Sacrificed on the alter of political correctness. As a Brigade Commander, he was a Soldiers, Soldier.
An Army two-star general in Japan who delayed investigation of a sexual assault complaint against an officer with whom he had a long history will be ejected from the service and lose a star in retirement, the Army announced Wednesday.
“Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh has directed that Maj. Gen. Michael T. Harrison, former commander of U.S. Army Japan, be retired as a brigadier general,” according to an Army statement. “Maj. Gen. Harrison was investigated and disciplined for failing to properly address a sexual assault allegation in his command.”
Federal law requires officers to retire at the last pay grade at which they served satisfactorily. The Army formally reprimanded Harrison for his handling of the allegation late last year and he submitted retirement papers this spring.
The military has been dealing with a growing scandal over sexual assault in the ranks for several years. Advocates for victims of military sexual assault told Stars and Stripes earlier this year that Harrison’s actions were more proof of the tendency of male commanders to shield favored subordinates accused of sexual wrongdoing.