Military Defense Investigation Knowledge Base
Military Defense Investigation Authority Publication
Authority Publication No. DI-090
Understanding the Investigative Limits of Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Evidence
Independent Military Defense Investigations
Supporting Attorneys, Service Members, and Families
Publication Date: August 30, 2026
────────────────────────────────────────
Executive Summary
A sexual assault forensic examination may produce important evidence, but the examination does not independently answer every factual or legal question in an Article 120 investigation.
DI-090 explains how defense counsel and investigators can separate the clinical history reported to the examiner, documented medical observations, collected samples, chain-of-custody records, laboratory results, and subsequent interpretations.
Each part of the examination record has a different purpose. Clinical history documents information provided for evaluation and treatment. Medical findings record observations made during the examination. Evidence records identify what was collected and how it was handled. Laboratory reports describe the results of specific testing.
A disciplined defense investigation preserves those distinctions. It traces every conclusion to the complete source record, examines collection and transfer history, documents timing, identifies alternative explanations requiring evaluation, and preserves the exact wording and limitations of medical or forensic opinions.
The objective is not to minimize medical evidence or challenge the examination process without a factual basis. It is to determine what the evidence establishes, what it does not independently establish, and what additional information counsel or a qualified expert may need.
Forensic evidence is most useful when its meaning is neither minimized nor overstated.
A sexual assault forensic examination can document clinical history, medical observations, collected samples, evidence-handling information, and laboratory findings. Those components should not be compressed into a single conclusion about what occurred.
DI-090 provides a practical framework for examining the complete forensic record. It identifies the documents and materials the defense should inventory, including the examination report, body diagrams, photographs when lawfully available, evidence-kit information, seals, transfers, laboratory submissions, testing records, and final reports.
The publication also emphasizes timing, chain of custody, source attribution, expert limitations, and the difference between an original medical or scientific opinion and a later investigative summary.
The central principle is straightforward: trace every important conclusion to its original source, preserve the precise language and limitations of the evidence, and keep unresolved questions visible for counsel.
A forensic examination should be evaluated through its complete source record—not through a shortened investigative summary.
Read DI-090 to learn how defense teams can distinguish clinical history, medical observations, collected evidence, laboratory findings, and professional opinions while preserving the limits of each.
Explore additional UCMJ Investigations Authority Publications:
Who Should Read This Publication?
Military Defense Counsel
Military defense counsel should read DI-090 to understand how the different components of a sexual assault forensic examination should be identified, preserved, and evaluated. The publication can assist counsel in defining expert questions, identifying missing materials, examining chain of custody, and preventing qualified medical or laboratory findings from being overstated in later summaries.
Defense Investigators
Defense investigators will learn how to obtain and organize the complete examination record, build an evidence and custodian map, document collection and transfer history, reconcile timing, preserve original materials, and trace each conclusion back to its medical or forensic source.
Service Members
Service members facing an Article 120 allegation should understand that forensic examination evidence is only one part of the overall evidentiary record. Questions concerning the meaning, admissibility, or legal effect of that evidence should be addressed with qualified defense counsel.
Experts
Medical, forensic, and laboratory experts should read DI-090 to understand the importance of clearly defined questions, complete source materials, documented methodologies, and carefully limited opinions. Expert analysis should explain both what the evidence supports and what it cannot independently determine.
Families
Families may hear that a forensic examination either “proves” or “disproves” an allegation. DI-090 explains why those conclusions may oversimplify a complex record. Families should preserve relevant information and coordinate with counsel rather than attempting to interpret medical findings or contact witnesses independently.
Companion Video
This companion video expands on the investigative concepts presented in this Authority Publication through additional explanation, practical examples, and professional investigative insight.
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.