recommendations are adverse to the individual or individuals concerned.
c. AR 15-6 is used as the basis for many investigations requiring the detailed gathering and analyzing of facts and the making of recommendations based on those facts. AR 15-6 procedures may be used on their own, such as in an investigation to determine facts and circumstances, or the procedures may be incorporated by reference into directives governing specific types of investigations, such as reports of survey and line of duty investigations. If such directives contain guidance that is more specific than that set forth in AR 15-6 or these procedures, the more specific guidance will control. For example, AR 15-6 does not contain time limits for completion of investigations; however, if another directive that incorporates AR 15-6 procedures contains time limits, that requirement will apply.
d. Only commissioned officers, warrant officers, or DA civilian employees paid under the General Schedule, Level 13 (GS 13), or above may be investigating officers. The investigating officers must also be senior to any person that is part of the investigation if the investigation may require the investigating officer to make adverse findings or recommendations against that person. Since the results of any investigation may have a significant impact on policies, procedures, or careers of government personnel, the appointing authority should select the best qualified person for the duty based on their education, training, experience, length of service, and temperament.
B. PRELIMINARY MATTERS
1. Appointing authority.
a. Under AR 15-6, the following persons may appoint investigating officers for informalinvestigations:
- any general court-martial convening authority, including those who have such authority for administrative purposes only,
- any general officer,
- a commander at any level,
- a principal staff officer or supervisor in the grade of major or above,
- any state adjutant general, and
- a DA civilian supervisor paid under the Executive Schedule, SES, or GS/GM 14 or above, provided the supervisor is the head of an agency or activity or the chief of a
