The Pentagon Inspector General on July 10 released the results of an investigation into actions by now-retired Gen. Michael Moseley, former Chief of Staff, surrounding a December 2005 Thunderbird Air Show Production Services (TAPS) contract award to Strategic Message Solutions, the subject of an earlier IG investigation. (A subsequent investigation into other contracts involving the Thunderbirds also turned up contract irregularities.) Following the initial TAPS investigation, the Senate Armed Services Committee in April 2008 asked the IG to review the conduct of senior Air Force officials regarding the TAPS contract. As a result of that new review, the IG concluded that Moseley: provided preferential treatment to SMS; created an appearance of improper disclosure of nonpublic information; misused subordinates’ time and government property; and solicited and accepted gifts from a prohibited source—all in violation of ethics regulations. The IG, which has recommended the Secretary of the Air Force “consider appropriate corrective action,” said it modified its conclusions somewhat based on a response from Moseley’s legal counsel. (The IG report, large file)
A provision in the fiscal 2025 defense policy bill will require the Defense Department to include the military occupational specialty of service members who die by suicide in its annual report on suicide deaths, though it remains to be seen how much data the department will actually disclose.