Defense Secretary Fires Senior Military Assistant Over 'Allegations of Misconduct'

Ash Carter informed the department's inspector general of his decision, taken quite rapidly after the Defense secretary found out the misconduct allegations brought to Lewis.

The Associated Press, citing a senior defense official, said Mr. Carter was taken by surprise when he learned about the charges of wrongdoing Tuesday night.

Carter said he expected proper standards of conduct from Americans in uniform, adding that there would be no exception within the department. Lewis was also senior military assistant when Carter was deputy secretary of defense. Lewis provided Carter with analysis on military issues, joining him at high-level meetings and traveling with him on overseas missions.

US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter says he has removed one of his senior military assistants over allegations of misconduct.

The official said authorities involved contain "only the inspector general at this point".

Given that connection, Pentagon watchers had identified Lewis as a rising star inside the Pentagon.

Kathie Scarrah, communications director for the Defense Department inspector general, said the office has received the referral from Carter and will conduct an investigation.

Lewis was a former attack helicopter pilot and had served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the three-star general has been allegedly transferred to serve under Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, although other high-ranking DoD officials were allowed to keep their jobs amid an ongoing investigation.