No one wants to learn that they’re the subject of an internal military investigation. It’s important to keep in mind that some investigations are so secret that those under investigation don’t find out until they’re formally questioned or some disciplinary process begins.
If you learn about it before it reaches that point, it can give you some advantages. However, you need to know your rights and how to invoke them regardless.
Types of internal military investigations and potential consequences
There are multiple types of military investigations. Some events automatically require an investigation. These include battlefield events (like “friendly fire” incidents) and servicemember suicides.
Common types of internal military investigations include the following:
- Criminal investigations (covered under Rule of Court Martial 303)
- Injury, illness or death in the line of duty (LOD) investigations
- Government property loss/damage investigations
- Commander-directed investigations (CDIs)
It’s important to know what the potential consequences are for you – both within and outside the military. That’s true regardless of what type of investigation you’re facing.
For example, if a LOD injury is determined to have been caused by misconduct on your part, your VA benefits may not cover your medical treatment and rehabilitation. The stakes can be far greater if you’re facing a criminal investigation.
Each branch of the military has its own special investigation unit for offenses included in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Note that an investigation can begin as an administrative one (for example, a CDI investigation) but lead to a criminal investigation if evidence of a UCMJ violation is uncovered.
If you’re the subject of any type of internal military investigation, you don’t have to deal with it alone. It’s smart to get experienced legal guidance as soon as possible to protect your military career and your future accordingly.