Preliminary Statement The  purpose  of  the  preliminary  statement is   to   inform   the   convening   and   reviewing authorities   that   all   reasonably   available evidence  was  collected  and  that  the  directives of  the  CA  have  been  met.  The  preliminary statement  should  refer  to  the  appointing  order and  set  forth  the  following  information: l   The   nature   of   the   investigation c   Any   limited   participation   by   a   member and/or   the   name   of   any   individual   who assisted and the name and organization of any judge  advocate  general  who  assisted l   Any   difficulties   encountered   in   the investigation  and  the  reasons  for  any  delay l  If  the  evidence  in  the  enclosures  is  in any  way  contradictory,  a  factual  determination in  the  findings  of  fact  section  along  with  an explanation of the basis for that determination (this   explanation   should   be   reserved   for material  facts) l   Any   failure   to   advise   individuals   of their rights l     The     fact     that     all     social     security numbers  were  obtained  from  official  sources l  An  attorney  work  product  statement when  a  claim,  or  litigation  by  or  against  the United  States,  is  reasonably  possible l  Any  other  information  necessary  for  a complete  understanding  of  the  case Do   not   include   a   synopsis   of   facts, recommendations,   or opinions in the preliminary   statement.   These   should   appear in  the  pertinent  sections  of  the  investigative report. It   is   not   necessary   for   the   IO   to provide   an   outline   of   the   method   used   to obtain  the  evidence  contained  in  the  report.  A preliminary  statement  does  not  eliminate  the necessity  for  making  findings  of  fact.  Even though   the   subject   line   and   preliminary statement  may  talk  about  the  death  of  a person  in  a  car  accident,  findings  of  fact  must describe  the  car,  time,  place  of  accident, identity   of   person, and   other   relevant information. Findings of Fact Findings   of   fact   must   be   as   specific   as possible   as   to   times,   places,   persons,   and events.  Each  fact  is  made  a  separate  finding. Each  fact  must  be  supported  by  testimony  of a  witness,  statement  of  the  IO,  documentary evidence,   or   real   evidence   attached   to   the investigative   report   as   an   enclosure. Also, each  enclosure  on  which  the  fact  is  based must  be  referenced.  For  example,  the  IO  may not state: “The   car   ran   over   Seaman   Doe’s foot,”  without  a  supporting  enclosure.  He  or she   may, however,   have   Doe   execute   a statement  such  as  “The  car  ran  over  my  foot.” Include  this  statement  as  an  enclosure  and,  in the  findings  of  fact,  state:  “The  car  ran  over Seaman   Doe’s   foot,”   referencing   enclosure (X).  When  read  together,  the  findings  of  fact should  tell  the  whole  story  of  the  incident without  requiring  reference  back  to  the enclosures. Opinions Opinions   are reasonable    evaluations, inferences,  or  conclusions  based  on  the  facts. Each   opinion   must   reference   the   findings   of fact   supporting   it. In   certain   types   of investigations,  the  CA  will  require  the  IO  to make  certain  opinions. Recommendations Recommendations   are   proposals   derived from   the   opinions   expressed,   made   when directed  by  the  CA,  and  may  be  specific  or general   in   nature. If  corrective  action  is recommended,  the  recommendation  should  be as  specific  as  possible. 9-22