Gates Backs Termination of Walter Reed Commander

The facility had fallen into disrepair and wounded soldiers were living in extremely poor conditions.

Army Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The man who called the shots at the Walter Reed medical Center has been relieved of his command.

Senior officials say they lost trust and confidence in Army Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman's leadership abilities in the wake of a scandal involving inadequate care and sanitation at Walter Reed.

An independent panel investigating conditions at the military hospital says poor quality-of-life conditions are prevalent at two military medical facilities treating soldiers that were injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Commanding General of U.S. Army' Medical division, Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley, will serve as a temporary replacement.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates says he backs the decision to terminate the post of Weightman.

"I endorse the decision by Secretary of the Army Fran Harvey to relieve the Commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

"The care and welfare of our wounded men and women in uniform demand the highest standard of excellence and commitment that we can muster as a government. When this standard is not met, I will insist on swift and direct corrective action and, where appropriate, accountability up the chain of command."