Kirtland Air Force Base Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by command to address alleged misconduct or performance issues. Although not criminal, it can seriously affect a career and may escalate into reprimands, separation actions, or even court‑martial proceedings. At Kirtland Air Force Base, Gonzalez & Waddington provide defense guidance. 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.
Yes, a service member at Kirtland Air Force Base can face administrative separation without a court-martial. This process is handled through command channels and does not require criminal charges.
A Board of Inquiry is an administrative hearing that reviews a service member’s conduct or performance to determine if separation is warranted. Nonjudicial Punishment is a disciplinary tool under the UCMJ used to address minor misconduct without creating an administrative separation proceeding.
The burden of proof at a Board of Inquiry is typically a preponderance of the evidence standard. This means the board evaluates whether the evidence shows it is more likely than not that the alleged conduct occurred.
A Board of Inquiry generally consists of three officers senior in grade to the service member being reviewed. They are tasked with evaluating the evidence and making findings based on the administrative standards.
The board may consider documents, witness statements, service records, and other materials relevant to the alleged conduct or performance. The rules of evidence are more relaxed than those used in courts-martial.
A Board of Inquiry may review whether a service member has met the required standards for retention, which can influence eligibility to reach retirement. The board’s findings and recommendations can directly impact whether the member continues service long enough to retire.
The characterization is based on the service member’s overall military record and the circumstances surrounding the separation action. The board evaluates performance, conduct, and documented patterns of behavior when determining the appropriate characterization.
A service member may retain a civilian lawyer to represent them during a Board of Inquiry. The civilian attorney can participate fully in the proceedings alongside any assigned military counsel.
Kirtland Air Force Base sits on the southeastern edge of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where urban development meets high-desert terrain. Its proximity to the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley shapes local weather patterns, training conditions, and visibility. The installation is closely integrated with surrounding civilian communities through shared infrastructure and workforce connections.
The high altitude and dry climate provide testing and training advantages for aerospace and research missions. Its position in central New Mexico offers broad airspace access and coordination with nearby labs and federal facilities. These factors make the location strategically valuable for specialized Air Force operations.
The base hosts primarily Air Force units, including organizations focused on nuclear enterprise functions and advanced research. Several major tenant commands support development, evaluation, and sustainment roles vital to national defense. Together, these missions anchor the installation as a hub for technical expertise and operational readiness.
Operational demands revolve around testing, training, and sustaining critical systems linked to national security. Units frequently engage in laboratory cooperation, flight operations, and mission support tasks. This creates a steady pace of activity involving both military and civilian personnel.
Kirtland maintains a substantial active duty presence supported by civilians and contractors who enable its scientific and operational work. The installation does not function as a basic training hub but supports deployable units and specialized technical teams. Rotations and mission-driven taskings contribute to a dynamic workforce.
Service members participate in aviation support, research-linked missions, readiness exercises, and sustainment operations. Collaboration with nearby federal laboratories adds unique technical responsibilities. These activities reflect the base’s emphasis on innovation and operational support.
Given the installation’s operational tempo, service members may encounter UCMJ matters such as investigations, administrative actions, or courts-martial. The technical and high-security environment can shape how incidents arise and are reviewed. Command authorities handle these issues within the framework of federal and Air Force regulations.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at or passing through Kirtland Air Force Base. Their work involves supporting personnel dealing with UCMJ-related actions connected to the base’s mission and operational setting. This legal representation extends across a spectrum of military justice proceedings.
Kirtland Air Force Base is located on the southeastern edge of Albuquerque, New Mexico, positioned where the high desert meets the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Its placement along the Interstate 40 and Interstate 25 corridors links the installation to nearby civilian communities such as the East Mountain area, Rio Rancho, and the broader Albuquerque metropolitan region. The region’s dry climate, high elevation, and expansive airspace create conditions well-suited for flight operations, research activities, and weapons development. The base plays a significant role within central New Mexico, serving as both a major employer and a partner to local institutions, including the University of New Mexico and various national laboratories that contribute to the area’s scientific and defense landscape.
Kirtland Air Force Base hosts a substantial Air Force presence, including commands focused on nuclear operations, advanced research, and operational testing. Tenant units support the Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and specialized training and research enterprises. The installation’s mission spans nuclear stewardship, space defense support, and emerging technology development. Its strategic role is tied to the secure management of national defense assets and the integration of cutting-edge capabilities that influence operations across the force.
The base supports a large and diverse population of active duty personnel, civilians, and contractors engaged in technical, operational, and support functions. While Kirtland does not operate as a basic training hub, it sustains a steady flow of rotational personnel for specialized instruction, flight activities, and mission-focused research. Units stationed or training at the installation frequently align with deployable missions, nuclear surety responsibilities, and advanced operational testing, contributing to a consistent operational tempo throughout the year.
Service members assigned to or transiting through Kirtland Air Force Base may encounter legal matters governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, and separation proceedings can arise from the base’s demanding mission sets, sensitive operations, and high technical standards. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Kirtland Air Force Base facing these challenges, providing guidance during complex and mission-driven legal situations.
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Yes, statements made during a CDI are often included in the investigative report and can be used in later administrative or criminal proceedings.
Yes, a CDI can escalate into a court-martial if the findings support criminal charges under the UCMJ. Commands may refer the case for prosecution after review.
The standard of proof is administrative, typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning more likely than not. This is much lower than the criminal standard.
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.
