Lipscomb must take stronger action

By Staff
March 9, 2003
Public announcements of whatever Maj. Gen. James H. Lipscomb III is doing about the U.S. Air Force's Inspector General's scathing report on the 186th Air Refueling Wing were scarce last week. That is understandable, given that he's busy preparing Mississippi National Guard units for a possible new role in the war on terrorism.
But even as those preparations take place, it is imperative that the Adjutant General take significant actions to clean up conditions of bigotry, favoritism and fraud, including installing permanent leadership under whom such conditions will not be permitted.
What we know so far is that two of the 186th's top leaders who were identified in the Inspector General's findings will be allowed to retire. Two retirements may not be enough if Lipscomb is truly committed as he says he is to restoring luster to the 186th's command structure.
The rank and file members of the 186th have long been among the nation's best in the performance of military missions that further the cause of national defense. Most of the officers in the 186th are fine, capable, devoted people. The Inspector General's investigation is not a stain on them; it is a stain a corrupt few and that's where Lipscomb's attention must be focused.
In our view, Lipscomb will have done enough when conditions substantiated by the Inspector General simply cease to exist and a system is in place that prevents them from ever surfacing again.
This is essential as the unit prepares to deploy. It is essential to the morale of the personnel in the 186th.