses minor offenses without creating a basis for discharge by itself. The two processes operate under different authorities and serve different purposes.
Answer: The board uses a preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning it evaluates whether allegations are more likely true than not. This is a lower threshold than what is used in criminal proceedings. The board reviews all presented information under this standard.
Answer: A BOI typically consists of three commissioned officers, including a senior member who presides over the proceedings. These officers review the evidence and make findings and recommendations. Members are selected based on experience and rank requirements.
Answer: The board may review documents, witness testimony, service records, and any other relevant materials. Both the government and the service member may submit evidence for consideration. The board evaluates all information admitted into the record.
Answer: A BOI may review whether a member should continue service long enough to reach retirement eligibility. The outcome can influence whether the member remains in service. Retirement decisions depend on administrative findings rather than criminal determinations.
Answer: Yes, a BOI can recommend a characterization such as Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable. The characterization reflects the board’s assessment of the member’s service record and the issues under review. Final approval rests with the appropriate authority.
Answer: A service member may have a civilian lawyer represent them during a BOI. The civilian attorney works alongside the assigned military counsel if the member chooses to keep both. Their participation follows the procedures established for administrative hearings.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson sits on the northern edge of Anchorage, Alaska, positioned between the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet. Its location places it within a unique subarctic environment that experiences long winters and variable daylight. The surrounding Anchorage community interacts closely with the installation through shared infrastructure, services, and workforce engagement.
The base’s position in south‑central Alaska provides strategic access to the Arctic, Pacific routes, and high‑latitude airspace. Its geography supports rapid reach into both Indo-Pacific and polar regions. This placement strengthens coordination with regional civilian agencies during severe weather and natural events.
The base hosts both U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army elements under a joint framework. Aviation, airborne, and air defense units form a core portion of its military presence. These components support national defense missions across the Arctic domain.
The installation focuses on air superiority, rapid mobility, and ground force readiness in extreme conditions. Units maintain capabilities that support homeland defense and global contingency responses. The base’s joint structure enables integrated training across air and land domains.
The base supports a substantial active duty community tied to aviation, airborne operations, logistics, and command activity. Its population fluctuates with rotational forces and seasonal training cycles. This ongoing movement contributes to a consistent operational tempo.
Aviation operations are central, including fighter, transport, and support aircraft missions. Airborne and Arctic‑adapted ground units conduct frequent field exercises. Intelligence, medical readiness, and emergency response capabilities also operate from the installation.
The demanding environment and mission pace can lead to UCMJ matters involving investigations, administrative actions, non‑judicial punishment, or courts‑martial. Frequent training and deployments may influence how incidents are reported and processed. Service members often navigate these procedures while balancing high‑readiness duties.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Their work includes assisting those assigned to or transiting through the installation who encounter UCMJ proceedings. This support aligns with the base’s complex operational and legal environment.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson sits on the north side of Anchorage, Alaska, positioned between the Chugach Mountains and the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet. Its location places it within the largest population center in the state, creating a close relationship between the installation and surrounding communities such as Eagle River, Chugiak, and the Anchorage metropolitan area. The base operates in a subarctic environment marked by long winters, rugged terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions that influence both daily life and mission execution. Strategically, its proximity to the Arctic region, the Pacific Rim, and key air routes makes the installation a vital node for homeland defense, rapid mobility, and northern-region operations.
The installation hosts a combined Air Force and Army presence, supporting missions tied to air mobility, air defense, Arctic readiness, and rapid deployment. Major flying units operate from the base’s extensive airfield, conducting missions across Alaska and throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Army units stationed there focus on airborne operations, cold-weather expertise, and immediate-response capabilities. Together, these forces support deterrence, humanitarian support, and joint operational readiness, reinforcing the installation’s role as a strategic hub for northern operations.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson supports a large active duty population, with personnel involved in aviation, air defense, intelligence, medical care, logistics, and brigade-level ground operations. The base experiences frequent rotational activity, with units training in extreme cold-weather environments and participating in joint and multinational exercises across Alaska. Its operational tempo remains high due to ongoing commitments to homeland defense, Indo-Pacific missions, and Arctic readiness initiatives.
The installation’s demanding training schedule, aviation operations, and deployment cycles contribute to a range of military justice concerns. Service members stationed at or passing through the base may encounter UCMJ matters including investigations, administrative actions, Article 15 proceedings, courts-martial, or separation cases. The unique environment and mission requirements can shape how allegations arise and how commanders respond to them. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson facing these challenges and navigating the military justice system.
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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.
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.
