Military Defense Investigation Knowledge Base
Military Defense Investigation Authority Publication
Authority Publication No. DI-137
Investigative Records That Affect Security-Clearance Decisions and How to Correct Factual Errors
Independent Military Defense Investigations
Supporting Attorneys, Service Members, and Families
Publication Date: August 24, 2026
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Executive Summary
Correcting factual errors in military security-clearance records begins by identifying the exact disputed record, tracing its original source and dissemination path, and documenting the authorized process for correction, amendment, appeal, or rebuttal.
Investigative records can continue to influence personnel-security and security-clearance decisions after the underlying investigation has ended. When a factual error is repeated in later records, the defense needs more than a generalized claim that the file is wrong.
DI-137 explains how investigators can identify the exact record, originator, dissemination path, and adjudicative use; compare ROI, indexing, titling, disposition and court records; preserve security questionnaires and adjudicative correspondence; and locate certified source documents that disprove or qualify a disputed fact.
The publication's practical example involves a clearance file stating that an allegation was substantiated even though the final disposition says otherwise. The defense preserves the certified source records and identifies the agency that owns the inaccurate entry.
The purpose is to create a precise, verifiable factual record that counsel can use to evaluate the appropriate correction, amendment, appeal, rebuttal, or other authorized process.
DI-137 explains how military defense investigators trace inaccurate security-clearance information to its original source, document the correct disposition, identify the responsible agency, and preserve the evidence needed for an authorized correction process.
Who Should Read This Publication?
Military Defense Counsel
Use the documented source, disposition, dissemination path, and agency ownership to evaluate legal significance and the appropriate correction, amendment, appeal, rebuttal, or other formal process.
Defense Investigators
Identify the exact disputed entry; preserve original ROI, indexing, titling, disposition, court, questionnaire, and adjudicative records; trace repeated statements to their source; and document the responsible agency and unresolved gaps.
Service Members
Understand why an inaccurate investigative summary can affect later personnel-security decisions and why the most effective response begins with specific source documents rather than a generalized disagreement with the record.
Security-Clearance and Personnel-Security Practitioners Working with Counsel
Use clearly sourced records and defined factual discrepancies to distinguish an original investigative fact from a later summary, repeated entry, or inaccurate disposition description.
Families
Understand that correcting a disputed security-clearance record generally requires precise official documentation and an authorized process; preserve lawfully available records and coordinate them through the service member's counsel or defense team.
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.