What does the investigating officer do in an Article 32 Investigation?

What does the investigating officer do in an Article 32 Investigation?

• A. Acts as an impartial fact-finder, gathers evidence, and prepares a report with recommendations.
• B. Makes recommendations to the commander.
• C. Conducts interviews only with witnesses.
• D. Drafts charges for a court-martial.

Answer: (A)

In an Article 32 Investigation, the key role of the investigating officer is to be an impartial fact-finder who collects all relevant evidence and then prepares a report that presents findings and recommendations to the convening authority. This means interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents and records, examining physical evidence, and evaluating how the pieces fit together to determine what happened. The resulting report helps the commander decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed with charges or take other action, rather than the IO drafting charges themselves or making the final disposition. The emphasis is on neutral fact-gathering and a thorough, evidence-based synthesis that includes guidance for the next step.

In an Article 32 Investigation, the key role of the investigating officer is to be an impartial fact-finder who collects all relevant evidence and then prepares a report that presents findings and recommendations to the convening authority. This means interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents and records, examining physical evidence, and evaluating how the pieces fit together to determine what happened. The resulting report helps the commander decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed with charges or take other action, rather than the IO drafting charges themselves or making the final disposition. The emphasis is on neutral fact-gathering and a thorough, evidence-based synthesis that includes guidance for the next step.