The Military uses Boards of Inquiry (BOIs), sometimes known as Show Cause boards, to consider a wide range of misconduct or issues that pertain to an officer’s or service member’s performance, conduct, or suitability for continued military service. The specific types of misconduct or issues that most BOIs consider can vary depending on the circumstances and the military branch involved. However, common types of misconduct or issues that BOIs may address include:

Board of Inquiry for Misconduct or other disqualification

Unprofessional Conduct: This can encompass a variety of behaviors, including disrespectful or insubordinate conduct toward superiors, subordinates, or peers, failure to follow orders, and other breaches of military discipline.

Negligence or Incompetence: BOIs may examine allegations of negligence or incompetence in the performance of an officer’s duties. This could involve mishandling of equipment, poor decision-making, or failures in leadership.

Ethical Violations: BOIs may investigate ethical violations such as conflicts of interest, misuse of government resources, or other breaches of military ethics and codes of conduct.

Misuse of Authority: Allegations of misuse of authority, abuse of power, or unfair treatment of subordinates, sometimes known as cruelty and maltreatment, or peers may be considered by a BOI.

Security Clearance Issues: Concerns related to an officer’s eligibility for a security clearance, including financial problems, foreign contacts, or personal behavior that could pose a security risk, may be examined.

Substance Abuse: BOIs can be convened to address substance abuse issues, including allegations of drug or alcohol abuse by a service member.

Criminal Conduct: While criminal matters are typically handled through courts-martial, BOIs may be convened to address cases where an officer’s conduct does not rise to the level of a criminal offense but still raises concerns about their fitness for service.

Sexual Harassment or Discrimination: Allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, or other forms of misconduct that create a hostile or discriminatory environment may be subject to a BOI. In fact the services have instituted policies that mandate involuntary separation for those found guilty of sexual harassment misconduct.

Fitness for Duty: BOIs may be used to assess an officer’s physical or mental fitness for continued military service, particularly in cases where health issues impact job performance.

Security or Counterintelligence Concerns: Issues related to national security, espionage, or potential vulnerabilities that could compromise classified information or military operations may be investigated.

Courts Martial or Board of Inquiry for misconduct?

The military may use Boards of Inquiry (BOIs) instead of courts-martial in certain situations for a variety of reasons. BOIs serve a different purpose and have a different scope than courts-martial, and they are typically reserved for cases that do not involve criminal offenses but still require a thorough investigation and adjudication. Here are some reasons why the military might use BOIs instead of courts-martial:

Non-Criminal Matters: BOIs are typically used for administrative investigations into non-criminal matters such as misconduct, negligence, or breaches of military regulations that do not rise to the level of a criminal offense. Courts-martial, on the other hand, are used to prosecute criminal offenses within the military justice system.

Administrative Actions: BOIs are often convened to determine whether an individual’s conduct or actions warrant administrative actions, such as discharges, reprimands, or other personnel actions. These actions are not punitive in nature but are designed to address issues related to discipline, performance, or suitability for continued military service.

Lesser Standard of Proof: BOIs generally use a lower standard of proof than courts-martial. While courts-martial require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, BOIs typically use a preponderance of the evidence standard. This means that BOIs do not determine guilt or innocence in the same way that courts-martial do but rather assess whether it is more likely than not that the allegations are true.

Speed and Efficiency: BOIs can often be convened more quickly and with less formality than courts-martial. This allows for a more efficient process when addressing administrative matters or conducting investigations into non-criminal misconduct.

Flexibility: BOIs provide the military with a flexible tool to address a wide range of issues, including officer misconduct, suitability for continued service, and other administrative matters. They can tailor their proceedings to fit the specific circumstances of the case.

Preservation of Criminal Justice System: Courts-martial are reserved for criminal matters to ensure due process and protect the rights of military personnel accused of crimes. Using BOIs for non-criminal matters helps preserve the integrity of the military’s criminal justice system.

It’s important to note that the specific procedures and reasons for convening BOIs can vary among different military branches and countries. The decision to use a BOI or a court-martial depends on the nature of the allegations, the applicable regulations, and the judgment of military authorities regarding the most appropriate course of action to address the situation.

Threats a BOI poses for an officer’s career

Boards of Inquiry (BOIs) can pose certain threats to an officer’s military career, depending on the circumstances and the outcome of the BOI. While BOIs are not criminal proceedings and do not result in punitive actions like courts-martial, they can still have significant career implications.

Negative Findings: If the BOI concludes that an officer’s actions or conduct were inappropriate or violated military regulations or standards, it may result in negative findings. These findings can impact the officer’s reputation within the military and may lead to adverse administrative actions like involuntary separation.

Reputation: Even if a BOI does not result in formal administrative actions, the mere fact that an officer was subject to an inquiry can harm their professional reputation and standing within their unit or branch of service.

Retention Decisions: In some cases, particularly serious misconduct or repeated violations of military regulations can lead to recommendations for an officer’s separation from the military. A BOI may play a role in such retention decisions.

It’s important to note that the impact of a BOI on an officer’s career can vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the allegations, the findings of the inquiry, and the policies and practices of the specific military branch. Officers facing a BOI have the opportunity to present their side of the story, provide evidence, and seek legal counsel to protect their rights and interests during the process.

Ultimately, the goal of a BOI is to conduct a fair and thorough examination of the facts and circumstances surrounding the officer’s actions and make recommendations that are consistent with military regulations and policies. Officers should seek guidance from their legal advisors and chain of command to understand the potential career implications of a BOI and how best to navigate the process.

Many BOIs are winnable with expert representation, fair minded board members, and proper evidence. Find our case results here for our BOI client success stories. If you are under investigation and think it might lead to a board of Inquiry or show cause board, contact us right away at 757-504-2815 or write to us at our contact page.