Flap Over General’s Retirement Spurs Policy Change

The Army has changed its procedures for allowing generals to retire because of a case that is still under investigation by the Pentagon’s general counsel, a Defense Department spokesman said Tuesday.

The case involves the Army’s former deputy inspector general, Maj. Gen. David Hale, who was allowed to retire by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Dennis Reimer even though Hale was being investigated for possible improper conduct.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have questioned whether a double standard exists for higher-level officers, such as Hale, who was allowed to quietly retire, while lower-ranking military personnel have faced harsher treatment amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Army officials have decided that “from now on, there has to be full disclosure of any problems or allegations that a person may be facing at the time he or she requests retirement,” spokesman Kenneth Bacon told reporters at a Pentagon briefing.

Bacon said acting Army Secretary Michael Walker ordered the change several weeks ago. The change was not announced by Army officials.

Bacon said the Pentagon general counsel’s investigation into the “Army procedures” that permitted Hale to retire had not yet been completed.

Defense Secretary William S. Cohen asked for the general counsel’s probe earlier this year after reports surfaced about Reimer’s decision.

“The Army has already made some changes in its procedures. . . . There could be more made as a result of this review,” Bacon said, indicating that the Pentagon might make such a policy a requirement for other service branches as well.

Even though the general counsel’s investigation is not finished, Bacon insisted that Reimer’s actions were not the focus of the investigation.

Asked whether that also meant that Reimer did not face any potential punitive action, Bacon replied: “That’s correct.”

Reimer said in an interview with NBC earlier this year that he was told it was possible to recall Hale, should there be any need to take action against him.