Scott Air Force Base Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal process, but at Scott Air Force Base it can still jeopardize a service member’s career and may escalate into reprimands, separation actions, or even court‑martial. Gonzalez & Waddington offer 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, administrative separation can occur without a court-martial. Commanders may initiate this process when they believe a service member’s performance or conduct warrants review. It runs independently from the military justice system and does not require criminal charges.
A Board of Inquiry is a formal administrative process, while NJP is a disciplinary action under the UCMJ. A BOI examines whether a member should be retained in service, whereas NJP addresses specific misconduct with limited penalties. The procedures, rights, and possible outcomes differ significantly.
The burden of proof at a BOI is typically a preponderance of the evidence. This means the board must determine whether it is more likely than not that the basis for separation occurred. It is a lower standard than that used in criminal courts.
A BOI is usually composed of three commissioned officers. They are selected to provide an impartial evaluation of the evidence and circumstances. At least one member generally holds a higher rank than the respondent.
The board may review documents, witness testimony, service records, and exhibits offered by either side. The scope is broad and can include both favorable and unfavorable information. The board determines the weight and relevance of all material presented.
A BOI may evaluate whether a member should continue service long enough to reach retirement eligibility. Depending on its findings, the process may influence a member’s ability to complete the required service time. The board’s conclusions are forwarded to the approving authority for final action.
Possible administrative characterizations include Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), or Under Other Than Honorable Conditions. The characterization is based on the member’s overall service record and the reasons for separation. It is determined after reviewing the evidence and findings.
Yes, service members may retain a civilian attorney at their own expense. The civilian counsel works alongside the appointed military counsel if the member chooses. They can participate fully in the BOI process in accordance with applicable regulations.
Scott Air Force Base sits in southwestern Illinois, just east of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Its position near O’Fallon and Shiloh links the installation closely with surrounding civilian communities. The location provides strategic access to Midwestern transit corridors and national transportation networks.
The flat terrain of the American Bottom region supports efficient air mobility and ground logistics activities. Seasonal weather patterns, including humid summers and variable winter conditions, shape operational planning. The proximity to a major urban center enhances coordination with civilian agencies and infrastructure.
The base hosts U.S. Air Force units focused on global mobility and command functions, including key Air Mobility Command components. It serves as a hub for joint-service coordination involving communication and transportation missions. These elements position the installation as a central node in national and international movement operations.
Scott Air Force Base supports global airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and strategic command-and-control capabilities. Its mission centers on enabling rapid response and sustained mobility for worldwide operations. The base also integrates critical logistical planning essential to national readiness.
The base maintains a sizable active-duty population engaged in command, mobility, medical, and communications roles. It supports both permanently assigned units and rotational personnel linked to global missions. This creates steady activity across operational, administrative, and training spheres.
Service members participate in high-tempo mobility coordination, aeromedical readiness, and network operations. Frequent joint training events support interoperability across commands. The installation’s workflow reflects continuous global tasking demands.
Personnel assigned to or transiting through the base may encounter UCMJ matters such as investigations, administrative actions, or courts-martial. The pace of mobility and command functions can influence how legal issues arise and proceed. Operational requirements may also shape timelines for legal processes.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Scott Air Force Base. Their work supports those navigating UCMJ actions linked to the installation’s unique operational environment. Representation may involve matters stemming from duty performance, deployments, or command activities.
Scott Air Force Base is located in southwestern Illinois, adjacent to the communities of O’Fallon, Mascoutah, and Shiloh, and within commuting distance of downtown St. Louis. Positioned in the Metro East region, the base sits on the edge of the Mississippi River corridor, an area known for its flat prairie terrain, seasonal temperature swings, and proximity to one of the Midwest’s major transportation hubs. This location supports the installation’s mobility-focused mission, placing it near interstate highways, rail networks, and the St. Louis regional airport system. The surrounding civilian communities have long-standing ties to the base, with many residents employed in defense-support industries and local businesses oriented toward military families.
Scott Air Force Base hosts a significant Air Force and joint-service presence, anchored by organizations that manage global mobility, airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and transportation command functions. Major tenant units include key Air Mobility Command and U.S. Transportation Command elements, along with active duty, Guard, Reserve, and interagency partners. The installation’s mission centers on coordinating worldwide logistics, supporting rapid troop and cargo movement, and ensuring command-and-control capabilities for operations across multiple theaters. Its role as a hub for strategic transportation planning gives Scott national-level importance.
The base supports a large and diverse active duty and civilian workforce engaged in operational planning, communications, intelligence, logistics, and aeromedical support activities. While not a traditional basic training or fighter-wing environment, it maintains a high operational tempo tied to global mobility requirements, rotational deployments, and 24-hour command center operations. Service members assigned to Scott often work in joint settings and may support missions with direct overseas impact.
Because of the base’s continuous operational demands and joint-service environment, service members at Scott Air Force Base may encounter UCMJ matters ranging from command investigations and administrative actions to non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, or separation proceedings. Duty schedules, sensitive command responsibilities, and deployment-related stress can all influence how legal issues arise. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at Scott Air Force Base in these matters.
https://www.scott.af.mil/
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.
