Naval Station Great Lakes Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry used by commanders at Naval Station Great Lakes to examine alleged misconduct; though not criminal, it can still jeopardize a service member’s career and may escalate into reprimands, separation actions, or court-martial. 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.
Answer: Yes, an administrative separation can occur without a court-martial if the command believes a service member no longer meets retention standards. This process is administrative rather than criminal and follows its own procedures.
Answer: A Board of Inquiry is a formal administrative hearing focused on whether separation is warranted, while NJP is a disciplinary tool used by commanders for minor offenses. The BOI involves a panel and the presentation of evidence, whereas NJP is conducted solely by the commanding officer.
Answer: The burden of proof at a BOI is typically a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the allegation is more likely than not to be true. This standard is lower than the one used in criminal courts.
Answer: A BOI is usually composed of three commissioned officers senior in rank to the service member. At least one board member should be from the same community or specialty when possible.
Answer: The board may consider documents, witness statements, service records, and other materials relevant to the alleged misconduct or performance issues. Rules of evidence are more flexible than in a court-martial.
Answer: A BOI may evaluate whether a service member remains eligible to continue service long enough to reach retirement. Administrative findings can influence whether a member separates before qualifying for retirement benefits.
Answer: The board makes recommendations regarding the appropriate characterization based on the service member’s overall record and the issues under review. Possible characterizations include Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable.
Answer: Yes, a service member may retain a civilian attorney to represent them during the BOI. The civilian lawyer can participate in examining witnesses and presenting evidence according to BOI procedures.
Naval Station Great Lakes sits along the western shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois. It is positioned between Chicago and Milwaukee, giving it access to major transportation corridors and large civilian communities. This location supports steady interaction between the installation and surrounding towns such as North Chicago and Waukegan.
The station experiences a Great Lakes climate with cold winters, lake-effect weather, and temperate summers. These conditions shape year-round training requirements and facility operations. The surrounding suburban-industrial region also provides a stable support network for military personnel.
The installation is a U.S. Navy hub centered on enlisted training and technical development. Its tenant commands reflect the Navy’s emphasis on preparing new sailors. The base’s structure supports both initial and follow-on training pipelines.
The station serves as the Navy’s sole enlisted boot camp and a major technical training center. Its mission focuses on transforming recruits into sailors and sustaining specialized skills. This role makes it a critical gateway for the Navy’s worldwide readiness.
The base hosts a substantial population of recruits, students, instructors, and permanent staff. Activity levels fluctuate based on training cycles and seasonal shipper flows. This creates a dynamic environment with continuous personnel movement.
Training operations dominate daily activity, ranging from basic indoctrination to advanced technical instruction. The base also supports command, administrative, logistics, and medical functions tied to the training mission. These elements contribute to consistent operational tempo.
Service members at Great Lakes may encounter UCMJ actions linked to training, personnel transitions, or command expectations. High turnover and structured instruction can lead to investigations or administrative processes. The setting shapes how such matters are initiated and managed.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes. Their work includes assisting personnel who encounter UCMJ-related challenges on the installation. This support is available to those assigned to or passing through the base.
Naval Station Great Lakes sits along the western shore of Lake Michigan in northeastern Illinois, just north of Chicago and adjacent to the communities of North Chicago, Waukegan, and Lake Forest. Its lakeside terrain brings four distinct seasons, with cold winters and humid summers that influence both training and daily operations. The base’s proximity to Chicago places it within one of the nation’s largest transportation and industrial corridors, providing strategic access to civilian infrastructure, medical facilities, and regional transit hubs. Great Lakes is closely integrated with surrounding towns, with service members and families contributing to and relying on local schools, housing, and community services.
Naval Station Great Lakes is the U.S. Navy’s primary entry point for enlisted personnel, home to the Navy’s only Recruit Training Command. The installation also hosts specialized follow-on training schools focused on technical, engineering, and operational skills essential to the fleet. While there are no major deployable units based here, the installation’s mission centers on transforming civilians into sailors and preparing them for service across the global maritime domain. The presence of multiple tenant commands supports this training pipeline, ensuring new sailors receive comprehensive instruction before joining operational units worldwide.
The installation supports one of the largest concentrations of trainees in the Navy, with thousands of recruits and students cycling through its facilities year-round. The tempo is constant, driven by overlapping training cycles, graduations, and the movement of personnel to and from follow-on assignments. Support staff, instructors, and active duty personnel maintain a robust operational rhythm to meet the Navy’s demand for trained sailors. Although the base does not host aviation or large-scale operational forces, its role in workforce generation directly impacts fleet readiness and global deployment capability.
The high volume of trainees and staff at Naval Station Great Lakes naturally leads to a range of UCMJ matters, including command investigations, administrative separation actions, non-judicial punishment, and courts-martial. The intensity of the training environment, coupled with the transitional nature of recruit life, can influence how disciplinary issues emerge and are addressed. Service members stationed at or passing through the base often require legal guidance, and the military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Naval Station Great Lakes.
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/GreatLakes/
Yes, CDI results can be used to initiate administrative separation or a Board of Inquiry, even if no criminal charges are filed.
After completion, the Investigating Officer submits a written report with findings and recommendations. The command then decides what action, if any, to take.
Yes, digital evidence such as texts, emails, social media messages, and call logs are commonly reviewed during CDIs.
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.
