Your Response Matters When the Command Is Investigating You

Command investigations can determine everything from administrative actions to career-ending discipline, and even when allegations are unsubstantiated, inaccurate findings may remain in your record unless effectively challenged. Airmen often underestimate the seriousness of these inquiries, assuming the truth will prevail on its own—but once an investigation is underway, the command’s perspective, witness statements, and documentation can take shape quickly and unfavorably.

Military Justice Attorneys provides strategic representation for Airmen facing command investigations, offering guidance from the very beginning and preparing strong rebuttals and appeals if the findings are unjust or unsupported by evidence. As former Judge Advocates, we understand the investigative process, the importance of detail, and the impact that a single report can have on your career.

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What Is a Command Investigation in the Air Force?

A command investigation is an administrative inquiry conducted by the Air Force to determine the facts surrounding alleged misconduct, incidents, accidents, or violations of standards. These investigations may be initiated in response to:

  • Complaints from coworkers or supervisors
  • Allegations of misconduct or unprofessional behavior
  • Safety or workplace incidents
  • Financial or property-related issues
  • Equal opportunity concerns

Investigators gather statements, documents, and reports to provide the commander with enough information to make decisions about discipline, training, or administrative action.

Because the findings can directly influence evaluations, reprimands, NJP, separation actions, and even court-martial decisions, the support of a military appeals lawyer is critical at every stage.

The Benefits of Working With a Military Defense Attorney for Command Investigation Appeals and Rebuttals

  • Strategic Written Rebuttals That Address Every Inaccuracy - A skilled attorney prepares detailed responses that challenge unsupported conclusions, highlight investigative gaps, and correct factual errors before findings become permanently associated with your record.
  • Protection Against Misinterpretation of Statements or Evidence - Investigators may mischaracterize statements or rely on incomplete information. Your attorney ensures your perspective is accurately documented and supported with clarifying evidence.
  • Guidance Through Command Actions and Follow-On Proceedings - Findings from a command investigation often trigger adverse administrative actions. Your attorney helps you respond strategically to notices of reprimand, UIF entries, control rosters, or NJP.
  • Experience Navigating Appeal Routes and Record Corrections - If rebuttals are denied, an attorney can pursue relief through higher command channels or correction boards. You can learn more about correcting unjust investigation findings through the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records at: https://www.afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Military-Personnel-Records/AFBCMR/.
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Is a Command Investigation Appeal or Rebuttal Relevant to My Situation?

You may need legal assistance if you:

  • Are notified you are the subject or target of a command investigation
  • Receive findings that contain inaccuracies, incomplete information, or unsupported allegations
  • Believe the investigation was biased, rushed, or mishandled
  • Face administrative consequences resulting from the findings
  • Disagree with the investigator’s conclusions or recommendations
  • Are required to provide a written rebuttal within a short deadline

Airmen often seek attorney support in cases involving:

  • Misconduct allegations
  • Leadership conflicts
  • Safety or workplace incidents
  • Insubordination or duty failures
  • Property or financial issues
  • Complaints involving professionalism or character

If the findings could harm your career, legal guidance is essential.

Former Military Judge Advocates United By Service

Our attorneys are all former military officers who served on active duty. We work as a team on your case, leveraging each of our attorneys’ unique perspectives and vast experience to win on your behalf.

Gerry Healy

Owner and Founder

Gerry founded Military Justice Attorneys to provide service members with principled, trial-tested defense rooted in firsthand experience inside the military justice system.

  • Former Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Recognized Criminal Defense Attorney and Litigator
  • Represents Military Community in Complex Mass Torts
Gerry Healy

Josh Hill

Managing Partner

Josh oversees the firm’s military justice practice, bringing a strategic and detail-driven approach to complex litigation, appeals, and high-stakes administrative matters.

  • Former Military Prosecutor and Defense Counsel
  • Admitted to Practice in all Military Appellate Courts
  • Burton Award for Distinguished Legal Writing
Josh Hill

Chip Hodge

Partner

Chip draws on senior-level military justice experience to advise and defend service members facing courts-martial, investigations, and career-altering administrative actions.

  • Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel
  • Served as Deputy SJA, Marine Forces Reserve
  • Deployed to Afghanistan in Support of OEF
Chip Hodge

Paul represents contractors injured while working overseas in support of US agencies and forces, combining significant litigation experience with a deep commitment to helping injured workers.

  • Former Major in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Admitted to the Bar in South Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois
Paul Murray

Jon Shelburne

Senior Counsel

Jon brings decades of courtroom and appellate experience, focusing on serious criminal allegations and complex military justice matters worldwide.

  • 30+ Years of Trial Experience
  • Co-Chair, Veterans Committee for Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Jon Shelburne

Amy Thomas

Of Counsel

Amy provides strategic counsel on military and employment-related matters, informed by senior leadership experience and advanced legal training.

  • Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps
  • Master's in Jurisprudence in Labor & Employment Law
Amy Thomas
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The Command Investigation Rebuttal and Appeal Process What to Expect

1. Review of the Report and Supporting Documents

Your attorney examines the investigation in detail—witness statements, exhibits, conclusions, and procedural compliance—to identify errors, omissions, or unjust conclusions.

2. Preparation of a Comprehensive Rebuttal

The attorney drafts a rebuttal addressing each contested point with supporting evidence, regulatory citations, and factual challenges aimed at correcting the investigator’s conclusions.

3. Command Review and Decision

The rebuttal is submitted to the commander for consideration before findings are finalized or further administrative actions are taken. Your attorney prepares you for potential follow-up inquiries or decisions.

4. Appeal or Record Correction if Findings Stand

If the command upholds the findings, your attorney may pursue relief through:

  • Higher command review channels
  • The Inspector General complaint process (you can learn more at: https://www.afinspectorgeneral.af.mil/ )
  • Congressional inquiries
  • The Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR)
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Case Results We’ve been in the fight & know how to win

View All Results

DEMOTION APPEAL SUCCESSFUL

Sixteenth Air Force. Demotion Appeal Granted, Administrative Demotion Overturned for Technical Sergeant (E-6).

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AFOSI GRANTS TITLING EXPUNGEMENT

Department of the Air Force. AFOSI Grants Titling Expungement Request, Removes Veteran from DCII and III Databases.

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"NO BASIS"

Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Air Force Staff Sergeant (E-5) was wrongfully accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

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DISCHARGE UPGRADE (COVID-19)

Air Force Discharge Review Board (AFDRB). Airman Separated for Refusing COVID-19 Vaccine Upgraded to Honorable.

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HARD-FOUGHT DISCHARGE UPGRADE

Air Force Discharge Review Board (AFDRB). Senior Airman Discharged for Marijuana Use Receives Upgrade.

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DISCHARGE UPGRADED TO HONORABLE

Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR). Airman Discharged for Drug Use Upgraded to Honorable.

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OFFICER DISCHARGE UPGRADED

Air Force Discharge Review Board (AFDRB). Officer Receives Fully Honorable Discharge 20-years after General Court-Martial.

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ROTC CADET RETAINED

An Air Force ROTC Cadet close to graduation was notified of Administrative Disenrollment after receiving two military conditional events.

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HONORABLE DISCHARGE

RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom. Air Force Pilot Separated for Drug Abuse Allegations Receives Honorable Discharge.

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CHARGES DISMISSED

Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Sexual Assault and Indecent Conduct Charges Dismissed Against Airman First Class (E-3).

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After Your Command Investigation What Comes Next

Even when an investigation ends, the damage can continue unless addressed. Adverse findings may affect:

  • EPRs/OPRs
  • Promotion eligibility
  • Special duty assignments
  • Security clearances
  • Retention or continuation boards
  • Administrative separation

Military Justice Attorneys continues supporting Airmen by assisting with rebuttals to adverse evaluations, appealing administrative actions, and petitioning for correction of unjust records.

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Client Testimonials Their Words. Their Cases. Their Results.

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"We Won!!"

I am forever grateful to my at...

