In October, the Army stood up a new key air defense unit in Germany as a reaction to Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine. But after only six months, the unit's commander has been fired.
Lt. Col. Eric Ackles, commander of 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, was relieved of command Monday, the service confirmed to Military.com.
“We take all allegations and investigations seriously, ensuring accountability and maintaining a culture of respect and professionalism,” Capt. Alec Watkins, a service spokesman, told Military.com in a statement, declining to specify what led to the relief.
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Ackles was fired following a monthslong investigation due to “loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command,” a statement the services typically give when officers are terminated, which can include a broad range of conduct ranging from minor infractions to criminal charges, abusing subordinates or subverting military regulations and norms.
It's unclear what led to his firing. Ackles and his attorney declined to comment when reached by Military.com.
Ackles is the latest in a seemingly constant string of lieutenant colonels fired, suspended or reprimanded for a range of conduct issues.
Lt. Col. Jacob Sweatland, who formerly led California Polytechnic State University's ROTC program and served as a senior instructor,…
