Military Defense Investigation Knowledge Base
Military Defense Investigation Authority Publication
Authority Publication No. DI-136
Preparing an Investigative Case for an Administrative Separation Board
Independent Military Defense Investigations
Supporting Attorneys, Service Members, and Families
Publication Date: August 24, 2026
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Executive Summary
Preparing for a military administrative separation board requires a defense investigation organized around the notice allegations, original evidence, defenses, service record, retention considerations, and characterization issues.
An administrative separation board may decide whether a service member remains in the military and may affect the characterization of that service. Effective preparation requires a disciplined investigation of the actual allegations and the evidence behind them.
DI-136 explains how defense investigators can organize the notice and basis for separation, service records and governing provisions, government exhibits and underlying sources, defense witnesses and records, timelines and authentication, and evidence concerning rehabilitation, duty performance, impact, and retention.
The publication's practical example shows why repeated allegations should not automatically be treated as independent corroboration. Several memoranda may create the appearance of multiple sources even when every statement traces back to one unrecorded interview.
The purpose is to give counsel a source-based investigative record that separates verified facts from repetition, inference, and conclusion while identifying both favorable and unfavorable evidence and any unresolved limitations.
DI-136 explains how military defense investigators prepare an administrative separation board case by tracing allegations to original sources and organizing authenticated evidence concerning defenses, service history, rehabilitation, performance, retention, and characterization.
Who Should Read This Publication?
Military Defense Counsel
Use the source-based record to test the stated basis for separation, identify evidentiary weaknesses, organize defense witnesses and exhibits, and develop retention and characterization evidence for the board.
Defense Investigators
Map each allegation to its original source, obtain underlying government evidence, develop independent witnesses and records, authenticate material exhibits, and document conflicts, gaps, and unsuccessful efforts.
Service Members
Understand why preparation should address not only the allegation but also service history, rehabilitation, duty performance, impact, retention, and the reliability of the evidence presented to the board.
Potential Witnesses and Record Custodians
Understand the importance of preserving original records, providing accurate first-hand information, and distinguishing personal knowledge from information learned through repetition or summary.
Families
Understand why favorable background information can be useful but should be organized through counsel and the defense team as part of a broader evidence-based presentation rather than substituted for investigation of the underlying allegation.
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.