Can a Senior Commander relieve a subordinate Commander on the basis of an informal investigation under AR 15-6?

Can a Senior Commander relieve a subordinate Commander on the basis of an informal investigation under AR 15-6?

• A. Yes; The commander can relieve immediately based on informal findings
• B. No; Relief can be granted only after a formal investigation is completed
• C. No; The Commander can suspend them from their duties pending the results, but must wait on the final investigation prior to Relief for Cause
• D. Yes; Informal investigation is sufficient for relief

Answer: (C)

Informal investigations are quick fact-finding steps and do not provide the formal basis needed to remove a commander from command. Under AR 15-6, a senior commander may place a subordinate on suspension or temporary duties while a formal investigation is conducted. Relief from command for cause is a serious action that should flow from the formal investigation’s findings, not from informal findings. So the appropriate course is to suspend the commander pending the final results of the formal investigation, and only then determine whether relief for cause is warranted. This protects due process and ensures relief decisions are based on a complete, formal record.

Informal investigations are quick fact-finding steps and do not provide the formal basis needed to remove a commander from command. Under AR 15-6, a senior commander may place a subordinate on suspension or temporary duties while a formal investigation is conducted. Relief from command for cause is a serious action that should flow from the formal investigation’s findings, not from informal findings. So the appropriate course is to suspend the commander pending the final results of the formal investigation, and only then determine whether relief for cause is warranted. This protects due process and ensures relief decisions are based on a complete, formal record.