The Army Reserve's 316th ESC prepares to deploy without suspended commander

A new one-star has taken over at the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in time for the unit's upcoming deployment, as their previous commander remains under investigation.

Brig. Gen. Robert Harter has mobilized to Fort Hood, Texas, with the Pennsylvania-based command, in place of former commander Brig. Gen. Richard Staats. The soldiers in the 316th are preparing to deploy to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, according to Army Reserve spokesman Col. Tad Fichtel.

"This decision does not reflect the pending outcome of the ongoing investigation," Fichtel told Army Times on Thursday. "The Army Reserve takes all investigations seriously and will take all possible steps to ensure they are conducted in a thorough, impartial, and timely manner."
Harter took over on Nov. 4, as Staats has been in a suspended status since he was temporarily relieved on Sept. 8. Reserve officials have declined to comment on the nature of the investigation.