Marine Corps Base Hawaii Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry used by commanders at Marine Corps Base Hawaii to assess alleged misconduct. Although not criminal, it can still jeopardize a service member’s career, potentially escalating into reprimands, separation, or court-martial. Gonzalez & Waddington can advise you 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 without a court-martial if the command determines that a service member’s conduct or performance warrants review under separation regulations. This process is separate from the military justice system and does not require a criminal conviction.
A BOI is an administrative hearing focused on whether a service member should be retained or separated. NJP is a disciplinary action used by commanders to address minor misconduct and does not decide a member’s future in the service.
The government must meet a standard of preponderance of the evidence, meaning it must show the allegations are more likely true than not. This is a lower standard than the one used in courts-martial.
A BOI is typically composed of three officers senior in grade to the service member being reviewed. These officers examine the evidence and determine findings and recommendations.
The board may consider documents, witness testimony, service records, and other relevant materials. The rules of evidence are more flexible than those used in criminal proceedings.
A BOI may review a service member’s overall record when determining whether misconduct or performance issues impact continued service. The outcome can influence eligibility for completing the required service time toward retirement.
The board reviews the totality of the service member’s career, including accomplishments and any substantiated misconduct. These factors help the board determine the appropriate characterization under applicable regulations.
Service members may retain a civilian attorney to represent them during a BOI. Civilian counsel can participate alongside appointed military defense counsel if the member chooses.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii sits on the Mokapu Peninsula on the windward side of Oahu, placing it between Kaneohe Bay and the Pacific coastline. Its position provides access to nearby communities such as Kailua and Kaneohe, creating a close military–civilian interface. The surrounding terrain and ocean environment shape both daily operations and the installation’s strategic relevance in the central Pacific.
The base’s vantage point in the Hawaiian archipelago allows rapid access to key Indo-Pacific regions. Its placement enables aviation and amphibious units to operate forward of the continental United States. This geographic posture supports theater security cooperation and regional contingency readiness.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii primarily supports the United States Marine Corps, with Navy elements integrated into aviation, logistics, and administrative structures. The base hosts major Marine air and ground components that operate together across the peninsula. This joint presence enhances coastal defense and expeditionary capabilities.
The installation focuses on aviation operations, amphibious readiness, and Pacific-oriented deployment support. Units stationed there routinely conduct training over ocean and mountainous terrain unique to Oahu. These missions connect the base directly to regional security efforts.
The base supports a substantial active duty community, including aircrews, infantry elements, logisticians, and command personnel. Its population fluctuates with ongoing exercises and rotational deployments. This dynamic activity produces a steady operational rhythm throughout the year.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii maintains aviation training, ground maneuver drills, and amphibious integration across nearby shorelines. Intelligence and command functions help coordinate Pacific-area tasks. These activities sustain readiness for forces that frequently deploy westward.
The base’s high operational tempo means service members may encounter UCMJ-related matters arising during training or deployment preparation. Investigations, administrative actions, and courts-martial can occur as units cycle through intense readiness periods. These processes reflect the standards expected within an active Pacific installation.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at or passing through Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Their work covers cases connected to the base’s training environment and operational demands. Representation is available to those involved in UCMJ proceedings on the installation.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii sits on the Mokapu Peninsula along the windward side of Oahu, positioned between Kaneohe Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Its location places it within one of the most strategically significant regions in the Indo-Pacific, with direct access to trans-Pacific air and sea routes. The installation is closely connected to nearby civilian communities such as Kailua and Kaneohe, where many military families live, shop, and attend local schools. Surrounded by volcanic terrain, coral reefs, and a tropical climate characterized by steady trade winds, the base’s geography shapes both its operational capabilities and daily life for those stationed there.
The base serves primarily as a Marine Corps hub for aviation, ground, and littoral operations. It supports key Marine aviation units, infantry elements, and specialized commands focused on expeditionary readiness throughout the Pacific theater. Training ranges, airfield facilities, and coastal access allow units to conduct integrated exercises, amphibious rehearsals, and rapid deployment drills tied to regional security missions. Although centered on Marine Corps operations, the installation frequently hosts joint and allied forces that participate in combined training across Hawaii.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii maintains a sizable active duty population, including Marines, sailors, and rotational forces moving through the Indo-Pacific. The installation supports deployable aviation squadrons, infantry units preparing for forward assignments, and operational commands overseeing Pacific-focused missions. Its high training tempo, regular flight operations, and overseas deployment cycles contribute to a dynamic environment where service members and families experience frequent transitions and operational demands.
With this level of activity, military justice matters governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice commonly arise on the installation. Service members may face command investigations, administrative actions, non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, or separation proceedings connected to incidents occurring during training, deployment preparation, or daily operations. The fast-paced, mission-driven setting at Marine Corps Base Hawaii often influences how these legal issues develop and how quickly they progress through the military justice system. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, providing support to those navigating UCMJ challenges within this strategically vital Pacific installation.
https://www.mcbhawaii.marines.mil/
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.
