Army Punishes 14 Leaders at Fort Hood Following Vanessa Guillén Investigation

December 9, 2020

Results from an independent review directed by Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy found a widespread “toxic culture” at the Army’s second-largest installation, outlets report.

At least 14 Army leaders, including a general, were suspended or fired at Fort hood resulting from systematic leadership failures leading to a environment which created “permissive of sexual harassment and sexual assault” for the installations service members.

Numerous high-profile deaths and disappearances occurred at the Texas installation this year, including Spec. Vanessa Guillén, who was killed by a fellow soldier this past April.

“The tragic death of Vanessa Guillén and a rash of other challenges at Fort Hood forced us to take a critical look at our systems, our policies and ourselves,” said McCarthy in a media briefing. “But without leadership, systems don’t matter.”

“This is not about metrics, but about possessing the ability to have the human decency to show compassion for our teammates and to look out for the best interests of our soldiers,” he said.

McCarthy vowed the report will force the Army to change its culture.

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

December 9, 2020

Recent News

Ukraine Aid on the Way, Biden and Gen. Brown Say

Ukraine Aid on the Way, Biden and Gen. Brown Say

President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion package Wednesday morning that provides aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. After a long delay, the House passed the package Saturday, and the Senate followed Tuesday. “It’s a good day for America, it’s a good day for Europe,...

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

Recent events have given children a chance to see what a military career would look like, as Stars and Stripes reported, highlighting hands-on experiences at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey and in New Bern, North Carolina, near Marine Corps Air Station...

DOD Names 2024 Environmental Awardees

DOD Names 2024 Environmental Awardees

DOD announced this week the winners of the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards for 2024, recognizing “installations, teams and individuals for their exceptional achievements in effective environmental management strategies that enhance installation resilience...

PAST STORIES