U.S. Air Force Relieves Two-Star General of Command for ‘Treason’ Remarks
WASHINGTON, April 10 (UPI) — A U.S. Air Force two-star general has been relieved of his command following disciplinary action for warning subordinates they would be “committing treason” if speaking against the planned A-10 Thunderbolt retirement.
The Air Combat Command confirmed Friday that Maj. Gen. James Post was removed from his position as AAC’s vice commander and has been reprimanded.
According to an investigation by the Air Force Inspector General’s Office, Post used the word “treason” when speaking to 300 airmen at the Jan. 10 Tactics Review Board regarding the controversial retirement of the A-10.
The IG determined that the vice commander’s “choice of words had the effect of attempting to prevent some members from lawfully communicating with Congress,” a violation of the U.S. Code and Defense Department directives.
The Project on Government Oversight advocated in February for Post’s removal, citing concern that his comments to the airmen “call into question the judgment and ability to continue in his role as vice commander of the Air Force’s Air Combat Command.”
On Friday, Post issued an apology.
“It was sincerely never my intention to discourage anyone’s access to their elected officials… I now understand how my poor choice of words may have led a few attendees to draw this conclusion and I offer my humble apology for causing any undue strain on the command and its mission.”
“General Post understands the impact of his actions and has expressed his sincere regret to me,” AAC Commander Gen. Hawk Carlisle said in a press release, “a regret he extends to all airman.”