We won!! The case surrounding my petition to upgrade my Discharge from General to Honorable was intricate & unusual—and I had been separated from the Armed Forces for nearly 20 years! But Josh heard my circumstances, formulated a strategy--and got us on the Review Board docket before the statutory deadline expired. Josh then developed a witheringly compelling argument on my behalf, helped me to believe in myself--and gave me the courage to FIGHT the injustice that was done to me. It took my Service Branch four years to arrive at a favorable decision—but WE WON!! I am forever grateful to my attorney Joshua Hill for helping to upgrade my Discharge to Honorable—and for restoring *my* honor, after so many years. A weight has been lifted from me—Joshua is the only person to thank for that! Above all, Joshua believed in me—and for that, I am even more grateful. I recommend Josh to any and all current or former servicemembers who may find themselves in need of excellent legal counsel. Josh is truly a gifted attorney—and he *listens* to you. I wish that I had found him 20 years ago!

-Air Force Veteran

"A Dedicated Advocate Who Helped Me Win My Discharge Upgrade"

I couldn’t have done it withou...

I have been working with Josh Hill since 2020 to upgrade my discharge from "under honorable conditions (general)" to "honorable". The entire process, despite some minor setbacks with the boards, was a positive experience. From the very beginning, Josh was always patient and professional. He took the time to answer my questions and never made me feel rushed. He was reliable and stayed on top of every deadline, making the process so much less stressful for me. We submitted a few different packages and eventually had to meet with the board in person. Josh stood out during the in-person hearing; he knew exactly what to say and did an amazing job representing me. Even when things didn’t go our way at first, Josh refused to give up. Without making me feel pressured, he encouraged me to keep going. Recently, we were allowed to resubmit our case for review based on the board improperly adjudicating our case back in 2022. Well, we finally won! My discharge was upgraded, my reason for discharge was changed, and even my re-enlistment code got fixed. I couldn’t have done it without Josh, and I highly recommend him to anyone who needs this kind of help. Josh, thank you again for everything.

-Air Force Veteran

"Caring and Excellent Attorney!"

Thanks to Josh Hill, today, I ...

It would be nice to have the option to give Josh Hill more than five stars. In my eyes, and he also knows, he deserves more than that. Hill’s professionalism exceeded all my expectations. He is very modest and straightforward. Since my wife and I contacted him, he was unequivocal in how he will be proceeding with our case and the variants to have it solved. I am an Air Force Active Duty member, and after joining, I had an SCRA problem with a car dealership, and they had reported me to the credit bureaus. I had tried to resolve the issue with the dealership for three years without success.

I needed to have this situation clear for my TS clearance, and I was getting nowhere. I felt that I had a case. I called many lawyers before I found Josh, but none of them gave me the confidence to resolve this matter. What sets Josh apart from other attorneys, in my opinion, is his caring nature. He first asks me for all the documents to analyze them and see if I had a case. When other attorneys asked for money first, he worked around my hours because he knew I was overseas. He frequently reached out to me to give me updates on my case. With all sincerity, I can’t praise Josh enough, and he went the extra mile for me. I feel that he went above and beyond his duty.

Thanks to Josh Hill, today, I can continue with my goals in the military. Thank you, Josh, for the love of your job and your support!

-AIRMAN FIRST CLASS, USAF

"MJA is “THE BEST”"

I would gladly recommend attor...

I contacted attorney Joshua A. Hill on an old military law matter, a few months ago. From the very beginning, attorney Hill has provided me with the utmost courteous and expert legal advice. My issue was complex; but Josh was able to cut through to the heart of the matter and formulate a sound legal argument which will allow me to prevail in an upcoming hearing.

THANK YOU to attorney Joshua Hill for taking on my case, for treating me with the dignity that I deserve–and for the clarity and acumen that he so expertly provided to my matter. And thanks for having my back!

I would gladly recommend attorney Joshua Hill & Healy Law Group, LLC, Military Justice Attorneys for any UCMJ legal matter–whether you’re active duty or a veteran, like me! They are THE BEST.

