What does lack of candor mean in investigations?

• A. Absence of candor implies the commander cannot mislead.
• B. Failure to be fully honest, forthcoming, or truthful—includes lying, omitting key facts, misleading statements, or being evasive during investigations or official duties.
• C. Candor is irrelevant in investigations.
• D. Being silent during investigations is not disallowed.

Answer: (B)

Honesty and full disclosure are essential in investigations because reliable information hinges on truthful, complete accounts. Lack of candor means not being fully honest, forthcoming, or truthful; it includes lying, omitting key facts, giving misleading statements, or evading questions during investigations or official duties. This undermines the credibility of the information, making it harder to uncover what happened, hold the right people accountable, and take appropriate action.

The other options don’t fit because candor is not irrelevant to investigations, and it’s not simply about whether someone can or cannot mislead. Silence during investigations can be a form of evasiveness, which is incompatible with candor and can still undermine the truth.