Defense Secretary Robert Gates (right) says the military’s ability to ward off threats from within its own ranks is outdated and ineffective. This is based on a review of the November 5 shooting spree at Fort Hood.
Mr. Gates cited significant failings to communicate about internal threats to the security of personnel, as well as a lack of supervision over Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, the military psychiatrist accused of the shootings.
As many as eight mid-ranking officers could be reprimanded, accused of failing to properly supervise Hasan, amid fears of continued internal security threats.
The preliminary review was conducted by Togo West, a former Secretary of the Army, and Adm. Vern Clark, a former Chief of Naval Operations.
“It is clear that, as a department, we have not done enough to adapt to the evolving domestic internal security threat to American troops and military facilities that has emerged over the past decade,” Mr. Gates said.
