WASHINGTON: US military leaders fired or suspended 14 officers and enlisted soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, on Tuesday and ordered policy changes to address chronic leadership failures at the base that contributed to a widespread pattern of violence including murder, sexual assaults and harassment.

Two generals were among those being removed from their jobs, as top Army leaders announced the findings of an independent panel’s investigation into problems at the Texas base.

The actions, come in the aftermath of a year that saw 25 soldiers assigned to Fort Hood die due to suicide, homicide or accidents, including the bludgeoning death of Vanessa Guillen. Guillen was missing for about two months before her remains were found.

The firings and suspensions include Army Maj Gen Scott Efflandt, who was left in charge of the base earlier this year when Guillen was killed, as well as Maj Gen Jeffery Broadwater.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2020