Vandenberg Space Force Base Command-Directed Investigation Defense Lawyers
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A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry, not a criminal process, but it can still jeopardize a service member’s career. At Vandenberg Space Force Base, findings may escalate into reprimands, separation actions, or court-martial. For guidance, contact Gonzalez & Waddington 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 actions can occur independently of any court-martial proceedings. They are handled through command channels and follow separate regulatory processes.
A BOI is an administrative fact‑finding process. NJP is a disciplinary tool used by commanders to address minor misconduct without creating a federal conviction. A BOI evaluates whether separation is appropriate, while NJP assesses responsibility for specific offenses.
The burden of proof is typically a preponderance of the evidence. This means the board evaluates whether the allegations are more likely true than not. It is a lower threshold than the standard used in court‑martial proceedings.
A BOI usually consists of three commissioned officers. They are senior to the service member and are selected to review the evidence impartially. A legal advisor and recorder may also participate in the process.
The board can review documents, witness statements, and testimony. Both the command and the service member may present relevant materials. The board determines what evidence is admissible based on governing regulations.
A BOI may review a member’s overall service record, including retirement eligibility. Separation decisions can influence whether a member continues toward retirement or receives creditable service. The specific impact depends on regulations applicable to the case.
Discharge characterization reflects the quality of a service member’s overall performance. Possible characterizations include Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable. The board reviews service history and evidence to determine an appropriate description.
Service members are generally allowed to retain a civilian attorney at their own expense. The civilian attorney can appear alongside assigned military counsel. Their participation is subject to installation access and procedural rules.
Vandenberg Space Force Base sits on the central coast of California, west of Santa Barbara and north of Lompoc. Its coastal cliffs, marine climate, and open training ranges create a distinctive environment for space and missile operations. The base is closely integrated with nearby civilian communities that support its workforce and mission needs.
The position along the Pacific coastline allows for polar orbit launches without overflying populated areas. This makes the region uniquely suited for satellite testing and space operations. The surrounding terrain also supports secure tracking, monitoring, and training activities.
The installation hosts Space Force and supporting Air Force elements focused on space launch, orbital operations, and missile testing. Key tenant units oversee launch range management and space domain awareness. The base plays a central role in national space capabilities.
Vandenberg manages a significant portion of U.S. polar-orbit launch capacity and supports allied participation in space operations. Its units help track global space activity and maintain operational readiness. These missions influence daily tempo across the installation.
The base hosts a sizable active-duty population, along with civilians and contractors supporting technical operations. Personnel work across launch support, range control, intelligence, logistics, and command functions. Rotational teams arrive throughout the year to participate in testing and mission events.
Launch preparations, space surveillance operations, and missile system testing drive the rhythm of the installation. These activities require coordination among multiple units and frequent interaction with national and international partners. The tempo varies depending on scheduled mission windows.
Service members stationed at or passing through Vandenberg may encounter UCMJ matters, including investigations, administrative inquiries, non-judicial punishment, or courts-martial. The technical and operational nature of the base can influence how incidents are reported and processed. Command responsibilities and mission schedules often shape the timing of these actions.
The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Their work involves cases arising from the installation’s operational environment and associated duties. Representation may occur for personnel across a range of units stationed on the base.
Vandenberg Space Force Base sits on the Central Coast of California, positioned between the coastal communities of Lompoc and Santa Maria. Its location along the Pacific shoreline provides a combination of remote terrain, broad open ranges, and direct access to high-altitude flight corridors. These features make the surrounding region essential for orbital launches, missile testing, and space surveillance activities. The base’s proximity to small civilian towns supports a close relationship between the installation and the local workforce, with service members relying on nearby communities for housing, schools, and daily services.
As a United States Space Force installation, Vandenberg hosts units dedicated to space launch, missile warning, and tracking operations. The base plays a central role in polar-orbit satellite launches, making it one of the nation’s primary gateways to space. Tenant organizations support test flights, range operations, and space domain awareness, while Air Force personnel work alongside Space Force Guardians in mission support roles. The installation’s geographic position uniquely enables over-ocean launch trajectories, reinforcing its strategic importance for national security space missions.
The active-duty presence at Vandenberg is moderate but mission‑intensive, with Guardians, Airmen, and civilian specialists engaged in continuous technical and operational tasks. While not a trainee-heavy base, it hosts rotational teams for launch campaigns and specialized exercises. Units on station manage high-tempo schedules tied to satellite deployment windows, missile tests, and real-time space monitoring. The installation also supports deployable elements and command functions that integrate with joint operations and national space management centers.
The operational demands at Vandenberg can give rise to a range of military justice issues under the UCMJ. Service members assigned to or temporarily supporting launch or test operations may face investigations, administrative actions, non‑judicial punishment, courts‑martial, or separation proceedings. The complex mission environment, classified work, and strict technical protocols often influence how incidents are reviewed and resolved. The military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington represent servicemembers stationed at or passing through Vandenberg Space Force Base, providing guidance for those navigating these legal challenges.
https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/
A Command-Directed Investigation is ordered by a commander with appropriate authority over the service member or unit involved. The decision is often made after consultation with legal advisors.
No, a Command-Directed Investigation is administrative, not criminal, but it can lead to criminal, disciplinary, or separation action based on its findings.
A Command-Directed Investigation is an administrative inquiry ordered by a commander to gather facts about alleged misconduct, performance issues, or concerns affecting good order and discipline. It is not a criminal proceeding.
Many service members choose to hire civilian military defense lawyers during a CDI because early involvement can affect how statements, evidence, and findings are documented and later used.
The CDI report itself is not always permanently filed, but its findings and resulting actions often become part of the service member’s administrative record.
