Who is responsible for collecting all facts concerning a potential Uniform Code of Military Justice offense?

The responsibility for collecting all facts concerning a potential Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) offense rests with the Preliminary Inquiry Officer. This position is specifically tasked with conducting initial investigations or inquiries into allegations of misconduct to determine if sufficient grounds exist for further action, such as a formal investigation or charges.

The role of the Preliminary Inquiry Officer includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and compiling the facts necessary for assessing the situation. This thorough and systematic approach ensures that all relevant information is considered before any decisions are made regarding the alleged offense.

While other roles such as the Judge Advocate, Commanding Officer, and Legal Officer serve important functions within the military legal system, they do not hold the primary responsibility for the initial fact-finding process related to potential UCMJ offenses. The Judge Advocate primarily provides legal advice and representation, the Commanding Officer oversees the unit's function and discipline but may not directly gather facts for each offense, and the Legal Officer assists with legal matters and support but does not typically handle initial inquiries at this stage.