Military Defense Investigation Knowledge Base
Military Defense Investigation Authority Publication
Authority Publication No. DI-143
Locating and Approaching Former Service Members, Reluctant Witnesses, and Witnesses Outside Military Control
Independent Military Defense Investigations
Supporting Attorneys, Service Members, and Families
Publication Date: August 24, 2026
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Executive Summary
Locating reluctant military witnesses requires the defense investigator to verify identity, use lawful counsel-approved locate methods, document contact attempts, preserve voluntariness, and identify available production options.
Former service members, reluctant witnesses, and witnesses outside military control can possess important information but may be difficult to locate or unwilling to participate in an unexpected interview.
DI-143 explains how defense investigators can verify identity, use public records and counsel-approved locate methods, document contact attempts and communication preferences, and preserve a witness's voluntary and unpressured choice.
The publication also identifies subpoena, travel, deposition, and remote-testimony considerations that may require counsel or formal process. Its practical example shows why a witness who declines an unexpected telephone interview should not be treated as unavailable when a respectful written explanation and counsel-directed communication may provide another path.
The purpose is to create a reliable record of locate efforts, identity verification, witness response, restrictions, and unresolved production issues without converting persistence into pressure.
DI-143 explains how military defense investigators locate and approach former service members, reluctant witnesses, and witnesses outside military control through verified identity, lawful locate methods, documented contact, voluntary communication, and appropriate production options.
Who Should Read This Publication?
Military Defense Counsel
Use the locate-and-contact record to evaluate witness availability, contact restrictions, formal production options, travel, deposition, remote testimony, and the need for additional process.
Defense Investigators
Verify identity, document public-record and counsel-approved locate methods, record every contact attempt and response, preserve witness preferences, and avoid pressure or unsupported assumptions about reluctance.
Service Members
Understand why former colleagues or witnesses who have left the military may require different locate, contact, and production methods and why counsel should direct important witness-contact decisions.
Former Service Members and Potential Witnesses
Understand that a defense investigator may seek voluntary communication and should respect a witness's stated preferences, restrictions, and decision about whether and how to communicate.
Families
Understand why locating an important witness may require reliable identifying information, patient documentation, and counsel-directed methods rather than repeated or intrusive contact.
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.