DODD 5505.08

Abstract

<u>PURPOSE</u>. This instruction: <br>a. Reissues DoD Instruction (DoDI) 5505.8 (Reference (a)) in accordance with the authority in DoD Directive 5106.01 (Reference (b)) to establish policy, assign responsibilities, and provide procedures for the initiation of criminal investigations into adult, private, consensual sexual misconduct, as defined in this instruction. <br>b. Incorporates the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in accordance with Public Law 111-321 (Reference (c)). <br><u>APPLICABILITY</u>. This instruction: <br>a. Applies to OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense (IG DoD), the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (referred to collectively in this instruction as the "DoD Components"). <br>b. Should not be construed to limit or preclude the investigation of criminal activity associated with commercial sex acts, sex trafficking, and severe forms of trafficking in persons involving sex trafficking in accordance with DoDI 2200.01 (Reference (d)). <br>c. Does not apply to a sexual misconduct situation if there is any allegation of sexual assault involved, regardless of the magnitude, merit, or source of the allegation. Allegations of this nature must be immediately reported to an MCIO for investigation.