-CAPTAIN, USAF

"It Was Like a Scene From a Movie"

The results I received from th...

I highly recommend Mr. Healy to anyone that has Military Law issues as he was insanely knowledgeable during the entire process and made me and my family feel very comfortable during the process. From the first time we contacted Mr. Healy, we knew immediately that we wanted to hire him as our attorney, which we did, and we had spoke with several others prior to contacting Mr. Healy. He was able to help and explain everything in a manner we understood. He was very professional the entire time and exuded confidence during the board and has a very commanding presence in the room. He is a very fast thinker and was able to provide answers and consultation in the last minute. It was almost like a scene from a movie, and regardless of what side you were on, you felt and understood everything that was said by Mr. Healy. He captured the board members attention and never once did I notice the board members look around or look bored; he had their attention from start to finish and it had a huge impact on getting the results we only had hoped of getting before hiring him. The results I received from the board was the best possible outcome in my favor and saved my career and my family’s future. I recommend that if you need an attorney in military law and sex crimes, to consult with and hire Mr. Healy immediately!
-Master Sergeant, USAF

"Truly Cares and Fights for Clients"

Throughout that entire time Mr...

In November of 2020 I reached out and hired Mr. Healy to represent me in a General Court Martial facing a Sexual Assault charge. Throughout that entire time Mr. Healy did everything in his power to prepare and keep me informed on everything. My life was on the line and I trusted him with everything, confident that the outcome would be in our favor. Mr. Healy truly cares for and fights for his clients. I saw that firsthand and I would undoubtedly recommend him in a second to anybody, who just like me, is fighting for their life knowing they are innocent. Mr. Healy was not only my attorney, but a friend who fought for me and got me my life back. I’m very thankful to have met Mr. Healy and if anyone is in a situation where they know they want to fight for their life, Mr. Healy is the person for you.
-SENIOR AIRMAN, USAF
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Why Choose Military Justice Attorneys?

Experienced Representation for Airmen Facing High-Stakes Investigations

Our attorneys understand investigative procedures, command expectations, and how to challenge poorly supported findings.

Former Judge Advocates With Deep Knowledge of Air Force Regulations

We’ve advised commanders, reviewed investigations, and know exactly how errors occur—and how to expose them effectively.

Dedicated Advocacy Built on Clear Communication and Precision

Airmen receive individualized attention, strategic planning, and comprehensive support designed to protect their careers and reputations.

These strengths make Military Justice Attorneys a trusted choice for rebuttals, appeals, and post-investigation advocacy.

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Command Investigation Appeals / Rebuttals FAQs

Do I have to speak to investigators if they come to me directly?

No. You are never required to answer questions without consulting an attorney. Investigators often frame conversations in ways that appear informal or harmless, but your statements may later be used to support adverse findings.

Can I rebut findings even if the investigation is already complete?

Yes. Airmen typically have the right to submit a rebuttal when findings are presented. Even if the command endorses the conclusions, you may still pursue appeals or correction through higher authorities such as the AFBCMR.

What if the investigation includes incorrect or biased statements?

An attorney can help demonstrate inconsistencies, challenge credibility issues, and present counterevidence. Command investigations often contain assumptions or unsupported opinions that can be overturned through strong rebuttals.

Does an adverse finding automatically lead to disciplinary action?

Not always. Some findings result only in counseling or notes in your record, while others trigger reprimands, UIF entries, control rosters, or separation actions. Legal guidance helps you anticipate—and counter—potential consequences.

Can a lawyer really affect the outcome of a command investigation?

Absolutely. Well-crafted rebuttals and early representation often change command perspectives, correct factual errors, and prevent unjust findings from becoming part of your permanent record.

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Protect Your Record Before It Becomes Permanent

Schedule a confidential consultation with an Air Force command investigation appeals attorney who can help safeguard your service and challenge unjust findings.

Contact Us When Your Future Is On The Line

Our decentralized approach to military defense ensures that we can represent service members from any branch of the military, of any rank, at any military base or installation stateside or abroad.

Available 24/7 to Help Anyone in the World

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