Preparing for an Article 32 Investigation

Independent Military Defense Investigations

Supporting Attorneys, Service Members, and Families

Publication Date: August 18, 2026

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Executive Summary

An Article 32 investigation can shape the direction of a serious military case long before trial. Effective preparation requires more than reviewing the allegation. The defense must understand the existing investigative record, identify factual disputes, locate witnesses, preserve records, test timelines, and recognize evidence that may support an alternative explanation. A disciplined defense investigation can help counsel determine what the government evidence actually establishes and what remains uncertain or incomplete. This Authority Publication examines the investigative work that can support preparation for an Article 32 proceeding, including early evidence preservation, witness development, document review, timeline analysis, and coordination between counsel and the defense investigator. The objective is not to predict the legal outcome or substitute investigative judgment for legal strategy. It is to build a reliable factual record so defense counsel can make informed decisions, identify weaknesses in the existing investigation, and approach the Article 32 process with a clearer understanding of the evidence.

Who Should Read This Publication?

Military defense attorneys preparing for hearings, trial, or final case review
Service members and families seeking to understand the investigative process
Private investigators supporting military defense counsel
Investigators reviewing evidence, witnesses, records, and timelines

Download the Official Authority Publication (PDF)

Companion Video

Watch the companion UCMJ Investigations video for DI-045, “Preparing for an Article 32 Investigation,” for a concise discussion of the investigative principles addressed in this Authority Publication.

About Michael West

The investigative guidance presented throughout these Authority Publications is based upon decades of professional experience conducting military, federal, criminal, civil, and private investigations. The principles discussed in these publications are drawn from real investigative work involving complex cases, witness development, evidence analysis, and factual case preparation.

Michael West has served as a Special Agent with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and the Department of Defense Inspector General, conducted federal background investigations, and spent decades working as a licensed private investigator supporting attorneys, businesses, service members, and private clients. Throughout his career, his work has focused on identifying facts, locating witnesses, analyzing evidence, and strengthening the factual foundation of legal cases through independent investigation.

The Military Defense Investigation Knowledge Base was created to share that investigative experience in a practical, understandable format. Its purpose is to help attorneys, service members, and families better understand the investigative process, ask more informed questions, and recognize opportunities where independent investigation may strengthen the defense.

Important Information

This Authority Publication is provided for educational and informational purposes and is intended to help readers better understand military defense investigations and the investigative process. It is based upon professional investigative experience and is designed to provide practical investigative insight rather than legal advice.

Every military case is unique. The investigative strategies, factual issues, and legal considerations applicable to one case may not apply to another. Readers should consult with a qualified attorney regarding legal rights, legal strategy, and decisions involving their individual circumstances.

Nothing contained in this publication should be interpreted as creating an attorney-client relationship or an investigator-client relationship. References to investigative techniques, procedures, or case examples are provided solely to illustrate investigative principles and should not be considered legal guidance.

Effective military defense is strengthened by informed legal representation supported by thorough factual investigation. The purpose of these Authority Publications is to help readers better understand that investigative process so they can communicate more effectively with qualified legal counsel and make informed decisions throughout the military justice process.