Fort Hood Makes Changes in Leadership

To begin with, Fort Hood is a dumpster fire. This has been no secret. As a result, there has been a leadership change, and the names of a lot of generals are being thrown around. It may be difficult to understand what these changes actually mean. Particularly, as we struggle to find answers in Fort Hood. So, we hope this legend helps simplify things while we hash this story out. Certainly, those of us not familiar with the Army's command structure will need it. If you are already familiar, please skip to the next section.

• Gen. Michael X. Garrett: Commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command (Big-Army decision maker).
• Lt. Gen. Robert "Pat" White: Commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (real commanding general of the III Armored Corps & Fort Hood, Texas).
• Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt: Former senior acting commander of Fort Hood (in charge while the boss was focused on the task force).
• Maj. Gen. John B. Richardson IV: New senior acting commander of Fort Hood (will help ensure a smooth turnover now that the boss is coming back).
• Gen. John Murray: Commanding general of Army Futures Command, lead investigator of Spc. Vanessa Guillen's chain of command (heavy hitter).

Generals in motion

Gen. Garrett directed Maj. Gen. Richardson to "formally assume duties as deputy commanding general for operations of III Corps and acting senior commander of Fort Hood." Maj. Gen. Richardson was the former FORSCOM’s director of operations. His presence will enable "continuity of command" as III Armored Corps comes home. Lt. Gen. White is listed on the Fort Hood website as the commanding general. Although, he has been away fulfilling his duties of basically leading the allied efforts in Iraq.The change of leadership decision was made back in March, but it just became official. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Efflandt was supposed to take over the 1st Armored Division, in Fort Bliss. However, those orders have been canceled. Afterwards, the Army made the following statement:Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt will continue to serve as the deputy commanding general for support and will remain at Fort Hood to assist with the reintegration of III Corps as they return from their mission supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.Thus, we can conclude the Army wants him to stay put, while they investigate matters further. It has not been made clear what the differences between "deputy commanding general for support" and "deputy commanding general for operations" are specifically. Also, it is unknown if Maj. Gen. Efflandt's new position was previously held.

Another investigation

Consequently, General Murray is considered to be "one of the Army’s most senior commanders." Of his upcoming task, the Army remarked:There are currently several investigations underway at Fort Hood which are tasked with reviewing a wide range of topics and concerns. Gen. Murray will roll those efforts into a more complete and comprehensive investigation that will delve into all activities and levels of leadership.To clarify, this investigation will be separate of the independent review of Fort Hood that begun in August. The civilian panel has a Oct. 30 deadline for their report. Moreover, these investigations are separate from the Inspector General's. To read about that report, click here. Certainly, this is a lot of investigating for not a lot of answers thus far.What do you make of all this? Sound off in the comments below!