Military Defense Investigation Knowledge Base
Military Defense Investigation Authority Publication
Authority Publication No. DI-148
Testing Government Reenactments, Demonstrations, and Investigative Experiments for Realism
Independent Military Defense Investigations
Supporting Attorneys, Service Members, and Families
Publication Date: August 24, 2026
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Executive Summary
Testing government reenactments in military investigations requires comparing the test conditions, variables, equipment, participants, measurements, and selected results with the conditions of the original event.
A reenactment, demonstration, or investigative experiment can appear highly persuasive because it gives the viewer something concrete to see. But a visually convincing test may answer the wrong question when its conditions differ materially from the original event.
DI-148 explains how defense investigators can compare test conditions, variables, equipment, participants, measurements, lighting, weather, configuration, instructions, and prior knowledge with the original event.
The publication emphasizes obtaining complete video, notes, protocols, data, and failed trials; documenting changed variables and uncertainty; evaluating repeatability; and determining whether only selected results were presented. Its practical example examines a visibility demonstration performed with brighter lighting and a stationary observer closer than the original witness.
The purpose is to identify specific, documented differences so counsel can determine what the test actually establishes and what limitations should accompany the result.
DI-148 explains how military defense investigators can test government reenactments, demonstrations, and investigative experiments by comparing original conditions with test variables, participants, equipment, measurements, uncertainty, repeatability, and the complete record of results.
Who Should Read This Publication?
Military Defense Counsel
Use the investigative comparison to evaluate relevance, fairness, expert needs, admissibility issues, and the limits of what a reenactment or experiment actually establishes.
Defense Investigators
Document the original conditions and the test conditions, obtain the complete test record, identify changed variables and failed trials, and report specific differences without overstating their significance.
Service Members
Understand why a convincing demonstration may need to be tested against the actual conditions that existed during the alleged event.
Experts and Consultants
Review complete protocols, data, failed trials, measurements, equipment, participant characteristics, uncertainty, repeatability, and the original-event conditions before evaluating the test.
Families
Understand why defense investigators may closely examine lighting, distance, movement, equipment, instructions, and other details even when a government reenactment appears straightforward.
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.