Defense Secretary Ash Carter is removing a senior military assistant, Army Lt. Gen. Ron Lewis, from his position after learning about allegations of misconduct, Carter announced Thursday.
“I directed that this matter be referred to the inspector general of the Department of Defense for investigation,” he said in a statement.
{mosads}A senior defense official would not discuss the nature of the alleged misconduct but said Carter was “very surprised” to learn of the allegations.
The official said authorities involved include “just the inspector general at this point.”
“I have confidence in the inspector general’s ability to determine the facts. The Department of the Army will then take action as appropriate,” Carter said.
“I expect the highest possible standards of conduct from the men and women in this department, particularly from those serving in the most senior positions,” he added. “There is no exception.”
The news came as a shock to many in the department. Lewis was seen as a rising star within the Pentagon.
He became the Defense secretary’s senior military assistant when Carter took office Feb. 17.
Lewis has previously served as the head of Army public affairs. He has been Carter’s military adviser in two previous positions.