General’s Retirement Spurs Policy Change

The Army has changed its procedures for allowing generals to retire because of a case under investigation by the Pentagon’s general counsel. The case involves the Army’s former deputy inspector general, Maj. Gen. David Hale, who was allowed to retire even though he was being investigated for possible improper conduct. Army officials 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.” The change was ordered several weeks ago but was not announced by Army officials. Defense Secretary William S. Cohen asked for the general counsel’s probe earlier this year after reports surfaced about Hale’s retirement.