US army looks for new ways to address misbehaving generals

WASHINGTON: Struggling with an embarrassing series of misconduct and behaviour problems among senior officers, the army is putting together new mental health, counselling and career management programmes to shape stronger, more ethical leaders.

The programmes stem from a broader worry across the military about the need to bolster profes- sionalism within the officer corps while holding accountable those who abuse their power. The army plans to focus on building character than berating bad conduct.

“The idea that we’ll be perfect, I think, is unrealistic, but we can be better and we strive to be better,” said Lt Gen Ed Cardon, tasked by the army’s top officer to review the problem and devise ways to strengthen the senior officer corps.

“Competence is no longer enough. Character is as or even more important.”

Among the incidents leading up to the order was the suicide of Maj Gen John Rossi shortly before he was to become lieutenant-general and assume control of Space and Missile Defence Command. Army leaders worry they missed opportu- nities to deal with the high levels of stress and self-doubt that reportedly led Rossi to hang himself.

In the past nine months, the army found two senior officers guilty of misconduct, forcing them out of their jobs and demoting them as they retired. One lost two stars; the other lost three.

“We recognised senior executive leaders, with varying amounts of stress, lacked a holistic programme that focuses on comprehensive health,” said Gen Mark Milley, the army’s chief of staff.

The military has strived to combat stress disorders, suicide and other problems, he said, but the focus often has been on enlisted troops or lower-ranking officers.

A new emphasis on senior leaders is needed, he said. — AP