Article 32 Investigation

An Article 32 Investigation is a process in the U.S. military justice system that examines the facts of a case before deciding whether to proceed with a court-martial. It serves to ensure that there is enough evidence to support the charges against a service member. During this investigation, a neutral officer conducts a hearing, hears testimony, considers evidence, and can recommend whether to dismiss charges, reduce them, or move forward with trial. This step aims to protect the rights of the accused while ensuring accountability within the military.