Fort Hood Deputy Commander Removed From Post

KILLEEN, TX — In the last few months, Fort Hood has been plagued with multiple scandals. This year alone, the army post faced the deaths of multiple soldiers dying under suspicious circumstances. Additionally, several other soldiers were charged in connection to a prostitution ring.

On Tuesday the army post announced Major General Scott Efflandt will be removed as deputy commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood.

Major General John Richardson IV has been selected to act as the deputy commanding general for operations of III Corps and acting senior commander of Fort Hood.

According to the Army Richardson previously served as FORSCOM’s director of operations from 2019-2020. In March of this year, he was selected by the Department of the Army to serve as the next Deputy Commanding General for III Corps.

According to the press release, General Efflandt will remain at Fort Hood for the time being as a "deputy commanding general for support."

Efflandt was previously selected to assume command of the st Armored Division at Fort Bliss this year, but the move has been delayed pending an independent review.

“Essentially, he’s sliding over,” said Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville.

“We have an investigation ongoing and we want to make sure the investigation is complete before we move the officer,” stated McConville. “This is something we do all the time with officers who may be involved with an investigation. We want to make sure we know what happened before we know what we’ll do with their future.”

In addition to the changes in leadership, General John Murray, commanding general of U.S. Futures Command, has been selected to "lead an in-depth investigation into the chain of command actions related to Spc. Vanessa Guillen.”

"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," said the army in a statement.

Fort Hood also announced a five-civilian committee will conduct an independent review of Fort Hood during a two-week fact-finding mission.

According to the press release, “the committee will examine the command climate and culture at Fort Hood and the surrounding military community to determine whether they reflect the Army’s commitment to safety, respect, inclusiveness, diversity, and freedom from sexual harassment.”