Answer First

An AR 15-6 investigation is a formal administrative investigation used by the U.S. Army to examine alleged misconduct, policy violations, leadership failures, or incidents affecting good order and discipline, and its findings are commonly used to support adverse administrative action rather than criminal charges.

This matters in the military justice system because AR 15-6 investigations are often treated as non-criminal, but in reality they are one of the most powerful tools commanders use to justify GOMORs, relief for cause, adverse evaluations, administrative separation, or referral to a Board of Inquiry, even when no court-martial occurs. Gonzalez & Waddington intervene early to ensure AR 15-6 investigations are not allowed to become unchecked career-destruction mechanisms.

Go a Click Deeper

An AR 15-6 investigation is initiated when a commander appoints an investigating officer to gather facts and make findings regarding a specific issue or allegation. The investigating officer collects statements, documents, and evidence and then issues written findings and recommendations that are forwarded to command for decision-making. Although the standard of proof is low and formal rules of evidence do not apply, the results often carry severe and permanent consequences.

• AR 15-6 investigations are administrative, not criminal, but are frequently used in place of courts-martial.
• The investigating officer is usually another service member, not a trained investigator or judge.
• The standard of proof is typically preponderance of the evidence.
• Hearsay is commonly relied upon.
• Statements may be encouraged or compelled without full explanation of downstream impact.
• Findings are summarized and heavily relied on by commanders.
• The investigation can be used to justify separation even without criminal charges.

When Legal Guidance Matters Most

Service members often underestimate AR 15-6 investigations because they are framed as administrative fact-finding rather than punitive action. In practice, once findings are issued, they are extremely difficult to undo and often become permanent reference points for future adverse action. Gonzalez & Waddington represent service members worldwide during AR 15-6 investigations, advising on statements, identifying procedural errors, and preventing biased findings from becoming the basis for separation or elimination.

Real-World Patterns We See

In our experience defending Army service members at every rank, AR 15-6 investigations frequently become substitutes for criminal cases that commands believe are too difficult to prove at court-martial. A recurring pattern is commanders relying on the investigation as conclusive proof rather than as a starting point for fair evaluation.

• Investigating officers lack experience in weighing credibility.
• Statements are taken without clear warnings about consequences.
• Hearsay is treated as reliable fact.
• Findings are written to support command expectations.
• Rebuttal opportunities are rushed or minimized.
• Investigations are later cited in separation or BOI proceedings.

Aggressive Military Defense Lawyers: Gonzalez & Waddington

Watch the military defense lawyers at Gonzalez & Waddington break down how they defend service members worldwide against UCMJ allegations, CID/NCIS/OSI investigations, court-martials, Article 120 cases, administrative separations, and GOMORs. If you’re under investigation or facing adverse action, this video explains what your rights are and how experienced civilian military counsel can make the difference.

How Gonzalez & Waddington Helps

AR 15-6 investigations often decide careers long before any board or trial occurs. Gonzalez & Waddington treat these investigations as high-stakes legal events and intervene early to shape outcomes rather than react to them.

• Advising whether and how to provide statements.
• Preventing compelled statements from being misused.
• Identifying investigative bias and procedural violations.
• Challenging unsupported findings and recommendations.
• Preparing comprehensive rebuttals to adverse conclusions.
• Preserving exculpatory evidence and favorable context.
• Anticipating administrative separation or BOI exposure.
• Protecting promotion, command, and retirement eligibility.

Comparison Table

Pro Tips

• Administrative does not mean harmless.
• AR 15-6 findings often replace trials.
• Statements given early are hard to undo.
• Hearsay can still end careers.
• Early legal intervention changes outcomes.

Common Issues We See

• Service members underestimate investigation impact.
• Investigating officers rely on assumptions.
• Rebuttals are rushed or incomplete.
• Commands treat findings as final truth.
• Careers end without court-martial.

FAQ

Is an AR 15-6 investigation criminal?

No, but it often leads to serious administrative punishment. Gonzalez & Waddington protect service members from unfair escalation.

Can AR 15-6 findings be used for separation?

Yes, frequently. Gonzalez & Waddington work to challenge unsupported findings.

Do I have to give a statement?

Not always, and statements can be risky. Gonzalez & Waddington advise when silence is safest.

Can I rebut an AR 15-6?

Yes, but timing and quality matter. Gonzalez & Waddington prepare effective rebuttals.

Does this apply overseas?

Yes, the same principles apply worldwide. Gonzalez & Waddington represent service members globally.

Bottom Line

An AR 15-6 investigation is not a minor administrative review; it is one of the Army’s most powerful tools for imposing career-ending consequences without a trial. The safest course is to take these investigations seriously, protect your rights, and involve experienced civilian military defense counsel as early as possible. Military administrative systems move quickly under command authority, and early mistakes are difficult to undo. Gonzalez & Waddington represent service members worldwide in serious Army administrative and criminal matters and can be reached at 1-800-921-8607 to protect your career before AR 15-6 findings become permanent.