XBradTC

In my previous post describing the damage control efforts post collision, I shared a document. 

As we wait and pray for news of the USS John S. McCain,* I want to clarify some potential misunderstandings.  I've seen this article from American Greatness by Angelo Codevilla making the rounds on Facebook and other social media.  It's garbage. 

What was released was a Line of Duty (LOD) investigation. Any time there is a death or serious injury of a service member, an LOD is conducted to determine if the death or injury was in connection with the service member's duty, or if it was a result of the service member's misconduct. The scope of an LOD is thus quite limited. For instance, the report didn't focus on the events prior to the collision. Secondly, an LOD is not used as the basis for punitive actions under the UCMJ. It's primary purpose is to determine:

Determinations on the status of personnel regarding entitlements to pay during disability,
disability benefits, severance pay, retirement pay, increases of pay for longevity, survivor's
benefits, involuntary extensions of enlistments, dates of expiration of active obligated service,
and accrual of annual leave.

Separately, but concurrently, there is another investigation, known as a JAGMAN (Judge Advocate General's Manual) investigation. The Navy describes a JAGMAN investigation:

 Almost every naval officer will have contact with an administrative investigation (commonly referred to as a JAGMAN investigation) during their military career, either as an investigating officer or as a convening authority. The basic regulations governing such investigations are contained in the Manual of the Judge Advocate General (JAGMAN). The primary purpose of an administrative investigation is to provide the convening authority and reviewing authorities with information regarding a specific incident which occurs in the Department of the Navy. These officials will then make decisions and take appropriate action based upon the information contained within the investigative report.

The JAGMAN investigation, unlike the LOD, is far more wide-ranging, covering the totality of an incident. 

Furthermore, the Navy is, I believe, concurrently conducting a Board of Inquiry. 

The command triad, and several others have already been relieved of duty on Fitzgerald. That is an administrative action. 

Eventually, the JAGMAN and BoI results will be published. Those bearing responsibility will be held accountable, still face the possibility of punishment under the UCMJ, which can range from a verbal admonition to a full blown General Court Martial. 

Spreading silly cover up conspiracies helps no one. Be patient. 

*Named not for the current US Senator, but rather for his father and grandfather.