Nellis Air Force Base Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to assess alleged misconduct or performance issues. Although not criminal, it can seriously impact a career and may escalate to reprimands, separation actions, or court-martial. At Nellis Air Force Base, Gonzalez & Waddington provide 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.
Answer: Yes, administrative separation is a process that can occur independently of a court‑martial. It focuses on a service member’s suitability for continued service rather than criminal guilt. This process uses different standards and procedures than military criminal courts.
Answer: A Board of Inquiry is an administrative hearing designed to determine whether a service member should be retained. NJP is a disciplinary tool used by commanders to address misconduct without a formal trial. NJP does not decide retention, while a BOI can directly impact a member’s career.
Answer: The burden of proof at a BOI is typically a preponderance of the evidence. This means the board evaluates whether the evidence suggests something is more likely true than not. It is a lower standard than used in criminal trials.
Answer: A BOI usually consists of three officers senior in grade and experience to the respondent. They are appointed to review the case and make administrative recommendations. These officers must remain impartial throughout the proceedings.
Answer: The board may review documents, witness statements, testimony, and official records. Both the government and the service member can present evidence relevant to the case. The board determines how much weight to give each piece of information.
Answer: A BOI may evaluate whether a service member should continue service long enough to reach retirement eligibility. Findings from the board can impact a member’s ability to complete the required service time. These decisions are administrative rather than punitive.
Answer: Administrative separations can result in honorable, general (under honorable conditions), or other‑than‑honorable characterizations. The characterization depends on the member’s overall service record and the basis for separation. These labels reflect military service history rather than criminal guilt.
Answer: Yes, service members may be represented by a civilian attorney at their own expense. The civilian lawyer can assist with presenting evidence and questioning witnesses. Their participation follows the same procedural rules that apply to military counsel.
Nellis Air Force Base sits in southern Nevada at the edge of the Las Vegas Valley, positioned just northeast of the city of Las Vegas. Its proximity to the Mojave Desert provides vast training airspace and clear flying conditions. The surrounding communities of North Las Vegas and Sunrise Manor maintain close daily interaction with the installation.
The blend of desert terrain, mountain ranges, and expansive restricted airspace directly supports advanced flight and combat training. This geography allows for complex, large-scale exercises unmatched in most other regions. Civilian infrastructure nearby ensures steady logistical and family support for those stationed there.
Nellis is predominantly an Air Force installation and serves as a hub for high‑end combat training and operational development. Key flying and support units operate from the base, contributing to tactical innovation across the force. The base also hosts select joint and coalition partners during major training events.
The installation focuses on advanced fighter training, test and evaluation, and operational tactics development. It plays a central role in preparing aircrews for modern combat scenarios. Activities there shape doctrine and readiness across multiple combat platforms.
Nellis supports fighter wings, training squadrons, and specialized test elements. These units conduct routine flying operations as well as large‑scale exercises across the Nevada Test and Training Range. The rotational presence of visiting units creates a consistent influx of aircraft and personnel.
The base hosts a substantial active duty population, augmented by frequent temporary-duty participants. Daily operations include aviation, intelligence, medical, logistics, and command functions. The tempo remains high due to constant training requirements.
Service members at Nellis encounter UCMJ processes related to investigations, administrative actions, and potential courts-martial. The rigorous training environment can lead to legal matters tied to operational demands. Command oversight is significant due to the installation’s mission intensity.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Nellis Air Force Base. Their representation includes personnel assigned to or passing through the installation. This support remains relevant given the base’s active and highly specialized mission profile.
Nellis Air Force Base is located in southern Nevada on the northeastern edge of Las Vegas, placing it at the center of one of the nation’s most expansive military training environments. The base sits within the Mojave Desert, an area defined by arid climate, open terrain, and wide‑ranging airspace that supports advanced flight operations. Its proximity to North Las Vegas, Sunrise Manor, and other Clark County communities creates a close interaction between military personnel and the surrounding civilian population. Local businesses, schools, and support services are tightly connected to the installation, and the base’s access to the Nevada Test and Training Range makes the location strategically significant for large‑scale exercises and modern air combat development.
Nellis Air Force Base is a major hub for the U.S. Air Force, supporting operational units, test squadrons, and the service’s premier advanced training elements. The installation hosts key organizations responsible for developing tactics, evaluating emerging technologies, and preparing aircrews for complex joint and coalition operations. Its mission profile includes supporting high‑visibility training events and maintaining readiness across a broad spectrum of aviation and combat capabilities, making Nellis a cornerstone of the Air Force’s operational and tactical innovation.
The installation supports a substantial active duty population, along with reservists, civilians, and rotational personnel who move through the base for training or temporary duty. Daily activity includes fighter operations, intelligence integration, maintenance support, and medical and logistical functions required to sustain continuous flying missions. The training tempo at Nellis is notably high, with units preparing for deployments or participating in advanced exercises that draw service members from across the Department of Defense and allied nations.
The operational intensity at Nellis Air Force Base means that service members may encounter military justice issues ranging from investigations and administrative actions to non‑judicial punishment, courts‑martial, or separation proceedings. High‑demand training environments, frequent rotations, and mission‑driven pressures can influence how UCMJ matters arise and are addressed on the installation. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Nellis Air Force Base, providing support to those navigating these challenges while serving in one of the Air Force’s most active and strategically essential locations.
https://www.nellis.af.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.
