Free Republic

The commander of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa has been fired for misconduct. Army Maj. Gen. Ralph Baker was relieved of his duties on March 28, according to U.S. Africa Command spokesman Benjamin Benson. Gen. Carter Ham, AFRICOM commander, lost confidence in Baker's ability to lead, but the command isn't releasing any further details at this time because the alleged misconduct is being appealed, Benson said. "The allegations remain under adjudication, so it would be inappropriate to comment at this time," he said. Baker assumed command less than a year ago last May. This incident follows on the...

The inspector general’s report found that [Gen. William ‘‘Kip’’] Ward used military vehicles to shuttle his wife on shopping trips and to a spa and billed the government for a refueling stop overnight in Bermuda, where the couple stayed in a $750 suite. The report detailed lengthy stays at lavish hotels for Ward, his wife and his staff members, and the use of five-vehicle motorcades when he traveled to Washington. It also said Ward and his wife, Joyce, accepted dinner and Broadway show tickets from a government contractor during a trip during which he went backstage to meet actor Denzel...

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) -- America's top military officer is opposing the demotion of a four-star general for lavish travel and other expenses in a case that has been sitting on Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's desk for weeks... Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, believe that Gen. William Ward, (who claims a place in history as first) commander of Africa Command, should retire at his full four-star general.</p>